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Get ready to light up Brisbane!

Mark your calendar for Friday, 1st of August and kick off Multicultural Queensland Month with a burst of colour, culture,
sounds and celebration at LUMINOUS Lantern Parade 2025. This year’s parade promises to be an unforgettable spectacle
of Queensland’s vibrant diversity.

This iconic event is a joyful celebration of Queensland’s rich cultural diversity and a heartfelt welcome to the newest Queenslanders.

The evening will be highlighted by the LUMINOUS Lantern Parade procession at dusk, followed by a high-energy
music performance to close out the festivities.

Event details:  
Date: Friday, 1 August 2025 
Time: From 5.30pm    
Location: South Bank Parklands, Brisbane 

LUMINOUS Lantern Parade is produced by Multicultural Australia and supported by our proud partners Suncorp, Queensland Government and Brisbane City Council.

Foundation Partner

Volunteer Partner

Corporate Partner

Community Partner

Partner with us on the 2025 LUMINOUS Festival – see Partnership opportunities here

We know that “the contexts, nature and dynamics of domestic and family violence differ for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) groups, and immigrant and refugee women. These groups face additional barriers when accessing support services” (ANROWS, 2019).

We invite you to take part in a 3-hour interactive training session coming up in late October and early November for those looking to build their capacity to provide culturally safe responses to Domestic and Family Violence.

Through this session, you’ll be able to build your awareness of:

The diversity and impact of prearrival journeys and settlement experiences, values and attitudes and beliefs amongst CALD communities
Intersectional challenges and barriers to accessing services and supports.
Practical strategies to engage and support refugee and CALD women who may be experiencing DFV.

We have several dates available:

Wednesday 5th November, 1:30pm to 4:30pm, Face to Face at the Brisbane Multicultural Centre, 28 Dibley Street, Woolloongabba QLD 4102.

Wednesday 12th November, 10:00am to 2:00pm, Face to Face at Multicultural Australia’s Logan Office, 55 Wembley Rd, Logan Central QLD 4114.

We are currently gathering Expressions of Interest for these free sessions via this online form https://forms.office.com/r/TmvGf5TjvtExpressions.

Tuesday 18 November, 1:00pm to 4:00pm, Online

We are currently gathering Expressions of Interest for this free session via this online form EOI – Cultural capability workshop: Building our cultural responsiveness together

Together with community leaders from diverse cultural communities, we’ve been meeting with DFV sector representatives to explore what cultural responsiveness in Domestic and Family Violence response looks like. We invite you to be a part of this conversation through this training.

Come and share your experiences, stories and ideas at this workshop, hosted by the Family Peace Building Program and Multicultural Australia and supported by the Queensland Government.

For more information, please don’t hesitate to contact Nehal El-Tahir, Project Coordinator: 0461 412 267 or nehalE@mcaus.org.au

Through this session, you’ll be able to build your awareness of:

The diversity and impact of prearrival journeys and settlement experiences, values and attitudes and beliefs amongst CALD communities
Intersectional challenges and barriers to accessing services and supports.
Practical strategies to engage and support refugee and CALD women who may be experiencing DFV.

We have several dates available:

Wednesday 5th November, 1:30pm to 4:30pm, Face to Face at the Brisbane Multicultural Centre, 28 Dibley Street, Woolloongabba QLD 4102.

Wednesday 12th November, 10:00am to 2:00pm, Face to Face at Multicultural Australia’s Logan Office, 55 Wembley Rd, Logan Central QLD 4114.

We are currently gathering Expressions of Interest for these free sessions via this online form https://forms.office.com/r/TmvGf5TjvtExpressions.

Come and share your experiences, stories and ideas at this workshop, hosted by the Family Peace Building Program and Multicultural Australia and supported by the Queensland Government.

