Wyndham council hopes to stamp out racism in the municipality after signing up to a national anti-racism campaign.
Councillors last week voted to take part in the Human Rights Commission’s ‘‘Racism – It Stops With Me’’ campaign.
The campaign encourages people to reflect on what they can do to counter racism wherever it occurs.
Wyndham Migrant Hub founder Walter Villagonzalo hopes the campaign will reinforce that racism is unacceptable.
Last week, he witnessed a friend being racially abused in Hoppers Crossing.
“Somebody insulted my friend, saying he was an asylum seeker and should go home. Then he challenged my friend to a fight just because he was from a different country,” Mr Villagonzalo said.
“We don’t want racism to exist in Wyndham and it will only go away if the community is made aware that it is an issue.
“We need to teach people not to stand by and to make those people who are being racist feel like their actions are unacceptable.”
Cr Gautam Gupta said he was proud of the council’s decision to support the campaign.
“The council has made an important decision to tackle racism,’’ Cr Gupta said.
‘‘This campaign encourages people to take the first step of thinking, reflecting and talking about the issue. It lets people know that we will not tolerate racism in any form.
“As a multicultural community, Wyndham residents need to play their part in addressing racism.”
The council will plan projects and events to support the campaign.
