A COUNCIL that will spend at least $45,000 on curtains so Muslim women can have privacy at a public pool has been given a multicultural gong by the Baillieu Government.

The City of Monash has won a Victorian Multicultural Commission excellence award for its promotion and support of cultural diversity.

But the council was widely criticised earlier this year for funding a privacy screen at a Clayton pool for female-only swimming sessions.

Monash was lobbied by a charity group acting on behalf of Muslim women who mainly came from African countries.

Recent reports said the cost of the curtains could blow out to $62,000.

Monash mayor Stefanie Perri said yesterday the multicultural award recognised the council's commitment to a strong and inclusive community.

Other groups to win awards included the Geelong Bay City Clog Dancers and the Shepparton Italian Choir.

Originally published as Women-only swimming council wins award