Multicultural Australia in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia | Non-governmental organisation (NGO)

Multicultural Australia

Locality: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Phone: +61 7 3337 5400

Address: Brisbane Multicultural Centre - 28 Dibley Street Woolloongabba 4102 Brisbane, QLD, Australia

Website: http://www.multiculturalaustralia.org.au

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• Non-governmental organisation (NGO)

25.01.2022 This Wear it Purple Day, were proud to introduce the Multicultural Australia LGBTIQ+ Working Group. This powerful video shares the moving and inspiring stories from our staff who have created our LGBTIQ+ Working Group to support clients, communities and colleagues on issues affecting people who identify as LGBTIQ+ and for people who are deeply allied to equality, justice and celebrating our diversity. Wear It Purple Day was established a decade ago after several rainbow youn...g people took their own lives following bullying and harassment resulting from the lack of acceptance of their sexuality or gender identity. Wear It Purple Day is celebrated every year on August 28th to raise awareness and build a movement of inclusion. #WeAreTheChange #WearItPurple

25.01.2022 Last night we celebrated Diwali 2020 with the Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland (FICQ) | Australia. The Diwali celebration in the heart of Brisbane focuses on promoting a harmonious multicultural society and respect for diversity. Multicultural Australia was proud to be a supporter to help celebrate the Indian Festival of Lights which is about peace, love, hope and joy. It was great to attend an event in person after COVID-19 and to reconnect with representatives of Queensland's multicultural communities.

25.01.2022 Today is #whiteribbonday. Men's violence against women is a social issue. Everyone can help to end men's violence against women in our communities and in our workplaces. Here, some of the men from Multicultural Australia speak out against gendered violence - which includes phsyical and sexual violence as well as controlling and threatening behaviour... You can continue to take action with White Ribbon Australia . Visit http://ow.ly/A61150BLCqM.

25.01.2022 In amongst the rain last week, we grabbed a moment to film Multicultural Australia's new CEO Christine Castley introducing the LUMINOUS World Concert in front of the iconic Brisbane sign at Southbank. The #LUMINOUS World Concert is premiering on Sunday 14 November as part of LUMINOUS in the Neighbourhood. You can bring LUMINOUS to your neighbourhood. Check out our lantern making tutorials and share your photo with us on our LUMINOUS photo wall at https://bit.ly/2TrocgN

25.01.2022 Are you interested in making friends, money and memories? The QLD Government is now allowing travellers to work on a temporary visa to help fill the 100's of job openings along QLD's beautiful Harvest Trial. If this sounds like something you'd be interested in exploring, hit the link below to find out more. ... https://bit.ly/39kr74n

25.01.2022 The Greater Brisbane Lockdown will end at 6pm today, Monday 11 January 2021 with new eased restrictions for Greater Brisbane in place from 6pm 11 January to 1am 22 January 2021. From 6pm today, you are permitted to leave your home for any purpose but you must carry a face mask with you at all times when you leave home, unless you have a lawful reason not to. You must wear a mask in indoor spaces, except in your home. For more information visit https://www.multiculturalaustralia.org.au/covid_19_updates

24.01.2022 Our teams across Brisbane, Toowoomba and Central Queensland celebrated Wear it Purple Day today, speaking up to say #wearethechange and that we commit to ensuring all people are included and safe in our workplaces, social circles and communities. We also launched our LGBTIQ+ Working Group to discuss and support all things rainbow for our clients and communities.

24.01.2022 Our REIMAGINE Virtual Events portal will be launched soon! In the meantime, we have limited places available for a free anti-racism workshop with social change trainer Erfan Daliri. Grab your spot now!

24.01.2022 Multicultural Australia, in partnership with the Townsville Intercultural Centre was delighted to officially launch the world-famous Giant Kookaburra this morning as it starts its journey from Brisbane to the Townsville Cultural Fest, spreading a message of community unity and harmony. The Giant Kookaburra, created and built by Dr Farvardin Daliri, Executive Director of the Townsville Intercultural Centre and founder of the Townsville Cultural Fest, in a Brisbane backyard during the height of the COVID-19 lock down, gained international media coverage including CNN, the New York Times, USA Today, BuzzFeed, as well as locally in Australia on ABC, The Guardian, Nine and many more.

