Localities Embracing and Accepting Diversity (LEAD)

Local governments have considerable potential to address discrimination and promote diversity at the local level. In the coming years VicHealth will be working in partnership with local governments to support this role.

This will include the development of demonstration pilots with one or more local governments. The pilots will involve the development of a locally based response using a range of different approaches (such as communications, community development and supporting organisations). This initiative is being developed in partnership with the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission.

An evaluation of the program will help to work out what works when it comes to reducing discrimination and promoting diversity.

The LEAD program is being supported by a position at the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV). The MAV is working with VicHealth to raise awareness of discrimination and its health impacts, strengthen networks to address the issue among local governments and help VicHealth communicate effectively with local governments to work out the best way of supporting their work.