Cultural Diversity

People have come to Knox from over 130 different countries. According to the 2016 Census, 30.1% (over 46,000 people) of Knox residents were born overseas. In 2016, 23% of people in the City of Knox came from countries where English was not their first language. View more information about Knox demographics.

In-Language Advice and Information

Government has released a number of resources and information sheets about staying safe and keeping healthy during the coronavirus situation. If English is not your first language, you can find factual and up-to-date information on the following web pages:

SBS are providing free in-language news and information about Coronavirus. You can access TV and radio segments in 63 languages via their website.

If you have a Coronavirus disease question and need a translator, follow these steps:

1. Call 131 450 (TIS National)
2. Then request the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services Coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398

Please only call Triple Zero (000) for emergencies.

The Knox Multicultural Advisory Committee (KMAC) together with the Knox Interfaith Network (KIN) are united in their commitment to a safe, cohesive and harmonious community. Knox is a culturally diverse community with just over 30% of its residents born overseas. These residents are a vital part of the community, contributing in a multitude of ways to make Knox a great place to live, work and play.

At this time of the COVID-19 pandemic it is more important than ever that Knox residents support each other. KMAC and KIN encourage all residents to practice mutual respect and to denounce any form of racial discrimination. It is in treating others with respect that we learn not only something of them, but also of ourselves. We thus become a more interesting and robust community. We must stand up and celebrate our diversity without fracturing our communities.

Racism doesn’t belong in our Community

If you feel you have been discriminated against, victimised or vilified, you or someone on your behalf can make a complaint to the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission.
You can lodge a complaint by:

A complaint can be made in any language.

If you are a victim of a serious incident of racial and religious vilification or abuse, you should report it to your local Victoria Police or local Victoria Police Multicultural Liaison Officer. If you are in immediate danger you should call Triple Zero (000)

If you have experienced racism, sexual harassment or discrimination of any kind, or if you have any human rights issues or concerns, then the Victorian Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Commission want to hear from you.

Mental Health Support

This is an unprecedented situation and it is understandable if you are feeling overwhelmed or stressed. The need to keep physically distant from others can be challenging and it is important we do things to help us cope and maintain good mental health and wellbeing.

There are a number of support services and self-help resources available to people who might be struggling with their mental health or noticing an increase in stress, anxiety, loneliness or low mood. The Federal Government has released a range of resources on the Head to Health website, which includes self-help tips and information on accessing mental health services during coronavirus.

There are also a number of organisations that are able to provide emotional support and guidance through these difficult times. Beyond Blue has developed a Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service, providing people with online mental health resources and a dedicated counselling hotline staffed by trained mental health professionals.

The below support lines are available 24/7 if you need to talk:

If you need emergency assistance phone 000 for Police, Ambulance or Fire Services.

Family Violence Support

Family violence services are there to provide support to you if staying in your home becomes unsafe. If you, or someone you know is at risk of domestic or family violence during the current coronavirus pandemic, there are specialist family violence services that are available to help, including:

InTouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence provide specialist support to women from migrant and refugee backgrounds, their families and their communities.

Knox City Council is an official supporter of the Australian Human Rights Commission’s RACISM. IT STOPS WITH ME campaign.

What is the RACISM. IT STOPS WITH ME campaign?

The aim of the National Anti-Racism Strategy is:

To promote a clear understanding in the Australian community of what racism is, and how it can be prevented and reduced.

The objectives of the Strategy are to:

Standing up to racism shows the target of the racist behaviour that you don’t support it and can be a powerful sign of support. It can also make the perpetrator think twice about what they are saying or doing.

View Tips for Bystanders on how everyone can play a role in preventing racism.

To learn more about the 'Racism. It Stops With Me.' campaign visit itstopswithme.humanrights.gov.au

The Knox Community Access and Equity Plan 2017-2022 guides Council action and outlines Council’s commitment and vision for addressing access and equity issues in Knox as well as promoting diversity, access and inclusion. The Plan incorporates the following five focus areas:

Area 1: Equitable, Accessible and Inclusive Services.

Area 2: Leadership and Advocacy.

Area 3: Accessible and Safe Places and Spaces.

Area 4: Empowerment and Participation.

Area 5: Celebrating Diversity and Creating a Sense of Belonging.

Additionally, the campaign supports Goal 7 of the Knox Community and Council Plan 2017-2021: We are inclusive, feel a sense of belonging and value our identity.

Knox Council is a Refugee Welcome Zone, thereby making a commitment in spirit 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.

This public commitment is also an acknowledgment of the tremendous contributions refugees have made to Australian society in the fields of medicine, science, engineering, sport, education and the arts. By making this Declaration, it is hoped that local government will be encouraged in their continuing efforts to support the men, women and children who make the difficult journey to Australia to seek our protection

Knox City Council produces a regular multicultural e-bulletin that provides up-to-date news and information for individuals and groups.

The personal information collected will be used for the primary purpose of Knox City Council sending you the "Linking Knox" email newsletter/e-bulletin. The personal information collected will not be disclosed to a third party unless permitted or required by law. Requests for access to and/or amendment of personal information should be made to Council’s Freedom of Information Officer. Read Council's Privacy Policy and Guidelines on our website or call us on 9298 8000.

Sign up now to our multicultural email list.

The Knox Multicultural Directory has a number of purposes. These are:

Every attempt has been made to provide accurate, relevant and up to date information in this Directory. However, please feel free to contact Council’s Multicultural Communities Officer on 9298 8000 to provide any further updates.

Download the Knox Multicultural Directory

The Knox Multicultural Advisory Committee (KMAC) was launched in 2009 to provide Council with advice on Multicultural issues and promote greater awareness and understanding in the local community of cultural diversity in Knox.

The following English language classes for migrants are available in the Knox and surrounding area:

AMES Australia offer a range of English courses to help people settle in Australia. These courses range from beginner to advanced levels.

Citywide Community Church offer conversational English classes for migrants and refugees. These classes are free and are held by AMES certified tutors.

Mountain District Learning Centre (MDLC) delivers daytime English language classes at Boronia library, via the Certificate in Spoken and Written Language (CSWE).

Swinburne University hold various English languages courses available at the Wantirna campus.