4.3.2 Strengths Representation ALGA stressed that there has been an improvement in the number of culturally diverse people elected to the position of mayor and as councillors in local councils across the country. They noted the existence of CALD and First Nations mayors and councillors in locations such as Western Sydney and the Torres Strait, as well as the 17 Aboriginal shire councils in Queensland. These are important developments and support other council commitments such as RAPs and multicultural frameworks and, in some cases, the development of anti-racism strategies. Further, there were clear efforts by some councils to employ CALD and First Nations staff to drive this work and in some instances to ensure that these perspectives were included in RAPs and similar areas of work. Community awareness events Community events were among the key initiatives raised by local government stakeholders for promoting diversity and inclusion in their communities. Considering local governments across the country it appears that most of these activities are more focused on concepts of inclusion and embracing diversity rather than specifically addressing racism. Community awareness was raised by almost every local government stakeholder interviewed as a priority that needs considerably more attention to improve understanding and awareness of racism and anti-racism strategies at the local level. Several stakeholders identified that community awareness already forms a key part of their efforts to counter racism in their areas. These activities primarily occur in the general community but there was an indication that while limited, there were some local government-led anti-racism efforts in schools in Victoria. For example, the Darebin Schools NAIDOC Yarning Conference is regularly run by the City of Darebin council to promote interaction among students from diverse backgrounds as a means of promoting and embracing diversity and addressing racism and exclusion.59 In 2023, 450 students participated a range of cultural activities representing significant efforts from teachers across 20 local schools and members of the local First Nations community.61 Stakeholder collaboration Local councils consistently identified the importance of engaging with other stakeholders in promoting anti-racism. Multicultural, refugee and First Nations groups were frequently referenced as key partners in anti-racism initiatives. This also extends 59 City of Darebin (2012) Darebin Anti-Racism Strategy 2012-2015, accessed 12 February 2024 61 City of Darebin interview 38