Q Shelter and Multicultural Australia are calling on Queensland government leaders and key decision-makers to engage in thoughtful discussions about migration and long-term population planning to ensure a prosperous and inclusive Queensland for all residents.

Multicultural Australia CEO, Christine Castley, emphasised the importance of meaningful discourse.

“Migration should not be used as a scapegoat for housing shortages and systemic issues,” Ms Castley said.

“Instead, the focus must be on comprehensive, long-term planning to address the challenges we face.”

Q Shelter CEO, Fiona Caniglia, echoed this sentiment, stressing the need for collaboration across all levels of leadership.

“The housing crisis we face today is the result of decades of underinvestment in social housing,” Ms Caniglia said.

“Migration levels, both pre- and post-pandemic, are not the primary cause of these challenges.

“Housing prices have been rising even as annual migration levels remained steady before the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Reducing migration as a solution is not only unsupported by data but also carries significant social and economic consequences.”

Ms Castley reiterated the need for an in-depth discussion on migration:

“In regions like South-East Queensland, the internal movement of Australian residents compounds the effects of both immigration and natural population growth.

“In 2023, Queensland and Western Australia were the only two states with positive interstate migration, at 31,000+ and 10,000+ respectively.

“And by example, skilled migrants are crucial in the construction sector; thus, the conversation must also focus on the significant economic contributions migrants make in Queensland.”

Ms Castley and Caniglia both cautioned against using migration as a focal point for populist rhetoric.

“Shifting the blame and pitting groups against each other does not help us move forward,” Ms Castley warned.

“At Multicultural Australia, we are committed to building a community that is welcoming, caring and inclusive.”

“We do this in partnership with sector partners such as Q Shelter, government, corporates, and communities.

“It is therefore imperative that leaders across our community commit to engaging in conversations that are productive and contribute to nation building.”

To tackle Queensland’s housing affordability issues, Q Shelter and Multicultural Australia advocate for increasing housing supply in line with demand, as opposed to placing undue blame on migrant communities. 

About Multicultural Australia

Multicultural Australia is Queensland’s leading humanitarian settlement provider, dedicated to promoting a diverse and inclusive community, where people from all cultures can contribute and thrive.

About Q Shelter

Q Shelter works to ensure that all Queenslanders have access to affordable, safe, and appropriate housing, advocating for systemic solutions to housing challenges.

For Media enquiries, please contact:

Stanton Dunn
Communications, Marketing and Events Manager, Multicultural Australia
0493 291 699
standond@mcaus.org.au

Multicultural Australia’s LUMINOUS Festival will illuminate Brisbane’s Cultural Precinct as the launch event for Multicultural Queensland Month, this Saturday, 3 August, at South Bank Parklands from 11am – 8pm.

Bringing together the largest multicultural festival in Queensland’s history, LUMINOUS Festival 2024 is an amalgamation of Multicultural Australia’s LUMINOUS Lantern Parade and MOSAIC Multicultural Festival.

Kicking off with the official opening ceremony at 10.30am, the festival includes music and dance performances on the Suncorp Mainstage, cooking demonstrations at the SBS Cultural Kitchen, music and dance workshops at the Connecting Through Arts stage, food, arts and craft stalls from the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs Cultural Marketplace, sport activations at the Queensland Government Department of Tourism and Sport Connecting Through Sport space, kids activities at the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care kids zone, and lanterns galore at the Brisbane Airport Lantern Parade at 6pm.

Christine Castley, Multicultural Australia CEO, shared her excitement about the reshaped event.

“This year, we are bringing LUMINOUS and MOSAIC together to create an experience that truly showcases the contributions and talents of Queensland’s multicultural communities,” Ms Castley said.

“The LUMINOUS Lantern Parade has a simple and powerful message of welcome, connection and belonging. It is an invite for people from across communities to walk with us in support of new Queenslanders and play an active role in creating a community that embraces people from all walks of life.

“Our MOSAIC Multicultural Festival brings the stories, traditions, and talents of culturally diverse communities to the fore, through music, dance, food, and fashion.

“Bringing our two flagship events together is an opportunity to engage more Queenslanders on our journey to create welcome and belonging and deliver the largest multicultural festival our State has ever seen.

