Learn

Become an ally and help those who experience racism.

Becoming an ally is to commit to a journey to #DoTheWork by educating yourself, addressing your own biases and privilege and standing up to racism when you see it.

To read more about how you can become an ally visit:

Amnesty International who offer a free guide to help you and your children become allies.

Altogether Now – learn about the impacts of racism and how to effectively challenge racism. Sign up to the monthly newsletter.

Everyday racism app is an immersive experience where over the course of one week, you’ll receive texts, images and videos that will challenge you and your assumptions.

Take the United Nations tests to check your assumptions and confront your biases and stereotypes.

Challenging Racism Project provide a series of videos on how to respond to racism safely and effectively.

Reach Out provide information on how to look after someone experiencing racism.

Community conversation: understanding racism through shared experiences

Are you part of a community group looking to explore racism and its impact, but unsure where to start?

We invite you to a guided community conversation designed for those new to discussing racism and its effects on individuals and community. Using The Spiral Model: A Learning Framework, we will create a safe and supportive space where participants can reflect on their own experiences, listen to diverse perspectives, and ask questions that challenge assumptions and expand understanding.

Through open dialogue, we will explore themes of:

• belonging and being an outsider
• personal and collective consequences of racism
• inclusivity and action

This is just the first step! Following this conversation, participants will have opportunities to join active bystander training and other workshops that empower communities to address racism and promote equity.

To organise a community conversation for your group email Council’s Community Development Officer at commdevelopment@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

Sporting club’s roadmap to cultural diversity

As the Sunshine Coast grows more culturally diverse, sporting clubs have an exciting opportunity to foster inclusivity and strengthen their teams.

Embracing cultural diversity brings new playing styles, attracts more players, families, and supporters, and creates a welcoming environment for all.

A truly inclusive club not only builds a stronger sporting community but also ensures a thriving and sustainable future.

With the Sunshine Coast set to be a host city for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, now is the time to take action and embed welcoming and inclusive practices into your club’s culture.

Council is working closely with both Welcoming Clubs and Sport4All to offer valuable support for clubs committed to inclusion.

For more information visit sporting inclusion and cultural diversity.

Business roadmap to cultural diversity and inclusion

Businesses can grow and succeed by welcoming diversity and inclusion. Having people from different backgrounds in the workplace brings fresh ideas, teamwork, and stronger customer connections. It also helps build a positive reputation, attract skilled workers, and expand business opportunities.

By including people from different cultures, businesses can grow their customer base, keep employees for longer, improve productivity, and stay relevant for years to come. Now is the time to take real steps toward creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome and valued.

1. Assess your business’s current inclusiveness

Start by evaluating where your business currently stands in terms of diversity and inclusion. Use a benchmarking tool to identify areas for improvement.

Australian Human Rights Commission Workplace Cultural Diversity Tool allows organisations to assess themselves against 30 measures of competence and provides a starting point.

2. Develop an inclusive business strategy

Set diversity and inclusion goals, such as commitments to diverse hiring practices, cultural competency training, or creating inclusive policies. Seek guidance from a Councill Community Development Officer to get started by emailing commdevelopment@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

3. Invest in training and education

Equip your team with the skills and knowledge to foster inclusivity through tailored training programs including:

• Cultural competency workshops – Help employees understand different cultural perspectives and reduce unconscious bias.
• Inclusive leadership training – Empower leaders to create welcoming and respectful workplaces.
• Allyship and active bystander training – Educate staff on addressing racism and fostering a supportive environment.

4. Implement inclusive recruitment and retention practices

Review your hiring processes to attract and support diverse candidates. Take action by:

• Expanding job postings to multicultural networks and professional associations.
• Creating internship or mentorship programs for culturally diverse employees.

5. Foster an inclusive workplace culture

An inclusive workplace is built on everyday actions. Encourage open dialogue, celebrate cultural events and prioritise psychological safety so all employees feel valued and heard.

6. Engage with diverse communities and customers

Connect with diverse communities, support multicultural initiatives, and ensure your products and services meet the needs of different cultural groups.

Further reading

Organisations providing guidance and support for businesses on their cultural diversity journey:

• Diversity Council Australia offers extensive research, training, information and news on workplace diversity.
• Queensland Human Rights Commission provide resources on anti-discrimination laws and human rights.
• SBS inclusion program features a digital library of courses, activities and resources to help you build inclusion in your workplace.

By embedding cultural diversity into your business strategy, you contribute to a more inclusive and innovative Australia while strengthening your organisation’s long-term success.

Start today and become a leader in workplace inclusion!