THE City of Whittlesea will start a program to improve the community’s acceptance of race and culture.

The council was awarded to run the VicHealth program and will launch it on Harmony Day this Sunday at the Whittlesea Community Festival.

The program, called Localities Embracing and Accepting Diversity (LEAD), is one of two in Victoria that have received $900,000 in funding to run over three years.

It was developed in response to a VicHealth study that showed people from migrant, refugee and indigenous backgrounds experienced high rates of racial discrimination.

VicHealth chief executive officer Todd Harper said communities that supported cultural diversity were healthier.

“Research shows that people are more likely to have better mental health when they live and work in environments where diversity is valued and accepted,” he said.

“On the other hand, race-based discrimination is clearly linked with mental health problems, particularly depression.”

Mr Harper said about 47 per cent of all people from non-English speaking backgrounds have experienced discrimination.

The Whittlesea LEAD project will focus on building positive attitudes towards diversity in the wider community and supporting local organisations, such as retailers, workplaces, schools and sports clubs, to be fair and safe for everyone.

Whittlesea mayor Mary Lalios said: “As a highly diverse municipality, with more than one third of our residents born overseas, and representing 140 different countries, and a strong and growing Aboriginal community, we pride ourselves on our welcoming, inclusive and harmonious community.”

LEAD’s emphasis will be on addressing discrimination against people from African, Asian and Indian backgrounds, as well as indigenous Australians.

The project will be launched on Sunday at the public gardens, 158 Barry Rd, Lalor.