ECCQ - Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland

19/06/2026

"Six months ago, the Bondi Junction terrorist attack shook our nation and broke hearts across our communities.

ECCQ stands against violence in all forms directed at anyone. We remember all those affected and remain committed to an Australia where everyone feels safe and welcome." - Lisa Ward, Chief Executive Officer

19/06/2026

Do you speak more than one language and want to explore career opportunities in interpreting?

Join this free in-person workshop in Rockhampton to learn about interpreter certification pathways, employment opportunities, and the skills needed to build a rewarding career in language services.

The Interpreter Employment Success Program (IESP), delivered by ECCQ in partnership with 2M Language Services and supported by NAATI, is helping bilingual Queenslanders take the next step towards becoming professional interpreters.

📅 8 August 2026 | 9am–2pm AEST
📍 Rockhampton Bowls Club
🍵 Morning tea and lunch provided

Register for the program: www.eccq.info/AccessIESP
Register for the workshop: www.eccq.info/IESPWorkshop4
This project is proudly funded by the Queensland Government.

18/06/2026

Australia has always been multicultural — and that's something worth celebrating.

ECCQ proudly stands with FECCA in rejecting recent calls for a 'monocultural' Australia. From the First Nations peoples who have cared for this land for tens of thousands of years, to every community that has made Australia home, our diversity is not a problem to be solved. It is one of our greatest strengths.

As FECCA Chair Peter Doukas OAM put it, our multiculturalism has helped build a society that is more prosperous, innovative and cohesive.

We believe that every person, regardless of cultural background, faith or place of birth deserves to be treated with respect and dignity, and to have a full place in this community.

That's the Australia we know. That's the Australia we fight for. ❤️

Read FECCA's full statement below and share it with your networks. 👇

𝗠𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗔 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧: 𝗙𝗘𝗖𝗖𝗔 𝗥𝗲𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗣𝗮𝘂𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗛𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗻’𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 ‘𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗺’

Senator Pauline Hanson’s address to the National Press Club, in which she described multiculturalism as a failed policy and called for a “monocultural” Australia is of great concern to FECCA.

We reject this completely.

Ms Hanson’s statement about a ‘monocultural Australia’ is an attempt to resurrect the White Australia Policy. FECCA will campaign along with our state and territory members and millions of Australians to reinforce the value of multiculturalism and reject divisive narratives.

We believe this fight is for Australia.

👉 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: fecca.org.au/media

17/06/2026

Working with children and families is an area of interpreting that requires strong communication skills, cultural awareness, and professional judgement.

This webinar will be facilitated by representatives from Child Health Queensland - Child and Youth Mental Health Service and the Queensland Program of Assistance to Survivors of Torture and Trauma (QPASTT), who will share insights and practical considerations for interpreters working with families and children.

How to Join This Webinar:
✔ Step 1: Register for IESP (Free) – www.eccq.info/AccessIESP
✔ Step 2: Register for the Webinar – www.eccq.info/Webinar9

📥Download the Webinar 9 Info Doc: www.eccq.info/Webinar9info

📧 Questions? Contact Taz at [email protected]

This project is proudly funded by the Queensland Government and will run until September 2026.

16/06/2026

🍏
Flu spreads easily and can cause serious illness.

The flu vaccine is free for all Queenslanders aged 6 months and over.

Children aged 2 to 5 (before they turn 6) can get their flu vaccine as a needle-free nasal spray. Older children and young people aged 6 to 17 years, (before they turn 18), can also get the nasal spray vaccine if they struggle with needles.
Vaccination helps reduce your risk of severe illness and hospitalisation, and protects the people around you.

You can get vaccinated through your GP, pharmacy or vaccination provider.
Let’s protect what matters. Search ‘flu facts Qld’ to find out more.

In language information: https://www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/immunisation/translated-fact-sheets/about-influenza-translated-fact-sheets

Learn more: https://www.qld.gov.au/health/condition/infections-and-parasites/viral-infections/influenza-the-flu

15/06/2026

An important online session on the Fighting Antisemitism and Keeping Guns out of the Hands of Terrorists and Criminals Amendment Act 2026, passed on 5 March 2026.

Save the date below and share with your local community leaders, schools and networks.

🗓 30 June 2026 | ⏰ 1:00pm (AEST) | 💻 Zoom
Stay tuned for registration details.

15/06/2026

This Refugee Week, we celebrate the power of opportunity and the extraordinary stories behind it.

When Nestory Irankunda stepped onto the world stage at the FIFA World Cup and scored for Australia, he didn’t just make history, he reminded us what’s possible when potential is seen, nurtured, and given a chance. Born in a refugee camp after his family fled conflict, his journey to becoming the youngest Australian World Cup goalscorer is one of resilience, talent and determination.

But his story is just one of a million.

Across Australia, young refugees bring incredible skills, talent, creativity and leadership into our communities every day. When we challenge unconscious bias and create space for opportunity, we don’t just change individual lives, we strengthen our whole society.

This Refugee Week, let’s celebrate these stories, recognise the contributions of refugee communities, and truly reflect on how we can play our part to building a future where everyone has the chance to thrive, because when we do, amazing things can happen.

THE SOCCEROOS WIN! 🇦🇺🤩

Australia's World Cup campaign is off to the perfect start, thanks to a strong 2-0 victory over Türkiye!

Goals from Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe secured the win, alongside a brilliant performance in goals from young keeper Patrick Beach.

Read more:https://ab.co/3S6BCR6

14/06/2026

Today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), a day to start important conversations and stand together against the abuse and neglect of older people.

Elder abuse can take many forms, including financial, emotional, psychological, physical, sexual or social. For older people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, language barriers and dependence on family members for support can increase vulnerability to abuse and make it harder to seek help.

Aged care providers play a critical role in preventing and responding to elder abuse. Want to learn more? Join us for “See It. Name It. Report It. Elder Abuse and SIRS in Practice”.

📅Thursday 18 June 2026 - 8:00 to 10:00 AM
📍The Greek Club – 29 Edmondstone Street, South Brisbane
💲Free
🔗Limited spots available - Register now: https://eccq.com.au/events/free-event-see-it-name-it-report-it-elder-abuse-and-sirs-in-practice/

If you or someone you know may be experiencing elder abuse, contact the Queensland Elder Abuse Helpline on 1300 651 192. In an emergency, call 000.

10/06/2026

The Interpreter Employment Success Program Project is ending in September 2026, but there is still time to get involved!

📌 Register Now:
www.eccq.info/AccessIESP

📖 More Information:
www.interpretersuccess.com.au

🔗 Project Page:
www.eccq.info/IESP

💬 Build your interpreting skills, explore pathways to NAATI credentials, and connect with employment opportunities in the language services sector. 🌟

Questions?
Contact Taz at [email protected]

This project is proudly funded by the Queensland Government

08/06/2026

Are you an aged care provider looking to strengthen your approach to risk in culturally diverse aged care settings?

Join this free webinar to explore how risks can emerge beyond the usual clinical and operational lens.

We'll discuss practical strategies for identifying and responding to less visible risks related to:
✔️ Communication
✔️ Cultural safety
✔️ Service delivery
✔️ Workforce dynamics
✔️ Safeguarding

Designed for aged care managers, frontline staff, quality and risk professionals, and Board or community members working with culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

📅 Wednesday 24 June 2026
🕥 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM (AEST)
💻 Online via Zoom
🔗 Register now: https://eccq.com.au/events/free-webinar-managing-risk-in-a-culturally-diverse-aged-care-context/