Get the giggles this International Women’s Day at Stand Up for Women – a Multicultural Australia and Sit Down Comedy Club fundraiser featuring an all-female collective of Queensland’s finest comics including: Emma Zammit, Kat Davidson, Nan Chen, Bianca Cordez, Beth Martin, Jaimeson Gilders, and Angela Greensill.
All proceeds support Queenslanders from refugee and migrant backgrounds.
Stand Up for Women is proudly supported by Surf Lifesaving Queensland, The Dolphins, The Brisbane Lions, and The Queensland Theatre.
Click on the left-hand column to find out more.
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.
With a career spanning 24 years, 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, tamed a shed full of drunk miners, and brings a fresh and intelligent view to her comedy.
She can be heard regularly across Queensland ABC radio, broadcasting through 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.
She enjoyed sell out seasons of her original show Untidy at the 2012 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 2018) and saucy two hander Love Hurts with Emily Kristopher (Brisbane Fringe, Wonderland Festival 2018, Adelaide Fringe 2019), venues around Brisbane and P&O ships.
A local comedian with an amazing style and a killer dead-pan delivery, Nan has truly become a staple of a good night across Brisbane comedy over the last few years!
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 favourite 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.
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 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.
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…
Come along with your family and friends and be part of this enduring tradition celebrating Queensland’s rich diversity!
Proudly supported by:
A must-do event in the Queensland calendar, the LUMINOUS Festival celebrates Queensland by focusing on the many cultures, languages and worldviews that make up our state.
LUMINOUS attracts supporters across the community – from government, corporate and community organisations to indigenous elders, migrant and refugee communities, religious organisations, school groups and more. The procession culminates with a wide range of performances that showcase the talent and contribution of our culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
‘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 ‘Fremont’, an incredible feature film about a former Afghan translator struggling to put her life back together, when a simple message in a cookie brings a moment of revelation.
The evening will feature performances from Brisbane Esai Arts of Tamils and Tarpuy Australia.
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 $15 per person plus $2 transaction fee per order.
Any questions?
Contact events@mcaus.org.au and our events team will be in touch.
View the trailer below and download the brochure here.
‘Our Journey’ is held in partnership with 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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As part of AFL’s upcoming multicultural round with the Brisbane Lions, Multicultural Australia is proud to be the selected organisation for the 50:50 Charity Raffle. The raffle will take place during Round 19 – Lions vs Sydney Swans game on Sunday, 21 July 2024.
Online ticket sales will begin on Monday, 15 July, and will be available until half time on game day – look for the ticket sellers wearing Multicultural Australia shirts!
The winner takes home 50% of proceeds from ticket sales, plus Multicultural Australia receives the other portion to build welcome, belonging and inclusion in our community. This year the Brisbane Lions have announced a $10,000 Guaranteed Cash Prize to give away for the raffle! A real win/win!
Your generous contribution of time and effort will enable us to continue delivering essential services and programs that empower individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Get your friends, family members or work team together to sell 50-50 Charity Raffle tickets at AFL’s Multicultural Round!
As a dedicated volunteer, you’ll be selling tickets to members and fans, raising vital funds and get amongst the thrill of the stadium.
No prior experience is required; whether you have a passion for sports, a commitment to community engagement, or simply a desire to make a difference, we welcome your participation.
Read the full role description here.
Online ticket sales open on Monday, 15 July.
Multicultural Australia cares for Queenslanders from refugee and migrant backgrounds with tailored care that meet the direct needs of our clients and communities.
With the support of the broader community, we are creating welcome and belonging for people from all backgrounds and changing the conversation about multiculturalism in Australia.
Donate today to make a difference in the lives of new Queenslanders.
A must-do event in the Queensland calendar, the LUMINOUS Festival celebrates Queensland by focusing on the many cultures, languages and worldviews that make up our state.
