Port Phillip ties council funding to values statement

The City of Port Phillip will require all community organisations it funds to commit to the Victorian Values Statement, with Mayor Alex Makin saying the change will set clear behavioural expectations and give council recourse against exclusionary conduct.

The policy, endorsed by council last month, will take effect with the next round of community grants opening in July. Organisations seeking funding must commit to the values statement developed by the Victorian Multicultural Commission, which promotes inclusivity across all faiths, beliefs and cultural backgrounds.

Mayor Makin spoke about the initiative during a visit to St Kilda Shule, where he was hosted by Rabbi Yaakov Glasman.

“It was a real privilege to host Alex as the Mayor of Port Phillip,” Rabbi Glasman said. “He really understands what community is all about and appreciates what needs to be done to ensure it works well.”

Mayor Makin said the policy responded to anecdotal reports of Jewish community members being excluded from community organisations and civic participation.