Our position on discrimination

Council opposes discrimination in the community, and believes diversity should be valued and celebrated.

We believe in a racism-free Darebin, where community diversity is valued, celebrated and respected. Our work towards this goal includes ongoing initiatives, networks and campaigns.

Council recently endorsed the anti-racism principles and goals of Towards Equality: Equity, Inclusion and Human Rights Framework 2019-2029, reaffirming our commitment to a fairer and more inclusive city.

Darebin is also a member of Welcoming Cities, a network of over 250 municipalities which sets the standard for local government inclusion policies and practices.

Council is an official supporter of the Federal Government's Racism. It Stops With Me campaign, which invites all Australians to reflect on what they can do to counter racism wherever it happens.

Reporting discrimination

Council is committed to opposing discrimination in the community, such as racism, sexism, ageism, ableism, homophobia, biphobia and transphobia. Discrimination includes bigotry, prejudiced behaviour, hate speech and vilification.

We have partnered with the Victorian Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (VEOHRC) to make it easier to report discrimination when it happens to you. The VEOHRC is an independent agency and part of its role is to receive and resolve complaints from the community.

Reports can be made using the Community Reporting Tool (CRT). The tool asks you four questions with the option of being contacted by the Commission if you wish. Even if you’re not sure whether what has happened is discrimination, making a report to the Commission can help.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, racism and race-based incidents were known to increase. We encourage you to use the reporting tool if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination.

Go to the Community Reporting Tool

Say NO to Racism - Voices from the Community Video

More information

Phone: 03 8470 8365
Email: diversity@darebin.vic.gov.au