Greater Sydney's communities are culturally rich with diverse neighbourhoods

Greater Sydney is home to people of different cultural and linguistic backgrounds. This cultural richness brings to the region a wide array of skills, languages, cultures and experiences. It gives identity and distinctive character to Greater Sydney's neighbourhoods, centres and suburbs. This diversity is one of Greater Sydney's key strengths. It fosters social and economic opportunities, individual wellbeing and community cohesion.

Greater Sydney's Aboriginal people have longstanding and continuing connections with Country, community and culture across the region. These are fundamental to Greater Sydney's heritage, culture and identity.

Greater Sydney is the site of the first colonial settlement in Australia. This history and heritage makes a significant contribution to the region's culture and identity. Since then, many migrants and refugees have brought diverse stories, heritage, tradition and customs that also contribute to diversity and to the co-creation of distinctive places.

Historically, one of the first places migrants and refugees settled was in Fairfield. The location of families, communities and supporting services, means many migrants and refugees continue to settle in Fairfield. This can increase pressure on local infrastructure and services.

Sporting participation is recognised as an important social and recreational pursuit that builds resilience and social connections in diverse communities. Multi-use and diverse open spaces and sporting facilities are essential social connectors.

Delivering rich and diverse neighbourhoods requires widespread engagement to develop an understanding of local cultures and needs and to capitalise on community strengths.

A place-based planning approach that recognises cultural diversity in communities and responds to the different ways in which people engage and contribute provides increased opportunities for community participation.