For more information, please don’t hesitate to contact Nehal El-Tahir, Project Coordinator: 0461 412 267 or nehalE@mcaus.org.au

Through this session, you’ll be able to build your awareness of:

The diversity and impact of prearrival journeys and settlement experiences, values and attitudes and beliefs amongst CALD communities
Intersectional challenges and barriers to accessing services and supports.
Practical strategies to engage and support refugee and CALD women who may be experiencing DFV.

We have several dates available:.

Wednesday 5th November, 1:30pm to 4:30pm, Face to Face at the Brisbane Multicultural Centre, 28 Dibley Street, Woolloongabba QLD 4102.

Wednesday 12th November, 10:00am to 2:00pm, Face to Face at Multicultural Australia’s Logan Office, 55 Wembley Rd, Logan Central QLD 4114.

We are currently gathering Expressions of Interest for these free sessions via this online form https://forms.office.com/r/TmvGf5TjvtExpressions.

Come and share your experiences, stories and ideas at this workshop, hosted by the Family Peace Building Program and Multicultural Australia and supported by the Queensland Government.

For more information, please don’t hesitate to contact Nehal El-Tahir, Project Coordinator: 0461 412 267 or nehalE@mcaus.org.au

Get ready to light up Rockhampton!

Luminous in the Regions returns to Rockhampton, and we are excited to invite communities to be part of this festival, in which we celebrate our cultural diversity.

One of the key elements of this parade is that our community illuminates the sky with the spectacular handmade lanterns they crafted.

This parade fosters welcoming spaces and a sense of belonging for new Queenslanders. It promises to be an unforgettable experience filled with magnificent lanterns, and food from around the world.

The event is part of Taste of the World Cultural Festival and is organised by Central Queensland Multicultural Association and Rockhampton City Council and supported by Multicultural Australia and Multicultural Affairs Qld.

Date: Saturday, the 23rd of August
Time: 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Location: Rod Laver Plaza Riverside Park, Quay Street, Rockhampton

LUMINOUS in the Regions is produced by Central Queensland Multicultural Association and supported by our proud partners Queensland Government.

Foundation Partner

Get ready to light up Gold Coast!

For the second time, Luminous in the Regions returns to the Gold Coast, and we are excited to invite communities to be part of this festival, in which we celebrate our cultural diversity.

One of the key elements of this parade is that our community illuminates the sky with the spectacular handmade lanterns they crafted. We will be hosting workshops to create these lanterns. If your community is interested in participating or presenting a cultural performance, please email MCCGC Community Development team member, Maria Camila, at camilas@mccgc.org.au.

If you want to become a food vendor, please fill out this form with your expression of interest. Click here

This parade fosters welcoming spaces and a sense of belonging for new Queenslanders. It promises to be an unforgettable experience filled with magnificent lanterns, live music, and performances from around the world.

The event is organised by Multicultural Communities Council Gold Coast and supported by Multicultural Australia, Multicultural Affairs Qld, SBS Audio SBS Australia and the City of Gold Coast.

Date: Saturday, the 23rd of August
Time: 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Location: Home of the Arts, 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise

LUMINOUS in the Regions is produced by MCCGC and supported by our proud partners Queensland Government.

Foundation Partner

Due to increasing interest from community members, small businesses, and individuals across sectors, Multicultural Australia is excited to offer two upcoming online sessions of our highly regarded Introduction to Cultural Capability training:

This dynamic 90-minute online session will equip you with the essential skills, knowledge, and self-awareness to engage meaningfully with cultural diversity in your daily work and life.
Whether you’re in community services, education, healthcare, business, or simply passionate about inclusion — this session will deepen your understanding of:

How culture influences communication, behaviour and relationships
Strategies for respectful and effective cross-cultural engagement
Tools for inclusive and culturally responsive service delivery

Topics include:

The case for cultural capability
Understanding culture and cultural perspectives
Recognising your own cultural lens
Cultural dimensions and behaviour
Practical tools for cross-cultural communication

A certificate of attendance will be provided to all participants.
Early Bird Pricing is now open: secure your spot by 13 June 2025 for only $99 per person.
General Admissions after that will be $139 per person.

