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City of Ballarat was one of four finalists selected from a diverse range of nominations for the Human Rights Awards’ Government Award. This year marks the first time the awards recognise government as a stand-alone category with winners to be announced at a presentation on December 14 in Sydney. “There are many government groups and individuals helping others overcome discrimination and isolation and building tolerance and respect in the community and further afield,” Australian Human Rights Commission president Rosalind Croucher said. Ballarat was nominated as a finalist for its multicultural initiatives and projects including the introduction of a Cultural Diversity Strategy in 2009 to help overcome racism and demonstrate the benefits of having a diverse community. The strategy includes the development of education and employment pathways as well as a multicultural ambassadors program designed to enhance community awareness and foster inclusion of existing and new CALD (culturally and linguistically diverse) communities in Ballarat. The nomination also recognised Ballarat as a Refugee Welcome Zone that actively combats racism though valuing and celebrating diversity. City of Ballarat community development director Neville Ivey praised the effort behind the nomination. "The City of Ballarat is incredibly proud of our staff, volunteers and the Ballarat community for all working together to achieve so many wonderful things that make our city leaders in the diversity and intercultural field." The other three government award finalists were the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games Corporation, the Charter Education Project and Professor Peter Shergold in his role as the New South Wales coordinator-general for refugee resettlement.

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