Refugee and asylum seeker communities

We have a long-standing commitment to supporting and advocating for the rights of newly arrived refugee and asylum seeker communities.

This commitment includes advocating for the humane treatment of refugees and asylum seekers as articulated in our Towards Equality: Equity, Inclusion and Human Rights Framework 2019-2029(PDF, 1MB) , and further advanced through a number of platforms and initiatives such as Welcoming Cities and Refugee Welcome Zone.

The City of Darebin is a Refugee Welcome Zone Leadership Council. A Refugee Welcome Zone is a Local Government Area which has made a commitment in spirit to welcoming refugees into the community, upholding the human rights of refugees, demonstrating compassion for refugees and enhancing cultural and religious diversity in community.

As a Welcoming City, the City of Darebin is committed to support people of all backgrounds to have equal opportunity to belong, contribute and participate in social, cultural, learning and economic life of our community.

Supporting the asylum seekers released from the Park Hotel

Darebin City Council is relieved that more than 50 of the men imprisoned in the Park Hotel have been released and welcomes them as our newest neighbours and friends.

Council is helping to provide practical assistance, including emergency relief, and working with other agencies to assist the men’s settlement into the community.

Detained for years, first in Manus and Nauru, and then in the Mantra Bell Hotel in Preston for over a year, these men have been treated cruelly for exercising their legal right to seek asylum. The treatment of these men, who have committed no crime, is a national shame.

All people seeking asylum deserve dignity, respect and safety. Darebin City Council continues to support the

Time for a Home campaign

campaign calling on the Federal Government to release all remaining refugees in detention and commit to a pathway for their resettlement.

More information

Multicultural and Diversity Project Officer
Email: diversity@darebin.vic.gov.au