Council is set to endorse its new Multicultural Strategy 2026–2031, along with an updated Days of Significance Calendar. The five-year framework aims to strengthen belonging, participation and social cohesion across the municipality.
The strategy comes as Port Phillip’s population continues to change. One in three residents were born overseas, making multiculturalism a core part of the city’s identity. But growing concerns remain about ethnic, religious and race-based discrimination. In 2025, 104 antisemitic incidents were reported locally, while the community continues to feel the effects of a terrorist attack in 2024.
The strategy focuses on five themes: Safe & Cohesive Port Phillip, Belonging & Community Connection, Accessible Information & Trusted Support, Empowering Diverse Communities and Driving Participation & Opportunity.
The policy was developed through a two-phase consultation involving more than 475 residents and stakeholders. Participants identified “Safe & Cohesive Port Phillip” and “Belonging & Community Connection” as their highest priorities.
Council’s immediate first-year actions include working with specialist organisations to deliver local anti-discrimination education, establishing safe, multilingual reporting pathways and launching targeted First Nations learning opportunities.
The strategy is backed by an annual $250,000 Social Cohesion Budget. For 2026–27, council has allocated $75,000 to fast-track priority projects, including anti-discrimination initiatives, a new Language Access Policy and promotion of the updated Days of Significance Calendar.
Progress will be tracked through the annual Community Satisfaction Survey, which measures whether residents see Port Phillip as a safe, welcoming and supportive place.
Port Phillip multicultural profile
Data tables from the City of Port Phillip Multicultural Strategy, Version 2, March 2026.
| Indicator | Value |
| Residents born overseas | 33.1% |
| Countries of origin | 164 |
| Languages spoken | 126 |
| Residents speaking a language other than English at home | 21% |
| Females | 50.38% |
| Males | 49.62% |
Top 10 countries of birth from non-English-speaking countries
| Country | People | Share of population |
| India | 2,131 | 2.1% |
| China | 1,658 | 1.6% |
| Greece | 1,071 | 1.1% |
| Malaysia | 894 | 0.9% |
| Colombia | 865 | 0.8% |
| Italy | 861 | 0.8% |
| South Africa | 821 | 0.8% |
| Germany | 702 | 0.7% |
| France | 675 | 0.7% |
| Philippines | 643 | 0.6% |
Top 10 languages spoken, excluding English
| Language | People | Share of population |
| Greek | 2,590 | 2.5% |
| Mandarin | 2,130 | 2.1% |
| Spanish | 1,920 | 1.9% |
| Italian | 1,244 | 1.2% |
| Russian | 1,149 | 1.1% |
| French | 1,026 | 1.0% |
| Hindi | 731 | 0.7% |
| Cantonese | 725 | 0.7% |
| German | 638 | 0.6% |
| Portuguese | 612 | 0.6% |
Top 10 faiths
| Faith | People | Share of population |
| Catholic | 16,897 | 16.6% |
| Anglican | 5,787 | 5.7% |
| Greek Orthodox | 3,626 | 3.6% |
| Judaism | 3,408 | 3.3% |
| Hinduism | 2,103 | 2.1% |
| Buddhism | 1,750 | 1.7% |
| Christian | 1,524 | 1.5% |
| Islam | 1,365 | 1.3% |
| Uniting Church | 1,235 | 1.2% |
| Presbyterian and Reformed | 832 | 0.8% |
