Cultural diversity

Two teenage girls smiling in a photo at Refugee Welcome Zone evening

The Borough of Queenscliffe has always been a culturally diverse area. Given its government and military history, since its establishment in the 1860s it has played host to many people from other countries. The Borough is situated on the land of the Wadawurrung people – its traditional custodians.

Citizenship ceremonies

Citizenship ceremonies are special events. They fulfil requirements under Australian citizenship law, yet also provide an important opportunity to officially welcome new citizens as full members of the Australian community. It's often an emotional experience for the new citizen as well as their host and guests.

Citizenship ceremonies within the Borough of Queenscliffe are held at Wirrng Wirrng (Queenscliffe Hub). Please contact Council to discuss the possibility of participating in a citizenship ceremony at the Borough of Queenscliffe.

Indigenous community

The original inhabitants of the Borough of Queenscliffe area were the Wadawurrung Aboriginal people. The Wadawurrung people have lived in harmony with the land and the waterways of this area for many centuries.

The Borough of Queenscliffe supports reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. This is demonstrated in a number of ways:

  • Council's Reconciliation Policy
  • Acknowledging the traditional owners at civic ceremonies
  • Flying the Aboriginal flag alongside the Australian and Borough of Queenscliffe flags outside the Town Hall.

Refugee Welcome Zone 

A Refugee Welcome Zone is a Local Government Area which has made a commitment to welcoming refugees into the community, upholding the human rights of refugees, demonstrating compassion for refugees and enhancing cultural and religious diversity in the community.

In June 2014, Council signed on as the 31st Victorian municipality to be formally declared as a designated Refugee Welcome Zone. To demonstrate our status as a Refugee Welcome Zone, Council is happy to promote local Refugee Week events and activities.