LUMINOUS attracts supporters across the community – from government, corporate and community organisations to indigenous elders, migrant and refugee communities, religious organisations, school groups and more. The procession culminates with a wide range of performances that showcase the talent and contribution of our culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
Explore the LUMINOUS Festival program
View the LUMINOUS Festival map
Join us on Saturday 3 August at South Bank Parklands for the LUMINOUS Festival, kicking off Queensland Multicultural Month with a spectacular display of our vibrant cultural diversity at Brisbane’s Cultural Precinct.
For those looking to start Queensland Multicultural Month in the best way possible, we recommend attending LUMINOUS Festival.
Expect a magical cultural mix of entertainment, delicious food, fun activities, and an unforgettable lantern parade.
LUMINOUS Festival is Queensland’s largest multicultural event, created to showcase that a multicultural Australia is a better Australia and that all Australians are welcome. It’s the great big warm hug you need to kick off your August.
Remember to bring a hat, sunscreen, and something to sit on as you settle in for a day full of excitement and community spirit.
There is something for the whole family to do, and its free!
A must-do event in the Queensland calendar, the LUMINOUS Festival celebrates Queensland by focusing on the many cultures, languages and worldviews that make up our state.
In 2024, our LUMINOUS in the Regions and Neighbourhoods run from April to August and culminate in a community led lantern procession in South Bank showcasing the diversity and creativity of Brisbane’s greatest assets – its people. LUMINOUS at South Bank will be held on Saturday 3 August 2024.
LUMINOUS attracts supporters across the community – from government, corporate and community organisations to indigenous elders, migrant and refugee communities, religious organisations, school groups and more. The procession culminates with a wide range of performances that showcase the talent and contribution of our culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
Download your free LUMINOUS Festival poster here!
LUMINOUS Festival is proudly supported by Multicultural Affairs Queensland. Learn more about Multicultural Queensland Month activities here
Open now!! Introducing our inaugural LUMINOUS Raffle!! Enter the draw here to win one of three truly incredible prize packages, brought to you by our generous raffle sponsors QPAC, Brisbane LIONS, Queensland Theatre, La Boite Theatre, Alemre Group and the Brisbane Broncos.
100% of money raised goes back into supporting Multicultural Australia to promote welcome, belonging, and inclusion across Queensland’s culturally diverse communities. Support us, to support others.
Buy raffle tickets here- https://bit.ly/4d521nL
Kicking off at 11am, on the Riverside Green:
11.10am Tokoton Taiko Drummers
11.30am Mabel Park State High School
11.45am Farid Maqsodi
12.15pm Mango Matic
1pm ‘Bring a Plate’ Dance Group
1.20pm Presenting Bangladesh
1.40pm Paradox Dance Academy
1.50pm Tazumal Salvadoran Dance Group
2pm Indangamirwa
2.15pm APQI Bollywood Dance
2.25pm Tarpuy Australia
3pm Mongolian Association
3.20pm Hiraya Performing Arts
3.35pm Karenni Youth of Queensland
3.45pm Tibetan Dance Group
3.55pm QGMC – Qld Guangxi Multicultural Community
4.10pm Heilani Polynesian School
4.25pm Rhythm and Roots
4.35pm Samford Valley Steiner School
4.45pm Bolivia Marka
4.55pm Yuliya Rai & Iryna Pyrog
5.10pm Belswagger Morris
5.25pm Samba Life
5.40pm Rush Mabanana
6pm LUMINOUS Lantern Parade
7.15pm The Mad Mariachi – Headline act
8pm Event concludes
Cooking demonstrations will be held on the hour from 11am in the South Bank Piazza.