24.01.2022 LUMINOUS WORLD CONCERT| Tonight from 7pm! Featuring some of the finest performers, join us to celebrate Brisbane’s cultural diversity and conclude REIMAGINE 2020 virtual events! For more info, head to the link below. ... https://bit.ly/34NTjKf

23.01.2022 A huge shout out to our #REIMAGINE sponsors. With you, we are able to showcase and celebrate the rich cultural diversity that makes us who we are Suncorp, Brisbane City Council, Queensland Government, SBS Australia, JMC Academy, QPASTT, CSNET, Network Overdrive, Hastings Deering Australia Ltd, Hutton & Hutton, Energex, Brisbane Lions, Welcome Sports, Mas Experience, Brisbane Catholic Education, Alliance for Leadership Learning, Archersfield Consulting, Catholic Justice & P...eace Commission of the Archdiocese of Brisbane, Qld Theatre Company Check out all their stalls on the REIMAGINE Marketplace via the link below. https://bit.ly/34RqvAz

23.01.2022 Yesterday we welcomed our partners to an end of year celebration in recognition of the work we do together to create a welcoming and inclusive Queensland. With a chat hosted by Multicultural Australia's CEO Christine Castley, it was inspiring to reflect on the outcomes we've achieved in a very challenging year, as well as the shared opportunities on our horizon to continue to make a difference in the lives of the people and communities we serve. With Queensland Government, Brisbane City Council, Suncorp, La Boite Theatre, Netball Queensland, Queensland Human Rights Commission, Queensland Program of Assistance to Survivors of Torture and Trauma

22.01.2022 Always Was, Always Will Be. First Nations people have occupied and cared for this continent for over 65,000 years. This #NAIDOC Week, at Multicultural Australia we celebrate that Australia has the oldest continuing cultures on the planet and we recognise that their sovereignty was never ceded. Our #REIMAGINE event partner SBS Australia has a range of resources available to celebrate NAIDOC Week, including the Uluru Statement from the Heart translated in over 60 languages. T...he Uluru Statement from the Heart calls for the establishment of a First Nations Voice enshrined in the Constitution and a Makarrata Commission to supervise a process of agreement-making and truth-telling. Find out more at the SBS NAIDOC Week virtual stall at the REIMAGINE Marketplace - go to https://bit.ly/2I0YoFL

22.01.2022 Att Brisbane! Let's light up our beloved Brisbane this Monday 2 November from 6:00pm to celebrate the launch of REIMAGINE. Join us to celebrate the rich cultural contributions of our migrant and refugee communities through 14 days of FREE workshops, live demonstrations, performances and more! ... Visit the Story Bridge, Victoria Bridge, Reddacliff Place sculptures & Tropical Dome, Brisbane Botanic Gardens or Mt Coot-tha to snap a pic and share with Multicultural Australia. https://bit.ly/3mxYdRi

22.01.2022 Sakina arrived in Australia in 2015 with her two daughters. They fled from Afghanistan because they were a persecuted minority from the Hazara people. Sakina was also targeted because there was no man in her family. Sakina is grateful for the opportunities her girls have here in Australia. Here, they can play sport and go to school. Sakina and her girls have lived in Toowoomba and now Brisbane, where Sakina works at Bunnings.... Sakina hopes that her story inspires people so that they feel that they can achieve things, ask for help and realise that nothing is impossible. Sakina's Story is one of four documentary films created in partnership with Multicultural Australia and Griffith Film School, featuring the extraordinary journeys of people from a refugee background, who now call Brisbane their home. REIMAGINE Virtual Events premieres these documentaries to an online audience as part of our Cultural Connections Cinema program, featuring storytelling and events that enrich our understanding of the many people and cultures that call this place home. Find out more at www.multiculturalaustralia.org.au/reimagine #REIMAGINE #ConnectCreateCelebrate #diversity #createwelcome

22.01.2022 The new cases of COVID-19 in Queensland are concerning and should be taken seriously. We also know that other Queenslanders who have breached COVID-19 restrictions have not been publicly identified or targeted for their cultural background or appearance. Lets ensure that even as we hold people to a high standard of community responsibility to observe COVID-19 restrictions, that we dont let our own standards drop. Lets not subject individuals or communities to racial hostility as we find our way through this together. https://www.theguardian.com//naming-brisbane-women-risks-a

22.01.2022 Are you an international student jobseeker looking to see more of sunny Queensland? There are job placements now available to international students across QLD farms! Seasonal harvest jobs are a great way to experience a new lifestyle, while earning money! For more information, hit the link below. ... https://bit.ly/39kr74n