Register now!

30 July 2025 registration link

15 October 2025 registration link

Let’s build a more inclusive Australia — together.

For more details contact training@mcaus.org.au

About This Event

‘Our Journey’ is a celebration of the spirit and courage of refugees.  

We invite you to join Multicultural Australia at Brisbane’s iconic La Boite Theatre to watch an exclusive screening of ‘Io Capitano’, which follows the perilous journey of two teenage boys from Senegal who dream of a better life in Europe and set out across the desert and sea. Their journey confronts them with the brutal realities of migration, including exploitation, violence, and survival against the odds. The film is a gripping and humanising portrayal of resilience, hope, and the cost of chasing freedom.

How do I register?
‘Our Journey’ is a ticketed event. Pre-purchased tickets are essential through La Boite Theatre – click here to reserve your seats .

Tickets $11.20 per person plus $2.50 transaction fee per order. 

Any questions?
Contact events@mcaus.org.au and our events team will be in touch.

Watch the trailer here.

‘Our Journey’ is supported by La Boite Theatre, Brisbane City Council and migrant and refugee communities and individuals who have dedicated their support to our organisation. 

Proudly supported by:

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About This Event

Multicultural Australia in partnership with QPAC is excited to be hosting Changing the Conversation: Words That Bind – Creating unity through our many languages, is the final event in our 2024 series of thought-provoking discussions exploring key issues in our increasingly multicultural society. 

Join us for a panel conversation about the transformative potential of language diversity as a tool for nation building, economic empowerment, and social inclusion in contemporary Australian society. A multilingual Australia holds many benefits including richer cultural exchange and stronger ties with global partners and enhanced diplomatic and economic relationships. Explore how language has the power to build bridges by connecting communities, fostering understanding, and promoting unity and cohesion while celebrating the richness of our cultural diversity.

Click on ‘Book Now’ to be directed to QPAC ticket sales – it’s essential that tickets are pre-booked.

About Changing the Conversation 

Bringing together thought leaders from academia, government, business, and the community to engage in robust discussions about multiculturalism in the Australian context, the Changing the Conversation series – presented by Multicultural Australia in partnership with QPAC – explores issues of who and where we are as a nation and what we need to do to create a society that better reflects and cares for all its people. Words That Bind: Creating Unity Through our Many Languages is the thought-provoking finale of this series for 2024.

We look forward to you engaging with this conversation.

See the full series of events here.

Benjamin Law - Facilitator 

Benjamin Law writes books, TV screenplays, columns, essays and feature journalism. Most recently, Ben edited the collection of stories, ‘Growing Up Queer’ in Australia and was also a researcher and associate producer on Blackfella Films’ ‘Deep Water: The Real Story’ (SBS) and a writer on Endemol Shine’s ‘Sisters’ (Ten).  

Recently he starred in the ABC’s two-part documentary series ‘Waltzing the Dragon with Benjamin Law’, where he travels from China to Arnhem Land to explore the history, unpack the present, and look to the future of Australia’s relationship with China. Every week, Benjamin co-hosts ABC RN’s weekly national pop culture show ‘Stop Everything’. He also co-hosts online startup and tech TV show ‘That Startup Show’, and you can catch him on TV shows like ‘Q&A’ (ABC), ‘The Drum’ (ABC), ‘The Projec’t (Ten) and ‘Filthy Rich and Homeless’ (SBS). 

The Hon Chief Justice Helen Bowskill - Panelist

Sworn in as Chief Justice of Queensland in March 2022, the Honourable Helen Bowskill has previously served as a Judge of the Supreme Court of Queensland since July 2017, and as the Senior Judge Administrator of the Supreme Court of Queensland from August 2021.

She previously served as a Judge of the District Court of Queensland from November 2014, in that capacity also sitting as a Judge of the Children’s Court of Queensland and the Planning and Environment Court.

