Standing together against racism

Embracing diversity in the City of Whittlesea

The City of Whittlesea is proud of its rich cultural diversity, with more than half of our residents born overseas or having at least one parent born overseas. We are home to people from over 140 countries, speaking more than 120 languages.

In line with our long-term community vision, Whittlesea 2040: A Place for All, we strive to build a fair, safe, inclusive, and equitable city where everyone regardless of race, ethnicity, culture, or faith feels a strong sense of belonging.

What is racism?

Racism continues to harm individuals and communities across Victoria including right here in the City of Whittlesea. It can happen in many forms from verbal abuse and discrimination to subtle exclusion or unfair treatment. These behaviours occur in workplaces, schools, on public transport, and in everyday interactions.

Racism happens when someone is treated unfairly or unequally because of their race or ethnicity, skin colour, culture or religion, language, or national background.

For more information on racism, visit the Australian Human Rights Commission website.

Anti-racism support services in your language

In response to these challenges, we have developed a multilingual resource booklet in partnership with neighbouring local councils, including Hume City Council, Merri-Bek City Council and Darebin City Council. This booklet provides all the necessary tools to understand and combat racism.

Download the anti-racism support services booklet in your language:

Reporting racism and getting support

If you or someone you know has experienced racism, you are not alone and support is available. You can report incidents, get emotional support, or seek legal advice. Depending on the situation, you can contact:

Victorian Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC)

If you have a question about discrimination, sexual harassment, victimisation, racial or religious vilification, or change or suppression practices, VEOHRC can help.

Call 1300 292 153 for a free and confidential discussion about your rights and Victoria’s equal opportunity and human rights laws.

If you have experienced racism and want to make a complaint visit VEOHRC Make a complaint webpage.

To report a racism incident visit Community Reporting Tool.

To read the information in your language, view in-language resources here.

Islamophobia Support Service (ICV)

Islamophobia Support is a free community service dedicated to providing holistic support to the wider Victorian Muslim community who have been impacted by Islamophobia. If you have experience Islamophobia and need support, below are their contact details:

For more information and to submit a report visit Islamophobia Support.

Whittlesea Community Connections (WCC)

For more than 50 years, Whittlesea Community Connections (WCC) has been an integral part of the municipality, providing vital services to the community.

WCC can provide local legal advice and referral pathways. If you have faced racism and would like to have a discussion, please contact WCC. Details below:

Victoria Police – Prejudice motivated crime

Victoria Police works to keep you and your community safe, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you need support call:

Triple Zero 000 for emergencies
131 444 for non-urgent help

To report an incident, visit Report Prejudice-Motivated Crime.

13YARN - Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander support line

13YARN is a free and confidential crisis support line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and can be reached by calling 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support).

The service is run by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and aims to provide a culturally safe space for individuals to talk about their worries and concerns.