City of Albany to consider use of inclusivity logo on council buildings and publications

A logo representing the City of Albany’s commitment to inclusivity could be displayed on City of Albany buildings and publications to “ensure diverse young people feel welcomed and valued”.

The City’s corporate and community services committee will discuss the logo at its meeting on Tuesday, with City officers recommending councillors endorse its use.

The logo design features four interlinked puzzle pieces representing a commitment to creating an accessible community, the diverse cultures in the community, the Indigenous custodians of the lands, and sexual and gender-diverse community members.

“(The) blue puzzle piece with the universal symbol of access demonstrates the City’s commitment to creating an accessible community for all,” a report prepared for the committee said.

“The skin tone puzzle piece represents the many diverse cultures that exist in our community.

“The Indigenous art piece acknowledges our Indigenous community members and their role as custodians of the lands. Cultural guidance on the design was provided by Noongar art consultant, Shandell Cummings.

“The trans-inclusive flag piece was identified by the Spectrum group as the most appropriate symbol for sexual and gender-diverse community members.”

It was co-designed through 15 engagement dates with five key stakeholders — the Youth Advisory Council, Migrant Resource Centre Young people, Albany Secondary Education Students, Albany Spectrum, and Follow the Dream Students — between July 2020 and September 2021.

The report recommends endorsing the use of the inclusivity logo on “City of Albany buildings and selected publications”.

It said endorsement of the logo would “ensure diverse young people feel welcomed and valued at City of Albany venues and events, which will aid in supporting positive mental health”.

“The logo has been developed from a thorough consultation process with the Youth Advisory Council and diverse groups that it represents,” the report said.

“The inclusivity logo will also address a number of objectives under the Albany Youth Friendly Albany and Albany Public Health Plan.”

The report said the logo was developed after feedback gathered between 2016 and 2018 showed young people in high-risk and marginalised group “expressed that they often did not feel welcome or included at City events or venues”.

Then, in 2019, the City’s executive management team endorsed the proposed creation of a logo.

The report also said printing the logo on stickers to be displayed at City venues would “provide a silent message of welcome, ensuring that diverse young people know they are valued and belong in our community”.

After Tuesday’s committee meeting, full council is expected to vote on the logo at its ordinary meeting on November 22.