Hosted at South Bank Parklands, Brisbane’s Cultural Precinct, the event will feature live music and dance performances, cooking demonstrations from refugee and migrant home chefs, immersive music and dance workshops, sport activations, zones for kids aged six and under, and youth, food trucks and arts and craft stalls.

The evening will be highlighted by the lantern parade procession at dusk, followed by a high-energy performance from Queensland’s premier Latin American band, The Mad Mariachi, to close out the festivities.

LUMINOUS lantern parade began as a candlelight march in support of refugees and asylum seekers in 2008. Now in its 17^th year, Christine emphasised the need for unity.

“In a time of global conflict and many social challenges, we need to be intentional about how we come together as a community to celebrate the joy of true welcome, connection and belonging.

“LUMINOUS Festival is a chance for us to get to know our neighbours better and learn more about the wonderful people who call Queensland home.

“I invite you to walk with us on our journey.”

LUMINOUS Festival is delivered by Multicultural Australia, Queensland’s leading settlement provider, with support from strategic partners – Brisbane City Council, Suncorp Group, the Queensland Government Department of Multicultural Affairs and South Bank Corporation – and valued sponsors Yabbr, the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs, the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, the Queensland Government Department of Tourism and Sport, Brisbane Airport Corporation, SBS, Hastings Deering, QPASTT, TAFE Queensland, Queensland Human Rights Commission, Cultural Perspectives, BlueApache, CSNet, Carers Queensland, Brisbane Lions, Brisbane Catholic Education, Queensland Theatre, Brisbane Catholic Justice & Peace Commission and Multilink Community Services. 

For Media enquiries, please contact:
Stanton Dunn
Communications, Marketing and Events Manager, Multicultural Australia
0493 291 699
standond@mcaus.org.au

Multicultural Australia calls on all political leaders to engage in responsible and thoughtful discussions on migration to ensure the focus is firmly set on long-term population planning for a prosperous and inclusive future for everyone. 

“We know what the issues are – the housing crisis, healthcare, education, infrastructure, access to community services and cost of living. This is an important conversation that we must have as a broader Australian community without resorting to simply blaming migrants. What we heard so far is an over-simplistic response to a very nuanced and complex set of issues. 

A strong, diverse economy and population is critical to Queensland and Australia – to address local skills shortages, an ageing population and to boost our growth. 

“The debate we are having is really about housing, infrastructure and the services that government should be providing to support Australians who need it. These issues are complex and need to be solved by looking at all the reasons why we have a housing shortage and what is getting in the way of delivering the housing supply we need. The Australian Government has already announced significant cuts to our migration numbers, and further reductions will not solve the problem. We also need to remember that migration in Australia includes both domestic and international migration. 

Ms Castley called on leaders from across the political spectrum to responsibly and authentically engage in the discussion of migration. 

The current conversation is a distraction from tackling the real issues and does not address the role of migration as an important part of our longer-term well-being and security. It does not provide Australians with the right information to understand the real issues underpinning our housing and infrastructure challenges and it is potentially a dangerous conversation because it risks impacting our social cohesion by locating migrants in opposition to locals and crucially, it ignores the risks to our economy from turning away the same skilled prospective migrants we would seek to invite to Australia, to help our economic and productivity growth.  

“The comments that have come from politicians representing different political parties and ideologies highlight the need for us to grow-up as a country. 

“This is a plea for our leaders to focus on what the best population outcomes are for us as a country and what a sustainable, strategic, and responsible migration program could look like if it is part of a broader population planning strategy. 

“Let’s have a robust and evidence-based discussion that highlights the real issues and looks at practical solutions without political point scoring.” 

Ms Castley emphasised the need for the conversation to be handled with care.  

“We need to ensure that this does not become a divisive and racist conversation. 

“Australia is widely regarded as one of the most successful multicultural nations in the world, and it is important that as we have a complex conversation about the future of migration, that we also remember and celebrate our success story of multiculturalism – economically, socially, and culturally. 

“Australians who come from different cultural, faith and national backgrounds cannot be made to feel that they do not belong. 

“Accurate information must be presented to our communities, and a diversity of voices from across the broader community must be given the opportunity to contribute to the conversation. 

“It is our collective responsibility to create an Australia that we can all be proud of.” 