20.01.2022 The Shape Your Future Career Mentoring Program culminated in a special networking event last night for mentors and mentees as well as special guests from initiative partners Randstad Australia, Suncorp, Deloitte, Australian Red Cross, the Department of Local Government, Racing and Multicultural Affairs, Queensland Government and Multicultural Australia. This Shape Your Future program featured 32 participants, matching mentors from partner agencies with newly arrived and d...iverse Queenslanders looking for work in a similar profession. 3 of the mentees have already found jobs! Whilst the program has transitioned to online during COVID-19, the networking event was an opportunity to come together in person, albeit physically distanced. Participants and partners got to build further professional connections and reflect on the power of these relationships - not only for advancing a jobseekers career journey, but for how they can demonstrate for all of us the value of diversity of thought and experience in our workplaces and in business. It was a pleasure to welcome Stirling Hinchliffe MP, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Racing and Minister for Multicultural Affairs, who spoke of the incredible importance of inclusive economic participation for advancing our multicultural Queensland.

19.01.2022 Welcome Sports is partnering with Yeronga Eagles Football Club and El Salvador Soccer Club to run the 2021 football programs at Yeronga. The 2021 Junior Football Program will run across all four school terms and will kick-off on 5 February under the direction of the head of the program - Kevin Meacock. More information to come on Facebook so please follow Welcome Sports and Yeronga Eagles for up-to-date information at https://www.facebook.com/yerongaefc... Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful festive and summer season and see you all in 2021 for another exciting football year. PS the photos from our presentation night on 4 December will be sent to parents in January.

19.01.2022 Multicultural Australia has joined the Regional Activators Alliance - a new body launched today to drive a national awareness campaign for regional Australia. "As a member of the RAA, we bring valuable experience and knowledge to promote the benefits of living and working in regional Australia," says Christine Castley, CEO of Multicultural Australia. "Queensland is home to many vibrant regional communities, and the benefits of living in these communities are mutually shared... by our refugee and migrant clients and the regional communities themselves." Read the full media release at https://bit.ly/35Gqiz3

18.01.2022 In this cooking demonstration, Masoud from Persian Kitchen Catering shows the Hon Stirling Hinchliffe, MP, Minister for Multicultural Affairs (Qld) how to make traditional lamb and chicken kebabs in a Persian-style Aussie backyard BBQ! Grab the ingredients from the recipe cards at https://bit.ly/3mxPK0G and cook along at home! REIMAGINE Virtual Events premieres these cooking demonstrations to an online audience as part of our Culture in the Kitchen program, featuring storyte...lling and events that enrich our understanding of the many people and cultures that call this place home. Visit the REIMAGINE Virtual Events at https://bit.ly/2TqDwKy

18.01.2022 Multicultural Australia is recruiting for a new CEO. Its a magnificent challenge for a gifted leader who is passionate about creating welcoming, inclusive communities, delivering exceptional services and growing a future-fit, purpose-driven organisation. For details on the role and how to apply, go to https://bit.ly/320Kxpr

18.01.2022 "We are women from many different cultures!" Inala is one of the most diverse suburbs in Brisbane, with over 50% of residents born overseas. Multicultural Australia and HUB Neighbourhood Centre Inala cohost a Womens Gathering where women from all walks of life can share their skills and make new friends. During COVID-19, the Womens Gathering turned to online connection, sharing photos, stories, cooking and more through WhatsApp. Theyve also sewn beautiful individual segments that will be sewn together into a wall hanging for the Inala Community Centre - an artwork to reflect this unique moment in our shared history. The Womens Gathering is now meeting again in person. Head along on a Thursday to connect and celebrate with women from all walks of life. Find out more at https://www.hubcommunity.org.au/whats-on

17.01.2022 Calling all international students! 2020 has been a challenging year for everybody. We're inviting international students to join us for a special celebration, fun and reflection. Multicultural Australia is putting on a free BBQ, drinks, drumming circle, trivia, and more to celebrate the end of 2020. ... Date: 17th December 2020 Time: 3 pm to 6 pm Where: Brisbane Multicultural Centre, 28 Dibley Street, Woolloongabba REGISTER: https://bit.ly/34j2OR1 Contact: [email protected] for inquiries.

