Anna Hall
Manager Community Planning, City of Greater Dandenong's Diversity Unit

Diversity in Local Government

Abstract
The City of Greater Dandenong as an example of access and equity theory into practice. The development of our Diversity Action Plan including the audit process. Slow, definite and quantifiable organisational change in process.

Bionote
From a career in Secondary teaching (History and English) 1984 ­1989 at Toorak College Mt Eliza to teaching Adult Language and Literacy in Adult Migrant Education Services (AMES) from 1990 to 1992 in Springvale, Noble Park and Dandenong. Took a position with City of Springvale on an English as a Second Language project. Was successful in gaining funding to run an English Language and Literacy Advice Centre out of the Springvale Library which works in collaboration with community Language and Literacy providers. 1992 ­ 1995. This project has remained as is a unique local model of referral and placement in the Community Sector.
Moved in to Local Government mainstream in 1995 with council amalgamation by taking a position with the as a diversity, communication and training practitioner.
Took over Diversity Unit team leader role in 1996. The unit produced an organisational Diversity Audit program which was implemented over 1997 ­ 1998. The program was launched officially by acting Human Rights Commissioner Chris Sidoti in August 1999 as part of a Diversity Action Plan.
1998 ­ 1999 Acting Manager Community and Cultural Development, with the Diversity Unit reporting amongst Arts, Recreation, Leisure and Community Development teams.
1999 ­ 2000 Manager Community and Cultural Development
2000. Responsible for the areas above (planning focus) and with the added responsibility of community consultation ad communication and community grants.

Presentation Type
30 min paper