Her Honour served as the Associate to the Honourable Justice Drummond of the Federal Court of Australia in 1996 and completed articles of clerkship with Minter Ellison in 1997. She was admitted as a solicitor in January 1998, and as a barrister in July 1998. She commenced practice at the private Bar in Brisbane in July 1998. Her Honour took silk in November 2013. As a barrister, she practised widely in public, administrative and commercial law areas, with a particular focus on native title law.

Her Honour is a member and current Chair of the Judicial Council on Diversity and Inclusion and is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Law.

Professor Ghil’ad Zuckermann - Panelist

Professor Ghil‘ad Zuckermann (DPhil Oxford; PhD Cambridge) is listed among Australia’s top 30 ‘living legends of research’ by The Australian newspaper (2024). He received the Rubinlicht Prize for his outstanding contribution to Yiddish scholarship in 2023. He is the Chair of the Jury for the Jeonju International Awards for Promoting Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Professor Zuckermann is the founder of Revivalistics, a new global, comparative, trans-disciplinary field of enquiry surrounding language reclamation, revitalization and reinvigoration. In 2011 he launched, with the Barngarla Aboriginal communities of Eyre Peninsula, South Australia, the reclamation of the Barngarla language.

He was elected fellow of the Academy of Oriental Scholars (Shanghai) in 2011 and the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) in 2014. He was President of the Australian Association for Jewish Studies in 2017-2023, President of AustraLex in 2013-2015, Chief Investigator in an NHMRC research project assessing language revival and mental health in 2017-2021, Australian Research Council (ARC) Discovery Fellow in 2007–2011, and Gulbenkian Research Fellow at Churchill College Cambridge in 2000-2004. He has been an elected board member of the Foundation for Endangered Languages (FEL).

He has been Consultant and Expert Witness in (corpus) lexicography, trademarks and (forensic) linguistics, in court cases all over the globe.

Zuckermann is Professor (Level E) at Flinders University (Adelaide), Adjunct Professor at the Institute for Positive Psychology and Education, Australian Catholic University (Sydney) and Visiting Professor at Middlebury College (Vermont, USA).

Sachem - Panelist 

Growing up on an island population of 2,500 people, Sachém holds both ancestral ties to Noonuccal (North Stradbroke Island) and Black America. His story, experience and approach to music are ones that the world has not seen before – reflecting both front-line First Nation / African American perspectives within the Australian environment and a deep understanding of the hip-hop community and its culture.

Recent Elefant Traks signee, Sachém, has opened at prestigious Music Awards, AFL Indigenous Round 2022, RPAC theatre & QPAC with his recent theatre show ‘The Bigger Picture’ featuring a 22 piece orchestra. Sachém has worked with artists such as LaRussell (Live Nation), Tom Thum, Nerve & LaTheGoat (Def Jam).

He was also awarded the 2017 Oodgeroo Noonuccal Poetry Prize (Queensland Poetry Festival), the 2020 Brisbane City Council Best Original Song Award and was recently nominated for a 2022 & 2024 QMA Award. His most recent project, ‘The Bigger Picture’ saw him earn the title of Feature Artist of the Week by triple J unearthed and Album of the Week by 4ZZZ. Not to mention, his live theatre show at QPAC brought in 700+ tickets and spoke so deeply to so many souls on Reconciliation Week 2023.

Tea Dietterich - Panelist 

Tea Dietterich is the Founder and CEO of 2M Language Services, Australia’s leading language service and language technology provider specialising in safe and ethical Language AI.

She leads the conversation on safe and customised Language AI in Australia, with recent achievements including the AI Translator App for Emergency Management Victoria (EMV), designed to promote safety equity among CALD communities.