17.01.2022 Welcome to the MOSAIC World Concert! Featuring a talented line up of world music and dance performers from Queensland's emerging cultural communities to major headline acts, the MOSAIC World Concert is premiering online to open the REIMAGINE Virtual Events. Travel the world and enjoy cultural performances right in the heart of your home. All artists featuring on the MOSAIC World Concert are Queenslanders - enjoy the rich cultural heritage on offer in Australia's Sunshine Sta...te. We're proud to be able to offer artists this paid gig following the impact of COVID-19 on the arts and culture industry. And we're thrilled to be able to bring you, our REIMAGINE audience, this opportunity to get connected and celebrate our many cultures and our extraordinary resilience in this challenging time. The MOSAIC World Concert will feature: - A welcome by Cr Adrian Schrinner, Lord Mayor of Brisbane - A Welcome to Country by Nunukul Yugerra - The Mad Mariachi, bringing you the unmistakable flavour and flair of a traditional Mexican Mariachi band - Nawres Alfreh (Iraq) & Trad Trad (Syria), bringing you traditional Middle Eastern music on the ney (flute) and fiddle - Unbreakable Dance Crew (Sudan) - Artin Ensemble (Iranian), featuring Arash Zanganeh on the daf drum, Jamal Khezri on the violin, Ud and vocals, Arjhang Khezri on the guitar and vocals. Shole Khezri on main vocals. - And more! Find more free virtual events from the 1st to the 14th of November 2020 at www.multiculturalaustralia.org.au/reimagine #REIMAGINE #WorldMusicConcert #MOSAIC #ConnectCreateCelebrate #Diversity #MulticulturalAustralia #Culture #Australia #OnlineEvent

17.01.2022 Just when you thought Brisbane couldn't get any better! Join 1000's at Brisbane's Largest Multicultural Online Festival - REIMAGINE. Help us kick start the festivities this Sunday from 12:00pm with our MOSAIC World Concert! ... Featuring a Welcome to Country from Nunukul Yuggera Aboriginal Dancers and an official opening by the Lord Mayor, Adrian Schrinner, you don't want to miss the festival of the year! Wrap up the day with a backyard BBQ cooking demonstration with Persian Kitchen Catering with the Minister for Multicultural Affairs at 5:00pm Head to the link below for more information. https://bit.ly/3e9shQh

17.01.2022 The MOSAIC Retrospective showcases highlights from Brisbane's MOSAIC Multicultural Festival (formerly WELCOMEfest and the World Refugee Day Community Festival). MOSAIC began in 2009 as the World Refugee Day Community Festival in June 2009 at the Annerley Soccer Club fields. The festival showcased and celebrated the wealth of talent and diversity within refugee communities in Brisbane and included a citizenship ceremony and sports tournaments. From 2017 the Festival changed to... October, it moved to Roma St Parklands and became the MOSAIC Multicultural Festival. In 2019, over 10,000 people attended MOSAIC, a vibrant celebration of our cultural diversity. Unfortunately this year due to COVID-19 we were unable to gather in person. Instead, people across Brisbane are invited to continue to celebrate our rich cultures and stories with the REIMAGINE Virtual Events Program. Even though we can't gather together in 2020, you can enjoy this spectacular vision of MOSAIC through the years until we can meet again in person for the next MOSAIC Multicultural Festival. Until then, enjoy the REIMAGINE Virtual Events - head to www.multiculturalaustralia.org.au/reimagine

17.01.2022 Just under a week left until our FREE Introduction to Anti-Racism Webinar will be held by social change consultant Erfan Daliri. With just 100 spots available, you'll want to get in quick for this event. Link in bio to secure your spot! RSVP's essential. ... https://bit.ly/34Koia5

16.01.2022 We are thrilled to announce our 2020 virtual event series, REIMAGINE! Join us for 14 days of online cultural celebration, including live cooking demonstrations, gardening tips, panel discussions and so much more. With COVID restrictions limiting our major annual events like MOSAIC Multicultural Festival and the popular LUMINOUS Lantern Parade, we've decided to bring these events to you! ... Check out our program at a glance then head to the link below to secure your FREE spot https://bit.ly/3dZtBFe

15.01.2022 Multicultural Australia is a proud founding member of the Queensland Community Alliance - 38 civil society organisations including faith, community groups, unions and ethnic associations working together to build a fair and compassionate Queensland for the common good. Representing almost two million Queenslanders, the Alliance has listened to thousands of stories from our communities and created a courageous, community-led vision - a Maroonprint for Queensland. This Monday, ...14 September, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Leader of the Opposition Deb Frecklington will be joining the Alliance for a huge online Community Assembly. Join us online at the Assembly and hear them respond directly to our vision for a Queensland where all people are welcomed and included, where our jobs are secure and where we care for each other.

