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Multicultural Services
The City of Whitehorse has a diverse cultural, linguistic, ethnic and faith population. Council recognises and values difference and is committed to acknowledging diversity as contributing to the cultural richness that influences the social, economic, and cultural development of the community.
Community Profile
Country of Birth
Whitehorse residents come from a diverse range of backgrounds, with more than 30 per cent of residents born overseas. This data, when read in conjunction with language spoken at home, religious affiliation and ancestry, assists to inform Council about the level of diversity in Whitehorse.
The two most common places of birth for residents of Whitehorse are the United Kingdom (4.03 per cent) and China (4 per cent). Compared with the Melbourne Statistical Division, Whitehorse has a greater proportion of people born in China (4 per cent compared with 1.5 per cent for Melbourne), and Malaysia (1.8 per cent compared with 0.8 per cent for Melbourne).
Whitehorse has a slightly lower proportion of people born in Italy and in the United Kingdom, when compared with the Melbourne Statistical Division.
The largest increases in the proportion of the population born overseas, by country, were people from China (4 per cent of the population in 2006, compared with 1.3 per cent of the population in 1996), India (1.3 per cent compared with 0.8 per cent in 1996) and Malaysia (1.8 per cent compared with 1.3 per cent in 1996).
Language Spoken at Home
More than 25 per cent of Whitehorse residents speak a second language at home. Thirty-five different languages have been identified in the 2006 Census of Population and Housing. The most frequently spoken languages are: Chinese languages (9.6 per cent, consisting of Cantonese 4.7 per cent, Mandarin 4.4 per cent, other Chinese languages 0.6 per cent), Greek (3.4 per cent), Italian (2.1 per cent) and Vietnamese (1.1 per cent).
Faith
In the 2006 Census, 68 per cent of people stated a religious affiliation, 10 per cent did not state a religious affiliation and 22 per cent described themselves as having 'no religion'.
The most commonly practiced faith in Whitehorse is Christianity (60 per cent), with the most commonly listed being Catholic (34 per cent) and Anglican (13 per cent). Other faiths include Buddhism (4 per cent), Hinduism (1 per cent) and Islam (1 per cent).
The proportion of residents who identify as practicing Buddhism has doubled in the past 10 years in Whitehorse. During the same period, Hinduism also almost doubled from 0.7 per cent of the total population to 1.3 per cent. People practicing Christianity, while still the majority in Whitehorse and across Melbourne, has declined. People in Whitehorse identifying themselves as Christians dropped from 68 per cent in 1996 to 60 per cent in 2006. The proportion of Whitehorse residents who describe themselves as having no religion increased from 19 per cent in 1996 to 22 per cent in 2006.
Whitehorse Interfaith Network
The Whitehorse Interfaith Network is an inclusive community open to people of any faith who believe in building a better world. The network is dedicated to facilitating understanding, acceptance, cooperation and trust within the community. The network embraces social justice, advocating for the rights of all humankind. The network promotes living together in peace and goodwill, believing that faith should be a unifying force in all communities.
For more information or to find out about meetings and upcoming events, visit the Whitehorse Interfaith Network page or call 9262 6333 and ask to speak to Council's Community Development Officer – Diversity and Healthy Ageing.
Harmony Day
As part of Cultural Diversity Week held annually in March, Council invites the community to take part in Harmony Day. Harmony Day is about community participation, inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone. It provides an opportunity to celebrate cultural, linguistic and religious diversity, bringing the community together to promote Australian values.
For more information, call 9262 6333 and ask to speak to Council's Community Development Officer – Diversity and Healthy Ageing.