Tea serves as President of the Australasian Association of Language Companies (AALC) and Chairman of the Board for the German Australian Business Alliance (iGABA) and is also Board and Council Member of University of Queensland BA Advisory Board, NAATI Regional Advisory Council and German Australian Chamber of Industry and Commerce. Tea is Adjunct Associate Professor at University of Queensland’s School of Languages and Cultures and a NAATI-certified Interpreter and Translator in her own right.

See why previous attendees love the Changing the Conversation Series:  

“An amazing night where I heard inspiring speakers and listened to a future that filled me with hope for a new direction.”  

“…extremely worthwhile. Some extremely interesting speakers from across the age range. I am looking forward to the next event.”  

“…the Multicultural Australia panelists were brilliant.” 

About

Celebrate International Women’s Day with an unforgettable night of laughter at Stand Up for Women, proudly presented by Multicultural Australia in partnership with the Sit Down Comedy Club.

Enjoy a stellar lineup of Queensland’s most talented female comedians, including Emma Zammit, Kat Davidson, Nan Chen, Bianca Cordez, Beth Martin, Jaimeson Gilders and Angela Greensill.

This special fundraising event promises an evening filled with comedy, connection, and community, with all proceeds supporting Queenslanders from refugee and migrant backgrounds.

Proudly Supported by Surf Lifesaving Queensland, the Dolphins, the Brisbane Lions, Queensland Theatre and the Broncos.

Tickets are limited so early bookings are encouraged.

BOOK NOW

Who is performing?

Kat Davidson

Emma Zammit

Nan Chen

Bianca Cordez

Beth Martin

Jaimeson Gilders

Angela Greensill

Kat Davidson

Who has 25 years comedy experience, brilliant stories and keeps the laughs coming, no matter who is in the audience? This lady….

Seeing Kat on stage is like visiting an old friend you haven’t met yet. She’s shared the stage with the world’s best comics (Stephen K Amos, Steven Wright, Dave Hughes to shamelessly name drop a few), tamed a shed full of drunk miners, kept a 21-year marriage off the rocks and is currently being parented by her ten year old.

Equally at home in a corporate venue or a room full of hens and bucks, Kat brings a fresh and intelligent view to her comedy. She tackles relationships, observations and random events with equal passion and her unique storytelling ability takes her audience along with her for the ride.

Kat has been a professional improviser since 1993, hosted Gala Events, coached blue chip companies in communication and worked a crowd from the back of a cattle truck. Occasionally, all at the same time!

She can be heard regularly across Queensland ABC radio, broadcasting through weather events, the Covid 19 pandemic and bringing the news and some much-needed laughter during lockdown and beyond. Kat has headlined the best comedy clubs in Australia and Canada and can also be regularly found at sea performing for huge crowds on P&O Cruise ships. Her festival shows include Untidy at the Brisbane Comedy Festival, husband and wife co-production He Said, She Said (with husband Stav Davidson) at multiple comedy festivals and venues, solo show Still Standing Up (Perth Fringe) and saucy two-hander Love Hurts with Emily Kristopher (Brisbane Fringe, Wonderland Festival, Adelaide Fringe).

Emma Zammit

Emma Zammit began her standup comedy career in early 2008 after her sister decided it was time to move her one liners out of the lounge room and enrolled her in a standup comedy writing course for the sake of family harmony.

After graduation, she was inspired to work the hard yards and tighten her comedy antics in Sydney and Perth, and she has never looked back.

Emma’s relaxed and relatable style has been a hit with audiences in comedy clubs and at corporate functions. Her musings on parenthood, people and everyday life make her a highly entertaining performer. Recently, she’s been the support act for Jimeoin at his Brisbane shows, and has been featured on Channel 10’s Drunk History and Waltzing Jimeoin.

Emma is available for corporate and private functions as both a Comedian and MC.

Nan Chen

Join local Brisbane legend Nan Chen as she dishes out the laughs with her unique take on comedy.

