Council earns accreditation as an Established Welcoming City

Council is committed to ensuring that our policies, programs and services are inclusive for all. 

We want our residents to feel a sense of belonging so that they can actively participate in and contribute to community life. 

In 2019, Council joined the Welcoming Cities Network, alongside 89 local councils and governments across Australia and in 2025 earned being one of only eight councils across Australia to proudly achieve accreditation as an Established Welcoming City.

Aligning with Welcoming Cities’ vision, enables Council to further embrace diversity, foster social cohesion and enhance our region’s multicultural focus. 

An Established Welcoming City celebrates success in initiatives and policies that foster leadership in social and cultural inclusion. Accreditation provides councils with the opportunity to benchmark their policies and practices, receive expert feedback, and continuously improve to become more inclusive and welcoming. 

The following Council initiatives in place are what achieved accreditation:  

• Acknowledgment to Country and Welcome to Country practices at Council and Council sponsored events,
• Community Development Strategy 2021-26,
• Community Engagement Policy,
• Conversations (Engagement platform),
• Neighbourhood Centre "Neighbour Day" events,
• Operational Plan,
• Participation in and support of multicultural events,
• Reconciliation Action Plan deliverables,
• Saiki Sister City Initiative,
• Welcome to the Gladstone Region morning teas,
• Welcoming Week (annual celebration in September),
• Welcoming Cities / Accreditation Report: City of Gladstone

Learn more about Welcoming Cities and watch the accreditation story:

Welcoming Cities

Welcoming Week

Each September, Gladstone Regional Council proudly celebrates Welcoming Week. This is an opportunity for organisations and communities to bring together neighbours of all backgrounds to build strong connections and affirm the importance of building welcoming and inclusive communities- for our shared future.

Take a look at our past and upcoming Welcoming Week events and initiatives here.

A Taste of the Gladstone Region cookbook

The cookbook is a collaborative effort between Gladstone Regional Council and Gladstone Region Neighbourhood Centre, proudly presented as part of Welcoming Week celebrations. This heartwarming collection of recipes showcases the diverse flavours of our community, brought to you by the generous contributions of local residents. Let’s celebrate our shared heritage and build stronger connections, one delicious dish at a time.

Download the cookbook