15.01.2022 "Iago was born in Iraq and spent his adolescent years in Saudi Arabia. Despite intense pressure to conform, Iago has strived to express himself, his true self, his whole life. He has faced obstacles that would have pushed others over the edge. Instead, he has turned to the arts, and his extraordinary resourcefulness, to create a different life." Multicultural Australia is a proud sponsor of the In My Country Podcast sharing the stories of six extraordinary Aussies who happene...d to come to this country as refugees or people seeking asylum. Listen to both parts of Iagos episode now via https://pod.link/1518632425 #WithRefugees #createwelcome

15.01.2022 Migrants and refugees are OK. Dr Farvardin Daliri speaks the truth at the launch of his world famous creation the Giant Kookaburra.

14.01.2022 The festive season is a great time to spend precious time with friends and family, especially this year. Friendships and connections come from all aspects of our life, you never know who you might meet next! This recent QWeekend story is inspiring to see two friends from different worlds who have come together to form a life long connection Buddies Refugee Support Group Ltd. It shows how warm and welcoming Australians can be to people seeking safety and a better life here. Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday!

14.01.2022 For more ways you can support Lebanon, this SBS story is good source with further links to relief agencies and appeals. https://www.sbs.com.au//how-you-can-help-those-affected-by

13.01.2022 Appreciation is extended to Dr Jeannette Young, Queensland’s Chief Health Officer who at short notice briefed Queensland’s cultural Community Leaders forum yesterday. The online briefing was informative and timely in the wake of the Greater Brisbane lockdown and was hosted by Multicultural Australia and QPSATT with the amazing support of Queensland Health and Multicultural Affairs. Stay Safe and please follow the lockdown requirements see https://www.qld.gov.au//current-/greater-brisbane-lockdown Photo credit: Dr Jishu Das Gupta

13.01.2022 Did you miss Culture in the Kitchen last night with Persian Kitchen Catering showing the Hon Stirling Hinchliffe, MP, Minister for Multicultural Affairs (Qld) how to make traditional lamb and chicken kebabs in a Persian-style Aussie backyard BBQ? Grab the ingredients from the recipe cards at https://bit.ly/3mxPK0G and cook along at home! REIMAGINE Virtual Events premieres these cooking demonstrations to an online audience as part of our Culture in the Kitchen program, featur...ing storytelling and events that enrich our understanding of the many people and cultures that call this place home. Visit the REIMAGINE Virtual Events at https://bit.ly/2TqDwKy

13.01.2022 We were invited to an advance screening of The Furnace last week, an Australian feature film that tells the story of Australia's cameleers in the late 19th Century. Cameleers were predominantly Muslim and Sikh men from India, Afghanistan and Persia who traversed Australia's vast interior and forged lasting and unique bonds with Aboriginal people. Films like #TheFurnace tell important but often forgotten stories of Australia's history. Muslims and other minorities have been in Australia for over 150 years and made significant social and economic contributions to the development of Australia. The Furnace is in cinemas now and you can check out the trailer at https://bit.ly/3gCIij5

12.01.2022 Queensland Health has developed resources about COVID-19 and the current Greater Brisbane Lockdown in other languages. Multicultural Australia has links to these resources here https://www.multiculturalaustralia.org.au/covid_19_updates

12.01.2022 Many in the Multicultural Australia community will know Liliana as a skillful Cultural Trainer, sharing vital knowledge around the experiences of refugees and migrants and how we can all benefit from the cultural diversity our communities have to offer. She has an amazing personal story as a former refugee and now storyteller, artist and activist here in Brisbane. Listen to her story which concludes the premiere season of the In My Country Podcast. Multicultural Australia... is a proud sponsor of the In My Country Podcast, sharing the stories of six extraordinary Aussies who happened to come here as refugees or people seeking asylum. Listen now at https://inmycountrypodcast.com/ and on all podcast apps at the links below: Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/2BMcfgs Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2CbqWJY All other podcast apps: https://pod.link/1518632425 #WithRefugees #changetheconversation

12.01.2022 Multicultural Australia has been supporting refugee and migrant young people to gain customer service and hospitality skills through our coffee school Welcome Cafe. Were thrilled to be partnering with the Wise Foundation and their Wise Barista Program at the The Gardens Club cafe in Brisbanes Botanic Gardens where Welcome Cafe graduates can access paid work experience. Here they are gaining invaluable real-world cafe skills and experience that will be a solid foundation to support their pathway into ongoing employment. Drop by for a coffee and say hello!