Bianca Cordez

Growing up as an ADHD, homeschooled, theatre kid in rural South Australia, Bianca Cordez managed to dodge what some might call a healthy dose of schoolyard bullying – unfortunately leaving us with the bundle of undeserved confidence and energy we see today.

After throwing herself into the world of stand up and being awarded runner-up and crowd favourite at Good Chat Comedy’s Brat Pack competition (2020), Bianca was propelled into the comedy scene to become a two-time Raw Comedy QLD State Finalist (2022, 2024), opening festival shows for heavy hitters like Bec Charlwood (Triple J, Spicks & Specks) and becoming a regular face on stages around SEQ.

Her debut festival split-bill Sunday Service, sold out in 2021, and she now co-produces Brisbane’s favorite queer/femme comedy show Not a Boy’s Club, which made its Brisbane Comedy Festival debut in 2024.

Bianca uses comedy to tell stories about her hometown, growing up homeschooled and just plain unconventional childhood because hey, it’s cheaper than therapy.

Beth Martin

Since beginning stand-up comedy in early 2024, Beth Martin has become a regular in Brisbane’s comedy scene. Her sweet appearance belies a subversive sense of humour, often described as unexpectedly edgy.

Outside comedy, Beth has a background in independent theatre. She has trained and performed with Impro Melbourne, hosted storytelling sessions for pre-schoolers, and performed with Ipswich Little Theatre. In 2021, she earned a spot on Theatre Haus’s “Wall of Faves” for her role in “The Savannah Sipping Society”.

Jaimeson Gilders

Jaimeson Gilders is one of Brisbane’s most promising rising comedians.

Kicking off her career in 2019, she was a finalist in Good Chat Comedy Club’s inaugural Brat Pack competition, and has since become a regular in the Brisbane scene. Jaimeson went on to support the likes of Randy Feltface and Mel Buttle at their sold out Brisbane shows and grace festival stages at Yonder and Junglelove.

Jaimeson has quickly cemented herself as a vivid storyteller with memorable punchlines. With only four years of stage time under her belt, she is a natural with a stage presence beyond her years. The daughter of a lighting technician and a comic, Jaimeson is purpose built to put on great show.

Jaimeson was the winner of the Queensland State Final of RAW Comedy in 2024, performing in the National Grand Final during the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

With a style described as “debonair and ridiculous” she’s a certified quirky girl with pink hair and more breakup stories than she’d like to admit to. This whirlwind of a woman is goofy, earnest and would really love to make your day.

Angela Greensill

The enigmatic Angela Greensill will keep you guessing.

Surprising and a bit messed up, her razor sharp wit is a sure crowd pleaser. Her punchline driven comedy really packs a punch and should not be missed.

Seasoned from performing at venues around the country, this up and coming talent is really hitting her stride.

As a professional writer, Angela is known for her well written jokes. Drawing on her colourful life experiences Angela will entertain you with thought provoking premises and a peppering of, ‘Did she really just say that?’ moments… And did she really write all of that about herself…

Get ready to light up Brisbane!

Foundation Partner

Volunteer Partner

Corporate Partner

Community Partner

Partner with us on the 2025 LUMINOUS Festival – see Partnership opportunities here

Get ready to light up Rockhampton!

Foundation Partner

Get ready to light up Gold Coast!

Foundation Partner

About This Event

Section heading

About This Event

About Changing the Conversation

Benjamin Law - Facilitator

The Hon Chief Justice Helen Bowskill - Panelist

Professor Ghil’ad Zuckermann - Panelist

Sachem - Panelist

Tea Dietterich - Panelist

About

Who is performing?

Kat Davidson

Emma Zammit

Nan Chen

Bianca Cordez

Beth Martin

Jaimeson Gilders

Angela Greensill

Community Centres

Community Support

About

Diversity & Inclusion

How Can You Help

Explore & Learn

Additional Resources

About Changing the Conversation 

Benjamin Law - Facilitator 

Sachem - Panelist 

Tea Dietterich - Panelist 