11am Persian cuisine
12pm South Sudanese cuisine
1pm Rohingya cuisine
2pm Sri-Lankan cuisine
3pm Samoan cuisine
11.40am Groove to smooth vibes with African drumming lessons by Samoko
12:40pm Experience the rhythms of tradition with Al Zayton Palestinian Dabke Troupe
1:40pm Unleash your creativity with the Filipino Australian Creative Arts Ensemble
2:40pm Dance your heart out at the high-energy ‘Bring a Plate’ workshop
3:40pm Feel the heat and learn salsa moves with Samba Life
4:00pm Get into the groove with our Caribbean Cuban dance workshop
4:50pm End on a high bote with Tichawona’s drumming circle
44Degrees Cafe
Little Nyonya
Yeshi Buna
Afghan Cuisine Toowoomba
Yum Yum East
Chimi
Queensland Turkish Women Association
University of Queensland
Bint El Sudan
Suncorp
SES
Queensland Guangxi Multicultural Communities
Carers Queensland
Nemy Beauty
Ethni
Hastings Deering
MultiLink Community Services
Ukrainian Community of Queensland
Brisbane Airport
Hierba Santa
Afghan Traditional Sweets
Asils Middle Eastern Cuisine
Sita’s Skewers
Mu’ooz
West Africa Baiana Food
Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers
Liberian Association of Queensland
Tibetan Community
Welcome Cafe
MA Youth – Lantern Making
African Style Hair & Face Paint
VoRTCS
QPASTT
Cultural Perspectives
Queensland Government
Somali Community
Mama Joska
Come and try your hand at various sports on the Little Stanley Lawns from 11am to 5pm, featuring Queensland AFL, Brisbane Lions, Football Queensland, and even a unique chance to experience Mongolian Knuckle Bone!
Our foundation partners
Venue partner
Festival partners
Learn more about our LUMINOUS Festival partners:
Queensland Government Department of Multicultural Affairs
Australian Government Department of Home Affairs
Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
Queensland Government Department of Tourism and Sport
Queensland Human Rights Commission
Brisbane Catholic Justice & Peace Commission
Delivered in partnership with AMES Australia.
LUMINOUS in the Regions – Rockhampton, is excited to be a part of this year’s Taste of the World Cultural Festival, to be held at Riverside Park.
Multicultural Australia in partnership with QPAC is excited to be hosting Changing the Conversation: Who Are We?: Identity in a Multicultural Australia, the third in our 2024 series of thought-provoking discussions exploring key issues in our increasingly multicultural society.
What does it mean to be Australian today? Engage in a conversation with our panel about our national identity as we explore the reality of our present-day cultural diversity and unravel ideas of belonging, heritage and collective identity. How do we come to terms with an ever-changing idea of what it means to be ‘Australian’ that is moving away from the traditionally accepted stereotypes of a Euro-centric, monolingual population to a much more diverse face of Australia? Explore the dimensions of historical roots, multicultural influences and contemporary values that are shaping our understanding of Australia’s national identity.
Who Are We? – Identity in a Multicultural Australia is supported by the Department of Multicultural Affairs as part of Multicultural Queensland Month.
Click on ‘Book Now’ to be directed to QPAC ticket sales – it’s essential that tickets are pre-booked.
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. Who Are We?: Identity in a Multicultural Australia is the third of four events in this series to be held in 2024.
We look forward to you engaging with this conversation.
Yumi Stynes is a broadcaster and author. She has been working in Australian media for more than two decades, first as a music reporter, arts reporter and pop culture interviewer to working now as a writer and authority on sex education, consent, women’s issues, race issues, food and art. She is the face and voice of the hugely popular ABC podcast, ‘Ladies, We Need to Talk’, ‘I Heart Trivia’ on I Heart Radio, the podcast ‘SEEN’ on SBS, and the popular food podcast ‘5 Minute Food Fix’.
Yumi is the co-author of the acclaimed ‘Welcome To’ book series which shot to fame (and best-seller lists) in 2023 when right-wing fascists tried to have ‘Welcome to Sex’ withdrawn from sale.
She also released a spin-off book from her food podcast in 2023, called The Food Fix.
An accomplished MC, facilitator and speaker; Yumi hosted recent events including the 2023 Sydney Writers Festival Great Debate, the Newcastle ‘New Annual’ multicultural arts and music festival in 2023, She Leads Conferences, Art After Hours at AGNSW, Rural Sexual Health Conference, Women in Leadership Symposium and NSW Western Region Primary Principals Association. This year (2024) you will continue to hear Yumi on her podcasts while she works on her next two books.
Dinesh is a doctor, lawyer, disability advocate, and researcher. While in medical school, he was involved in a car accident that caused a spinal cord injury. He was Queensland’s first quadriplegic medical intern.
