Hobart Welcomes All

Prior to colonisation, there were nine known Aboriginal nations with close to fifty family groups living across Tasmania. Tasmanian Aboriginal people, also known as Palawa people, represent the southernmost, oldest continuous culture in the world. Tasmanian Aboriginal people cared for land upon which Hobart was built, for more than 40 000 years. They were the first to welcome visitors to this place and we are proud to continue this tradition of welcome.

Here in Hobart, we aspire to be the most inclusive city in the world: a city that welcomes all

At our best, Hobart is a place where we can be ourselves. Especially those of us who have moved from elsewhere have found peace in moving to Hobart. Hobart demands honesty and authenticity. Many of us love how Hobart is not an arrogant or pretentious city. It is the type of place where we can wear a black puffer jacket, affectionately known as the Tasmanian Tuxedo, out to dinner. - A Community Vision for our Island Capital, Identity Statement 3

Diversity in culture, nationality, ethnicity, race, gender, sexuality, ability, age, body, family, recreation, profession, personal strengths, income level, language, education, life experiences and more make up each of us and, together, make up our city. We recognise and embrace the rich complexity diversity brings to our lives— we are all part of creating Hobart’s identity. - A Community Vision for our Island Capital, Pillar 2.2.3

Within the Hobart local government area, 1.4 per cent of residents identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, 29 per cent of residents were born overseas and 46.7 per cent had one or both parents born overseas. Nearly half of us have strong links to another country, with more than 50 languages spoken within our municipality.

Wherever you come from, and whatever brings you here, we welcome you to our beautiful city of Hobart.

The City of Hobart encourages everyone to show respect and stand up to racism where it occurs. To learn more about how you can make a difference, see the Hobart Respects All campaign.

Multicultural Programs

The City of Hobart is continually striving to improve the wider community's awareness and understanding of the economic, educational, social and cultural benefits of diversity and to mitigate the effects of racism and cultural isolation for diverse communities in Hobart.  

Guided by the Multicultural Strategy 2014 – 2019, the City leads a range of initiatives to support and celebrate cultural diversity in Hobart. These initiatives are strongly supported by the Networking for Harmony Multicultural Advisory Committee, International Student Ambassadors, Cultural Connectors and much of our work is delivered in partnership with government and community organisations. 

Hobart is proud to be a Welcoming City, a Refugee Welcome Zone and a member of the Racism it Stops with Me campaign.  

Welcoming Cities

In 2019, the City of Hobart committed to participate in the Welcoming Cities Network, recognising that local governments that proactively foster an environment of belonging and participation for receiving communities, as well as new and emerging communities, increase their social cohesion, economic capability and resilience. To learn more about the Welcoming Cities Network visit welcomingcities.org.au

Harmonious Hobart

In 2019, the Networking for Harmony Multicultural Advisory Group developed the Harmonious Hobart initiative in partnership with the Multicultural Council of Tasmania. Harmonious Hobart invited people from across Hobart to send a message of welcome to migrants, refugees and international students in a photo. These photos have been uploaded to the Harmony Week Tasmania website and act as a virtual welcoming greeting card from the people of Hobart. Visit the website to view the photos.

Resources:

City of Hobart Multicultural Strategy 2014 – 2019 

City of Hobart Aboriginal Programs 

Multicultural Tasmania 

The Tasmanian Multicultural Access Point 

Tasmanian Travel and Information Centre 

Study Tasmania 

Interpreter services:

If you would like information from our website translated in to another language, telephone an interpreter on 13 14 50 and state the language you wish to speak.

Ask the interpreter to call us on 03 6238 2711.