We want everyone in our community to feel safe, respected and included. Our Human Rights Policy and related plans make sure we always uphold and promote inclusion, safety and belonging for all people in everything we do.

Our Human Rights Policy is the framework that sets out Council’s obligations to:

  • Promote inclusion
  • Prevent discrimination
  • Ensure our services and decision-making consider the needs of all residents.

The policy is anchored in universal human rights, with First Peoples’ rights as the foundation for all social justice commitments.

Your feedback will also help shape the plans that are informed by the Human Rights Policy. These are:

  • Gender Equality Plan (Community)
  • Social Cohesion Plan
  • Disability Access and Inclusion Plan
  • LGBTQIA+ Inclusion Plan.

These plans outline the work we will do to implement the Human Rights Policy.

The Merri-bek Human Rights Policy (2016–2026) has guided Council's work on human rights for almost ten years. We evaluated the policy and its action plans in 2025. We are now developing the next policy (2026–2036) and plans.

Our achievements so far

Under the existing Human Rights Policy we've made changes like:

  • Supported First Peoples and Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Elders to secure State Government's commitment to transfer the Ballerrt Mooroop site back to Wurundjeri.
  • Working in collaboration with local sports clubs and Council's Fair Access Policy to increase female sports participation from 8% to 34%.
  • Helping 135 residents step into local decision-making through our Democracy Lab with 93% of participants reporting a stronger sense of belonging.
  • Adopted the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program and freely distributed over 1,300 Sunflower merchandise products.
  • Used Victoria University research evidence to create translated anti-racism resources and launch the Hume Merri-bek Anti-Racism Support Network, now supported by 17 local organisations.
  • Partnered with Many Coloured Sky and Darebin City Council to research ways local governments can support LGBTIQA+ people from asylum and refugee backgrounds.
  • After 9 years of implementation, Council undertook an evaluation in 2025 to assess what has been achieved through the Policy and what more needs to be done. You can read our Human Rights Policy 2016-2026 evaluation summary (PDF 2Mb)

Looking ahead

To get this right, we need to hear from as many people as possible — especially those whose voices are not always heard. We want to know three things:

  • What should Council focus on most to make Merri-bek fairer and more inclusive over the next ten years?
  • What gets in the way of people joining in or having a say?
  • What helps people feel connected and part of the community?

The policy aims to fulfill three main goals:

Join the conversation

We want Merri-bek to be a place where everyone feels welcome, safe and respected and where our services and programs are inclusive for all communities.

Your feedback will help us identify the key themes/action areas that matter most and will help inform our first 2-year Action Plan.

Online survey

  1. Find the rust-coloured "LOG IN/JOIN" button at the top of the page and click it to start registering.
  2. Select "LOG IN" if you already have a profile on Conversations Merri-bek OR select "SIGN UP" to create a new profile.
  3. To create your profile you will need to add: Screen name, email address, password, full name and postcode. Check the boxes that apply and click "CREATE ACCOUNT".
  4. You can now continue with your submission

We require you to register to complete the form to protect the integrity and fairness of the consultation.

The information you provide also helps us to meet our legislative obligations and improve our processes.

Your personal details will not be used for any other purpose. Find out more about our privacy policy here: https://conversations.merri-bek.vic.gov.au/privacy...

More ways

Other ways you can submit your feedback

Prefer not to use the online form? You can also make your submission in writing and return it to us in these ways:

Mail
Human Rights Policy engagement
Merri-bek City Council
Locked Bag 10, Brunswick 3056.

Email
communityconnection@merri-bek.vic.gov.au

In person
Merri-bek Civic Centre at 90 Bell Street Coburg

Paper surveys are also available at Merri-bek libraries and customer service centres.

How can the community influence this project?

What can be influenced?

Community feedback can help shape:

  • Priorities
  • Actions
  • Inclusion strategies
  • Communication approaches
  • Service improvements
  • Community safety and belonging initiatives

What can't be changed?

Council must comply with:

  • State and federal legislation
  • Budget constraints
  • Existing legal obligations
  • Broader strategic frameworks