12.01.2022 Thank you to Chief Health Officer, Dr Jeannette Young, who took time yesterday to speak with more than 130 representatives at the Community Leaders forum about the Greater Brisbane Directives for the next 10 days. It was an important and productive collaboration between Multicultural Australia, Refugee Health Network, QPASTT, Multicultural Affairs, Queensland Health, Australian Red Cross, QACC, Access Community Services with support from other multicultural community groups a...cross Greater Brisbane. Thank you to everyone for this demonstration of great leadership and partnerships to engage cultural Community Leaders and multicultural communities and service providers across Queensland. For more information about the restrictions in place between now until 1am on 22 January 2021 visit https://www.qld.gov.au//easing-greater-brisbane-restrictio

11.01.2022 In case you missed it, check out this news coverage of the Giant Kookaburra as it journeys home across Queensland to Townsville. It was a pleasure to officially launch this monument to hope and harmony at the Brisbane Multicultural Centre last week. Remember you can crowdfund to get this fabulous Aussie icon to your local community, check out https://au.gofundme.com/f/the-giant-kookaburra

10.01.2022 "Tenzin is full of reflections on mindfulness, perspective, and balance. Listening to him feels a bit like sitting at the feet of a wise man on a distant mountain." The Multicultural Australia community is already familiar with our friend and acclaimed musician Tenzin Choegyal who regularly features at our major events and festivals like the #LUMINOUS Lantern Parade and #MOSAIC Multicultural Festival. Now you can listen as Tenzin tells his own story of being a refugee on the ...In My Country Podcast. Multicultural Australia is a proud sponsor of the In My Country Podcast, telling the stories of 6 extraordinary Aussies who happened to come to this country as refugees or people seeking asylum. Listen now at https://inmycountrypodcast.com/ or at the links below. Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/2BMcfgs Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2CbqWJY All other podcast apps: https://pod.link/1518632425 #WithRefugees

10.01.2022 Thanks to Courier Mail for the feature on our 4m-tall Kookaburra that is swooping into Brisbane as part of our REIMAGINE festival! The festival ends this Saturday 14 November with #LUMINOUS in the Neighbourhood, so be sure to head to our website to find out how you can spot this iconic creature! https://bit.ly/2TrocgN

10.01.2022 "Faisa is a person who wears many hats: community worker, entrepreneur, muslim, and woman of big ideas. The first half of Faisas childhood was lived out to the backdrop of the Somali Civil War. The second half was spent in Kakuma, one of the worlds largest refugee camps. On Episode 2 of In My Country, Pia talks with Faisa about some of the experiences of family life in these settings; childhood stories that feel distant, but also strangely familiar. And about how shes been... able to bring pieces of her past into her future in Australia." Subscribe and listen now via the links in the post. Multicultural Australia is a proud sponsor of the In My Country Podcast, telling the stories of Aussies who came to this country as refugees or people seeking asylum.

10.01.2022 The scale of the disaster in Beirut is shocking and devastating. We particularly send our love to the Australian Lebanese community as they grieve or wait to hear from loved ones. Many of our staff and alumni, as well as the broader Multicultural Australia community, have close ties to Lebanon and we hold you close in our hearts. For those wishing to help, the Australian Red Cross has recommended donations be directed to the Lebanese Red Cross. As one of the countrys main providers of ambulance services, the Lebanese Red Cross was one of the first organisations to provide emergency medical aid in the aftermath of the blast. Donate at https://www.supportlrc.app/donate/donate.html

09.01.2022 Check out our Facebook events to access weekly info clinics about our No Interest Loans Scheme (NILS) program in partnership with Kyabra Community Association Inc. NILS is a community-based initiative that helps people on low incomes (including Centrelink) access loans up to $1,500 with NO interest, NO fees and NO charges ever so you pay back exactly what you borrow. You can use a NILS loan for household items, back to school costs, come car related expenses, medical and de...ntal bills and some technology devices. Register for a NILS info clinic through our Facebook events, and for more information contact [email protected]

