The journey of social justice in Hume City...

On the eve of the 2013 Social Justice Conference, Hume City Council was proud to host the Social Justice Pre Conference Dinner.  Attending the event was a range of key leaders, business executives’, senior community representatives and members of the community involved in “The Supporting Parents Developing Children” project. Former Victorian Premier and Chairman of the Hume Global Learning Village Advisory Board, the Honorable John Cain provided an insightful address into the importance of social justice in developing cohesive societies. He also discussed the important journey Hume City Council had taken in addressing social justice issues within Hume City.

Over 130 community leaders and residents from across Australia attended the Hume Social Justice Conference to learn about programs, opportunities and challenges to enable those who experience disadvantage to overcome barriers.

Hume City Council was the first municipality in Australia to adopt a Social Justice Charter under which the key contributors to disadvantage are addressed. The key note address was made by Martin Cowling, Assistant Secretary, Department Prime Minister & Cabinet who discussed “The National Agenda- Building Social Inclusion”. The second key note speaker was Professor Andrew Markus, from Monash University who discussed the topic “Social Inclusion, the challenges, the trends, the achievements”.

The conference also provided delegates with an opportunity to:

• View a retrospective presentation of the social justice journey in Hume City from 2000 to 2012
• Discover the many innovative programs that have been trialed and refined to enhance opportunities for Hume’s citizens
• View premier screening of “Supporting Parents Developing Children – Making a World of Difference” video

The conference also provided opportunities to focus a spotlight on efforts to improve opportunities for the whole community and shape the focus of future actions. This included a range of social justice projects and initiatives delivered by Banksia Gardens, Dallas Brooks Primary School and Hume City Councils Family and Children’s Services Department.

Hume City Council also had an opportunity to showcase the Multiversity Initiative- “Bringing university pathways to Hume”. The presentation by Marea Ekladious Manager Learning Community Hume City Council discussed the importance of providing tertiary pathways to residents within their Councils learning hubs – The Hume Global Learning Centres in Broadmeadows and Cragieburn.

Author: Marea Ekladious, Manager Learning Community- Hume City Council , VICAUSTRALIA

Email- [email protected]