 
For Media enquiries, please contact:
Stanton Dunn
Communications, Marketing and Events Manager, Multicultural Australia
0493 291 699
standond@mcaus.org.au

Following a successful season in 2023, Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) and Multicultural Australia are thrilled to announce the return of Changing the Conversation, a four-part series unpacking issues affecting all Australians.

Featuring facilitator led panels of thought leaders, Changing the Conversation explores a wide range of topics that captivate audiences and challenge views.

Multicultural Australia CEO, Christine Castley, envisions the 2024 series as an opportunity for Queenslanders to think critically about nation building.

“This series is a chance for people from across our community to engage in important and complex conversations about the state of Australia and the future we collectively and individually hope to build,” Christine said.

“We are keen to delve into the conversations and debates that many of us are having at our dinner tables and in our workplaces.”

“I am confident that the topics we explore will resonate with Queenslanders and help provide better connection with lived experiences and worldviews of people from different backgrounds.”

QPAC Chief Executive, John Kotzas AM, said the Centre was pleased to partner with Multicultural Australia to present the second Changing the Conversation series.

The series is part of a multi-year partnership with Multicultural Australia aimed at providing accessible and inclusive experiences through the arts.

“Cultural institutions are essential to vibrant communities and healthy democracies. For QPAC, it is important to offer a rich and diverse program of live performance and conversation events that provides entertainment as well as opportunities to experience other viewpoints,” John said.

“The 2024 conversation series promises stimulating and thought-provoking discussions that will explore different perspectives and dimensions of our multicultural society on relevant, challenging and important topics for us all,” John said.

This year’s lineup promises to mirror the rich diversity of Queensland.

“We have a fantastic lineup of experts and storytellers from across our community participating in our conversations this year,” Christine said.

“From academics to leaders in the corporate, community, sports and arts sectors, we are ensuring that voices from more parts of our community are included and heard.

“Each conversation will also feature a curated performance to help contextualise the discussion and showcase the talent and diversity of our multicultural community.”

The 2024 series launches on 12 March with Changing the game: Sport, women, and culture, a stimulating discussion about what happens when the world of sport, the world of women and the world of multiculturalism collide.

Discussions to follow include Culture in conflict: talking about world news when it hits home on 25 June, Who are we? Identity in a multicultural Australia on 20 August and Words that bind: creating unity through our many languages on 19 November.

Tickets for all events are now available, with discounted rates for those eager to experience the entire series. Secure your tickets today through  https://www.qpac.com.au/whats-on/changing-the-conversation

Changing the Conversation events’ panel members and facilitator to be announced.

For Media enquiries, please contact:
Stanton Dunn
Communications, Marketing and Events Manager, Multicultural Australia
0493 291 699
standond@multiculturalaustralia.org.au

Multicultural Australia is distressed and concerned about statements made by the President of the Queensland Police Union in a Courier Mail Opinion Piece (25/10/2023).

As an organisation committed to creating belonging and inclusion for all Australians, we believe in our individual and collective responsibility to strive for justice, equality and reconciliation for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Multicultural Australia CEO Christine Castley says that Mr Leavers’ comments ignore the uncomfortable truth that our First Nations peoples continue to experience the deep and enduring impacts of colonisation, intergenerational trauma and systemic racism resulting in disproportionately higher risks of homelessness, incarceration, unemployment, complex health issues, disrupted education, domestic violence and neglect.

“The lives of some of the most vulnerable in our community, especially our young people, should not be a political game. These comments are divisive and harmful at a time when we should be coming together to work towards reconciliation and healing, and to focus on ways to bring us all together and to heal,” Ms Castley said

Queensland African Communities Council deplores the irresponsible comments made by the President of Queensland Police Union, said, Beny Bol OAM, President of QACC.
“Words from leaders and people in the position of power, influence and authority have profound impact on how we live with and treat each other as citizens,” Mr Bol added. ” We’re all on the journey of healing and recovery with our First Nations people, and we fully echo the statement by Multicultural Australia.”

Multicultural Australia joins with our community services colleagues and QCOSS in condemning the Police Union President’s comments.

We also emphasise the reminder from the Queensland Human Rights Commissioner to media outlets, commentators and people making comments in public spaces (including online) to remember that Queensland’s Anti-Discrimination Act makes vilification unlawful – this incudes any public statement that incites hatred, serious contempt or severe ridicule on matters of public interest where the words are delivered in bad faith.