09.01.2022 The Celebrating Queensland Multicultural Festivals and Events Grants are open now! Amelia, our Community Funding Access Advisor is running workshops around the State to assist communities with all the information you need to write winning grants. Tonight she will be part of the North Queensland Multicultural Network meeting, with our partners in Far North Queensland Centacare FNQ and Cairns Regional Council. There will be a one hour grant writing workshop within this sess...ion. The North Queensland Multicultural Network meeting will be held via ZOOM from 5:30 pm until 7:00 pm. If you are in Far North Queensland and would like to join the meeting, email [email protected] for the ZOOM details. There will be further regional sessions around the State. Keep an eye on our Facebook page and website (www.multiculturalaustralia.org.au).

08.01.2022 Wishing a Happy Diwali to all who celebrate. We know celebrations look different for all of us this year, but our hopes for joy and prosperity for everyone across our communities remains the same. https://www.facebook.com/FICQInc/posts/3486417611419128

07.01.2022 Our Rockhampton teams Tucker Time Food Rescue Program has been named Regional Winner of the Community Training Initiative of the Year at the Queensland Training Awards 2020. Tucker Time is an employment and training program funded under Skilling Queenslanders for Work. Each program, 13 trainees undertake 20 weeks of paid work experience and training, culminating in a Certificate I in Hospitality. Food that would otherwise go to waste is used to prepare meals for communities in need. The team now progresses to the state finals this Friday.

06.01.2022 We invite all Queenslanders to stand in solidarity with Queenslanders from African backgrounds. It is our responsibility to raise our voices for the safe, welcoming, inclusive, multicultural Australia we are. We are stronger together. Read our statement addressing the backlash to Qeenslands African communities relating to COVID-19 https://bit.ly/31mXw4q Queensland African Communities Council Queensland Human Rights Commission Queensland Community Alliance - QLD

05.01.2022 The University of Queensland is offering up to 10 scholarships for students from refugee or asylum seeker backgrounds each year. The Scholarship will provide a full tuition fee waiver and an $8000 annual living stipend for students to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate coursework studies. https://scholarships.uq.edu.au/refugee-and-humanitarian-sch

05.01.2022 Join us for our online Cultural Connections storytelling and events series that help enrich our understanding of the many people and cultures that call Australia home. On Tuesday at 7:00pm we chat to a mother from Afghanistan, Sakina, who escaped the war to settle with her daughter right here in Brisbane. Immerse yourself in the conversation around diversity, inclusion and new beginnings. Head to the link below to register your interest!... https://www.multiculturalaustralia.org.au/sakina

04.01.2022 Greater Brisbane will go into lockdown for three days from 6pm today, Friday 8 January 2021 until 6pm on Monday 11 January 2021. The Greater Brisbane lockdown area includes Brisbane City, Ipswich City, Logan City, Redland City and Moreton Bay Regional areas. As an essential service, Multicultural Australia will continue to provide services to our clients and communities during this lockdown period. Please continue to contact us through our usual contact numbers, during busin...ess hours on 3337 5400, our email [email protected] or our emergency phone line which is available to clients. For the latest Queensland Government updates regarding the Greater Brisbane lockdown please visit: https://www.qld.gov.au//current-/greater-brisbane-lockdown

04.01.2022 Bill Gamack, Multicultural Australias CEO has resigned. Read the full announcement from our board as well as a message from Bill at https://bit.ly/2Q1dLit

03.01.2022 Featuring a talented line up of world music and dance performers from Queensland's emerging cultural communities to major headline acts, the LUMINOUS World Concert closes the REIMAGINE 2020 virtual events program! Travel the world and enjoy cultural performances while you light up your neighbourhoods for LUMINOUS. Share your photos with us on the LUMINOUS Photo Wall at https://www.multiculturalaustralia.org.au/luminous_photo_wa We're proud to be able to offer artists this p...aid gig following the impact of COVID-19 on the arts and culture industry. The LUMINOUS World Concert features performances by Ethan Enoch Barlow, BULLHORN, Future Destin and more!

