Council's commitment
According to 2021 census, Casey has 46.4% overseas-born population with over 180 languages and dialects spoken. The City of Casey is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all residents, regardless of their background. We believe racism has no place in our community and actively work to dismantle racial barriers.
Working together for a greater impact
The City of Casey and the City of Greater Dandenong partnered with Victoria University in 2021 to conduct a project aimed at improving responses to racism in the local community. In November 2023, the network expanded to include Cardinia Shire Council, enabling a unified response across the three municipalities and promoting a shared approach to anti-racism support.
The research and community engagement project reviewed the existing reporting and support services for people who have experienced racism. A new report was then produced that summaries the key findings of this project, drawing on a local community survey, 11 peer-facilitated focus groups and a series of community forums.
Towards Improved Anti-Racism Support in Casey and Greater Dandenong
Southeast Anti-racism Support Network
The Southeast Anti-Racism Support Network was formed in 2023 as a direct response to the recommendations made in the above report. Researchers partnered with local organisations and residents to develop a local roadmap for reporting and support services.
In 2024, with support from the three councils of Casey, Greater Dandenong and Cardinia, the Southeast Anti-Racism Support Network started to offer qualified and advocacy-oriented anti-racism support and referral advice in a culturally safe environment. The network organisations also systematically document reported cases of racism to develop local evidence on racism.
The Network consists of various local multicultural community groups and service providers in the area of settlement, mental health and wellbeing, and community legal services. It is led by the Southern Migrant & Refugee Centre (SMRC), South East Community Links (SECL), Wellsprings for Women, and the Centre for Multicultural Youth (CMY). Its services cover Melbourne’s southeast region of Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia.
For more information and contact details, visit Anti-racism Victoria.
How to report racism
If you have experienced racism, you can contact the Southeast Anti-Racism Support Network; they can offer support, discuss referral options and anonymously document the incident.
If you have experienced racism and want to make a complaint, or if you just want to know more about how your rights are protected, you can also contact the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission in one of the following ways:
- Make a formal complaint that will be investigated with the intent of having a resolution meeting
- Use the Community Report Tool as an alternative where you can remain anonymous
- Call 1300 292 153 or if an interpreter is required, 1300 152 494
- Email complaints@veohrc.vic.gov.au
Support services and resources
Here are some support services and resources that can be engaged to respond to and learn more about racism.
- Support services
Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) is an independent third party which investigates complaints about discrimination and human rights breaches.
Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission has information about individual rights and what action can be taken if they are breached.
Beyond Blue offers a general mental health support service and information about the impacts of discrimination on mental health.
Victoria Police has a page dedicated to prejudice motivated crime, including racial and religious vilification and how Victoria Police is committed to enhancing safety in the community.
Victorian Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Commission Services Directory is a comprehensive of support services across several domains.
ICV Islamophobia Support Incident Report Questionnaire offers free support to Victorian Muslims affected by Islamophobia and allows reporting of racism.
Southeast Anti-Racism Support Network is a local, community-led network that operates in Casey, Greater Dandenong and Cardinia, offering qualified support to people who have experienced racism.
- Additional resources