Federal State Treasurer, the Hon Jim Chalmers and State Treasurer, the Hon Cameron Dick, officially opened Multicultural Australia’s new Logan office and unveiled a specially commissioned Indigenous artwork on Friday, 8 September.

Minister Jim Chalmers (Rankin) and Minister Cameron Dick (Woodridge) represent culturally diverse electorates in Queensland.

Both commend Multicultural Australia’s (MA) vital work in Logan – Queensland’s most ethnically diverse city.

Multicultural Australia CEO, Christine Castley, said that Multicultural Australia is very keen for community to feel at home in the space, and access it for support and services that will help them feel a sense of belonging in their local community.

“This office space is purpose-built for our community – with prayer rooms, kids play areas, lounge areas and meeting rooms.

“For more than a decade, we have shared an office space with our partner organisation and good friends at QPASTT, reflecting the close relationship that we share through our co-location not just in Logan, but also in other Queensland locations such as Brisbane and Toowoomba.

“While we have now both moved to new spaces in Logan, we continue to work closely together.

“Many of our staff live in Logan – which means they know this community inside out and are passionate about the people they serve.

“And many of them also have lived experience as refugees and migrants, and all our staff apply a culturally humble and client centred practice framework.
“More than 50% of our clients settle in the Logan region.

“Over the next few months, we will welcome upwards of 800 displaced children and adults across Queensland.

“Our aim is to provide every new arrival not just with housing, health, schooling, and employment services, but also the foundations that everyone needs to establish themselves and ultimately position them on the path to Independence.”
Friday’s opening is another highlight as Multicultural Australia celebrates 25 years of advancing multiculturalism in Queensland.

Guests attending also had the opportunity to taste a selection of international dishes.

The special foods, prepared by home chefs from migrant and refugee backgrounds will feature at Multicultural Australia’s MOSAIC Festival at Roma Street Parklands on Sunday 17 September.

Multicultural Australia and the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) signed a multi-year partnership today, connecting the multicultural community in Queensland to opportunities in the arts.

The Connecting Through Arts partnership was launched with Minister for the Arts, Leeanne Enoch, and Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Leanne Linard, in attendance.

Multicultural Australia CEO, Christine Castley, said the partnership is a significant step in improving arts access and equity for the multicultural community across Queensland and will open doors for culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

“Our Connecting Through Arts partnership is an opportunity to transform the arts landscape in Queensland,” Ms Castley said.

“There is tremendous potential for our multicultural communities to enrich the Queensland performing arts landscape, and very real benefits if we create pathways and remove barriers for individuals from multicultural backgrounds – this is an exciting step forward to ensure that we are fully tapping into the significant and diverse talent that exists in our community.”

“We acknowledge the barriers that individuals from multicultural backgrounds face – this is the next step on the journey, where we co-design programs to address the barriers.”

Queensland Performing Arts Centre Chief Executive, John Kotzas, said accessibility is an essential consideration in creating a thriving arts culture for everyone.

“It is important that we work towards creating a sector that reflects the communities we serve and our state,” Mr Kotzas said.

“Our partnership with Multicultural Australia is a systematic and creative approach that will move us in the right direction.”

The QPAC and MA partnership will focus on engagement, participation, and experience. The launch of the MOSAIC Choir, which celebrates our cultural diversity through song, is one exciting project. The MOSAIC Choir will join a line-up of artists in QPAC’s 2023 Songs of Hope concert on 6 June in QPAC’s Concert Hall.

The concert raises funds and awareness for HEAL (Healing through Expressive Arts and Learning), a charity providing expressive arts therapies to young people from refugee backgrounds in Queensland.

The collaboration is also providing an exciting platform for the Changing the Conversation series – four stimulating events across the year that explore different dimensions of our cultural diversity. The theme for the first Changing the Conversation event in March was the First Nations Voice to Parliament, attracting a diverse audience of more than 700. Future Changing the Conversation events include Cultural and Human Rights in the Digital Age on 14 June at the QPAC Concert Hall (tickets currently on sale), Brave Conversations About Multiculturalism in August, and Creating Belonging Through Storytelling in November.

Additional exciting initiatives underway through the partnership include work placement opportunities, mentoring, translated performances and tours, and opportunities to connect the multicultural community with the broader cultural precinct at South Bank.