03.01.2022 May those seeking asylum and refuge in Australia be treated with dignity as fellow human beings. The Australian community is standing ready to support the refugees and people seeking asylum being held in detention at Kangaroo Point, to enable them to live in and contribute to our community while their status is being determined. Read the joint statement by religious leaders regarding the Kangaroo Pt refugees and people seeking asylum, from the Islamic Council of Queensland, Uniting Church Queensland, Queensland Congregational Fellowship and Anglican Church Southern Queensland

03.01.2022 Are you physically fit? Enjoy the hot weather? Are self motivated with a can-do attitude? Then this opportunity is for you! Consider an opportunity mango picking in stunning Cairns, Queensland, Australia Earning $24.80 an hour and living in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, this could be the perfect position for you. ... Head to the link below to sign up, and simply check the Cairns box! https://bit.ly/39kr74n

02.01.2022 Listen to the fifth episode of In My Country Podcast where Pia talks to Marcela Cornejo about her activism against Chiles dictatorship in the 1980s; how she fought for the rights of political prisoners in her country; and about the sadness and loss she still carries from having to leave her country behind. Multicultural Australia is a proud sponsor of the In My Country Podcast telling the stories of six extraordinary Aussies who happened to come here as refugees or people se...eking asylum. Listen at https://inmycountrypodcast.com/ #WithRefugees

01.01.2022 Sunday 19 July marked 7 years since Australia implemented offshore detention for refugees and people seeking asylum who arrived by boat. Refugee Council of Australia (RCOA) has produced a report outlining Australias offshore processing policies, their economic impact and key statistics. This is a great resource to underpin conversations about the costs of offshore detention, even more meaningful right now with the local focus and advocacy for refugee justice in Queensland. #changetheconversation

01.01.2022 Multicultural Australia Chair Peter Forday is also Co Chair of the Cohesive Communities Coalition supported by the Queensland Human Rights Commission. Yesterday, the Coalition launched a campaign for stronger protection from racial and religious hate crime and vilification in Queensland. If you believe in creating safety, welcome and belonging, get involved and join the campaign: https://betterlawsforsafeqld.com.au/ #BetterLaws4SafeQld

01.01.2022 QLD Farm Work Available NOW for temporary visa holders Join hundreds of seasonal workers in beautiful Queensland locations earning a living by picking, processing or tending to crops. Right now there are plenty of job opportunities up for grabs and we can help fast track your placement. ... Get in touch via the link below now, you don't want to miss out! https://bit.ly/39kr74n

01.01.2022 On behalf of everyone at Multicultural Australia, we wish you a safe and happy holiday season. 2020 presented many challenges, but we still have a lot to celebrate. With your support, we were able to help the Multicultural Australia community stay safe, connected and informed through a challenging time. We continue to hear inspiring stories about people finding belonging here in Australia and the rich cultural contributions all of us bring to our communities. These stories h...ighlight our strength, resilience and shared humanity. In spite of global lock downs, we have been able to take you around the world through art, performance, film and storytelling at our World Refugee Day Concert and REIMAGINE Virtual Events. Multicultural Australia is deeply grateful for the passion and commitment of our community of stakeholders, partners and friends who share the vision of an inclusive and welcoming Queensland. We will be taking a short break from midday on Thursday December 24th 2020, reopening on Monday, January 4th 2021 and our offices will be closed. We hope everyone has the opportunity to relax and celebrate with family and friends this holiday season. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

01.01.2022 As Farvardin Daliri and the Giant Kookaburra continue their epic journey up through Queensland to the Townsville Cultural Fest, heres a snapshot of the launch in Brisbane. You can get the Giant Kookaburra to your community by joining the crowdfund at https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-giant-kookaburra

01.01.2022 Multicultural Australia is a proud sponsor of the In My Country Podcast, sharing the stories and experiences of talented, inspiring, thoughtful human beings who also happen to have come to Australia as a refugee or person seeking asylum. The first episode hears from Alyas, who examines his experiences with identity, religion, and luck: what brought him to the decision to board a boat to Australia, how did it all unfold and what he has learned from it all. #changetheconversation #everydayrefugees

01.01.2022 We welcomed Queenslands Chief Health Officer Dr Jeanette Young to the Brisbane Multicultural Centre this week at the COVID-19: what is a second wave and how do we plan for it forum. Dr Young spoke (via ZOOM) with 150 cultural community leaders and services from across Queensland to answer their questions and listen to their concerns . Dr Young acknowledged the incredible work done by community leaders to respond to COVID-19 and reaffirmed the importance of all of us working together as a Queensland community to face any challenges ahead. The forum was coordinated by Queensland Health and The Refugee Health Network in collaboration with community and settlement services across Queensland.