Diversity, equity and inclusion
A key pillar of the Bayside 2050 Community Vision is that every member of the Bayside community is celebrated, included and feels they belong.
This vision for our collective future was created in 2019 by 28 members of our local community using feedback from more than 850 participants in a broad engagement process. It is a vision for Bayside, by Baysiders.
Our residents are passionate about caring for community life in Bayside, making it an inclusive, active, healthy, connected and creative experience for all.
As a Council, we’re committed to supporting all members of our community and we stand in solidarity against discrimination of any kind. We support the Australia Human Rights Commission's "Racism - it stops with me" campaign.
Our Council Plan 2021-5 strives to take tangible action to realise the 2050 Community Vision. Goal 2 - Our People includes actions to plan and advocate for a Bayside where our diverse communities and people can thrive, live healthy and active lives, fostering inclusion and participation through holistic, innovative approaches to economic and social wellbeing.
This work includes addressing barriers to active participation by members of our community based on gender, ethnicity, ability, age, cultural background, religion and other dimensions.
It also includes respect and care for our First Nation’s cultural heritage to build inclusion, celebrate diversity and enhance connection to place.
Council has a range of plans and strategies that help us to foster an inclusive, connected and diverse community:
- The Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan through delivering improved health and wellbeing outcomes for the Bayside community.
- The Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan through ensuring Indigenous cultures and heritage is respected and appreciated by the Bayside community who will work together to create a better future for all Australians.
- The Disability Action Plan by setting out a whole of Council approach to improve disability access and inclusion across Bayside.
We also strive to create an inclusive and accessible community via a range of actions in other plans and strategies including the Affordable Housing Strategy, Open Space Strategy, Arts, Culture and Library Strategy, and the Safeguarding Children and Young People Policy amongst others.
Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion also ensures Bayside City Council upholds the standards set out by the Victorian Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission, the Australian Human Rights Commission, the Commission for Children and Young People, the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, and the Commission for Gender Equality in the Public Sector.
We also committed to meeting Bayside's obligations under:
- Age Discrimination Act 2004
- Disability Discrimination Act 1992
- Racial Discrimination Act 1975
- Sex Discrimination Act 1984
- Workplace Gender Equality Act 2012.
- Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic)
- Racial and Religious Tolerance Act 2011 (Vic)
- Gender Equality Act 2020 (Vic)
- Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 (Vic)
- Disability Act 2006 (Vic)
- Change or Suppression (Conversion) Practices Prohibition Act 2021 (Vic)
- Child Wellbeing and Safety Act 2005 (Vic)
- Children, Youth and Families Act 2005 (Vic)
- Aged Care Act 1997 (Cth).
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