Everyone is welcome here.

Canberra is a city of many cultures. One in four of us speaks a language other than English.

We recognise the Ngunnawal people as the traditional custodians of the ACT and also pay respect to other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region.

Here are just some of the ways we celebrate our diversity.

• Our National Multicultural Festival, or the ‘multi-culti’ as it’s affectionately known, is a huge celebration of cultural diversity. The festival promotes social inclusion and equality of opportunity in our city. It showcases the international food, entertainment and cultures that enrich Canberra. 
• We are part of the Welcoming Cities Network and are proud to be a refugee welcome zone. Our Multicultural Hub supports migrants, refugees and asylum seekers to settle quickly into Canberra and connect with their community. It also offers a range of services to support women, youth and aged care.
• Canberra’s dining scene is a multicultural delight. With more than 25% of Canberra residents born overseas, you’ll find cuisines from around the world in restaurants, cafés and supermarkets.
• Our public schools recognise the value of learning languages as part of its core curriculum, and a small number of schools offer bilingual programs. Introductory English Centres support newly arrived students with minimal English through intensive language teaching, providing a safe and inviting place to introduce school life in Australia.
• Canberra’s religious landscape is as diverse as our population, offering a wide array of places of worship for various faiths. The city is home to numerous Christian churches, while for the Jewish community, the Canberra Synagogue serves as a central place of worship and gathering. Buddhist practitioners can find solace at temples across the city and there are a number of mosques catering to the Muslim community. There are also several Hindu and Sikh temples across the city.
• Canberra offers many ways to learn about the oldest continuing culture in human history through Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, exhibitions and tours.