At its June 16 meeting, the council unanimously backed Cr Martin Zakharov's idea to organise a train to pick up supporters in Brimbank and Maribyrnong and take them to the July 12 Harmony Walk event in the city.

Brimbank Council was expected to pass a similar motion at its meeting last night.

Cr Zakharov said the idea was in response to a series of violent attacks against Indian students over the past few months in western suburbs.

"The wrong impression of Australia has been spread around the world. It's not a racist country and those racist elements are not strong.

"I would encourage people to come out [and get aboard the train] to show that we don't want to see violence on our streets, and we don't want to see racism against any part of our community."

Brimbank Mayor Troy Atanasovski said his municipality had the largest refugee settlement in the western suburbs. "This is a great opportunity to celebrate our diverse community and reaffirm our commitment to work together to create a positive environment where people can live happily, securely and in harmony."

Western suburbs mayors, councillors and council staff are expected to take part. All other community members are welcome to join in.

Other councils have expressed an interest in taking part.

Cr Zakharov said he hoped the train ride would be free and that every council in the west would take part.

Entertainers would be organised for each carriage, he said.

Connex senior communications manager John Rees said the train operator was investigating how it could best support and develop the Harmony Train idea.

"We already have a very positive relationship with the Indian community and, of course, we're keen to lend a hand where we can."

Details: Kate Waters via email kate.waters@maribyrnong

.vic.go v.au or call 9688 0127.