An award-winning individual both professionally and personally, Dinesh was the Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service’s Junior Doctor of the Year in 2018. He was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2019. He was the third Australian to be awarded a Henry Viscardi Achievement Award. He was the 2021 Griffith University Young Alumnus of the Year. Dinesh was the Queensland Australian of the Year for 2021. In 2022, Dinesh was listed as number 33 in the Courier Mail’s top 100 power list for Queensland’s most influential in health and wellbeing. His autobiography, Stronger, was published by Pan Macmillan in 2022.
He is a strong advocate and leader for human rights and inclusion, serving in many capacities to build the understanding and capability of the Queensland community regarding people with disabilities.
Courtney Stewart is an acclaimed director, dramaturg, actor and teaching artist with a deep passion for intercultural works and multicultural dramaturgies. She is the current Artistic Director and CEO of La Boite Theatre.
A proud Queenslander, Courtney started her professional career as an actor before honing her talents as a director, dramaturg, diversity advocate, and change maker for some of the country’s most prolific companies and organisations, including Sydney Theatre Company (as Directing Associate and Richard Wherrett Fellow), Belvoir, and Contemporary Asian Australian Performance (as Artistic Associate).
Courtney was previously Chair of the Equity Diversity Committee, a delegate to the National Performers Committee, and a former board member for Contemporary Asian Australian Performance.
Dr Indigo Willing is the creator and co-founder of award-winning community projects focused on diversity and inclusion.
Her activities span social worlds that reflect her diverse background and lived experiences as a Vietnam War orphan and adoptee, an Asian Australian, academic and skateboarder.
She is a co-founder of the women and Queer-led networks – Consent is Rad, and We Skate QLD – and is a part of the Skating/Sustainability/Health Research/Environmental Design (SSHRED) team. She is also the Co-Chair of the International Advisory Board for Skateistan. Reflecting her other community connections, she is also the founder of the Adopted Vietnamese International (AVI) network, and convenes the Asian Australian Films, Forum, and News Network.
Murray Benton is an Aboriginal Barkindji Koori man from Central West New South Wales. He is a valued part of the leadership team with Q Shelter, a peak body working to influence solutions to housing need and homelessness in Queensland.
He is a member of the Child Death Review Board with the Queensland Family and Child Commission, a Board Director of Bendigo Bank Gympie Branch, and a Community Partner with White Ribbon Australia.
Murray holds an impressive record of working closely with government departments and non-government agencies to deliver specialist homelessness and dignity services. His experience spans crisis response and accommodation programs, case management and risk, state and federal emergency relief, primary sexual and reproductive health and antenatal care, natural disaster response, domestic family and sexual violence supports including refuge, multicultural migrant services, community housing organisations, and more. He is also a fierce advocate in first nations space and achieved international exposure through his advocacy in youth mental health and suicide prevention. He has overcome many adverse childhood experience shaping the person he is today.
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.”
Celebrate the cultural diversity of the Gold Coast with food and performances from around the world, and an opportunity to walk in our parade, spreading the message of welcome to new members of our community.
A must-do event in the Queensland calendar, the LUMINOUS Festival celebrates Queensland by focusing on the many cultures, languages and worldviews that make up our state.
In 2024, our LUMINOUS in the Regions and Neighbourhoods run from April to August and culminate in a community led lantern procession in South Bank showcasing the diversity and creativity of Brisbane’s greatest assets – its people. LUMINOUS at South Bank will be held on Saturday 3 August 2024.
LUMINOUS attracts supporters across the community – from government, corporate and community organisations to indigenous elders, migrant and refugee communities, religious organisations, school groups and more. The procession culminates with a wide range of performances that showcase the talent and contribution of our culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
Multicultural Australia acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we meet today.
As the world’s oldest living cultures, we recognise that Australia always has been and always will be Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land.
We who come from many places pay our respects to Elders throughout all time and commit to learning from the knowledge, traditions, stories, spirituality, and experiences of Aboriginal people as we learn to live on their land.
We walk together in solidarity of the pain of the past, and in shared hope for the future.
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