This document is a guide for community engagement and equity developed for the Wangaratta Health and Wellbeing Partnership. It provides a step-by-step process for engaging the community in addressing social issues. The information was developed in consultation with a variety of stakeholders, including:

• The Rural City of Wangaratta
• Central Hume Primary Care Partnership
• Northeast Health Wangaratta
• Gateway Health
• The Rural Housing Network

The guide highlights the importance of working together across sectors to address social issues and offers a framework for establishing a sound foundation for community engagement practices. It stresses the need for inclusive engagement that values contributions from diverse communities.

The guide emphasizes the importance of understanding the social issue, identifying key stakeholders, and choosing appropriate levels and methods of engagement. Organizations can use this document to engage multicultural communities by:

• Identifying Hard to Reach Groups: The guide includes a section on “Hard to Reach Groups” that provides insights into the barriers that may prevent certain groups from engaging in community initiatives. It acknowledges that multicultural communities may face additional challenges, such as language and cultural barriers. The guide also references the Rural City of Wangaratta’s “Multicultural Strategy 2014-2017” and the North East Multicultural Association (NEMA) as resources for understanding and engaging local multicultural populations.
• Adapting Engagement Strategies: The guide encourages organizations to tailor their engagement approaches to meet the needs of diverse communities. It suggests considering factors such as age, industry, cultural norms, access to transportation, and prior experiences with engagement when planning activities. For example, it recommends providing adequate support, such as childcare or respite care, to enable participation from those with caregiving responsibilities.
• Building Relationships and Trust: The guide emphasizes the importance of building trust and rapport with multicultural communities. It suggests working with community leaders and networks to establish connections and demonstrate respect for cultural values. The guide also highlights the importance of using clear and simple language, avoiding jargon, and providing opportunities for feedback.
• Utilizing Culturally Appropriate Communication: The guide suggests using a variety of communication channels to reach diverse communities, including ethnic media, community notice boards, and partnerships with local organizations. It also encourages organizations to be mindful of cultural differences in communication styles and to use culturally appropriate materials and methods.