Multicultural Australia

Multicultural Australia Create welcome. Create belonging. Multicultural Australia settles every newly arrived refugee in Brisbane, Rockhampton and Toowoomba.

Established in 1998, we are one of the leading settlement agencies in Queensland providing support to refugees and migrants through community development, advocacy and a range of client services.

On Sunday night, our CEO Jo Nelson was honoured to attend the 2026 Annual Gold Coast MSN Dinner, to celebrate the wonder...
04/06/2026

On Sunday night, our CEO Jo Nelson was honoured to attend the 2026 Annual Gold Coast MSN Dinner, to celebrate the wonderful work of the Multicultural Social Network and the numerous community-led organisations supporting our multicultural communities on the Gold Coast.

Congratulations to the very well-deserving award winners – Nasrin Vaziri, Raj Kumar, Diane Kozic, Ellen Peru, Patrice Poutu, Warren Taylor, Seema Chauhan, Zain Baba, Debby Lo-Dean, Endang Setyorini, Andy Rajapaske, Amin Sheik, and Lela MacDowell!

The warmth, the celebration, the friendship and the connections across the hundreds of attendees were a tangible reflection of the night’s theme – to promote social cohesion and harmony. Thank you, Dr Hussain Baba and the MSN team for the invitation.

Sam O'Connor MP Fiona Simpson MP Senator Paul Scarr Habib Jamal Janeth Deen

03/06/2026

During Harmony Week in March, Carers Queensland staff participated in a Lantern Making Workshop that celebrated connection, belonging and welcome.

As teams created lanterns for the upcoming LUMINOUS Lantern Parade 2026, they also reflected on the deeper history behind the event.

We heard from Amela from Carers Queensland who shared her personal connection to the origins of the parade.

Amela spoke about how the early parades began nearly two decades ago as a way to increase visibility, raise awareness of community challenges, and bring people together—starting simply with real candles, shared voices and lived experiences. Over time, these grassroots gatherings grew into what is now one of Brisbane’s most significant annual community events, drawing thousands of people each year in a powerful show of unity and welcome.

Workshops like these remind us that creativity, storytelling and shared history play an important role in building inclusive, connected workplaces.

In the lead up to the LUMINOUS Lantern Parade on Friday 31 July, we invite organisations to host a Lantern Making Workshop for their teams.

These hands-on, creative workshops are a powerful way to come together during Refugee Week (14–20 June) or sooner, sparking meaningful conversations about welcome, belonging and cultural understanding — all while creating beautiful lanterns to carry forward.

✅ Facilitated by Cultural Hosts with lived migration or refugee experience
✅ Guided discussions alongside lantern making
✅ A fun, inclusive team activity with real impact
✅ Perfect for workplaces, community groups and organisations
📅 Workshops run for 2 hours and can be tailored to your group’s design ideas, colours and discussion topics.

🌟 Book your Lantern making workshop now and be part of a movement of welcome and connection.

👉 Get in touch to secure your date.

We recently partnered with Grain Growers Limited to deliver Cultural Capability Training, supporting their work across A...
02/06/2026

We recently partnered with Grain Growers Limited to deliver Cultural Capability Training, supporting their work across Australia’s grain industry.

As an organisation advocating for grain producers and working across complex supply chains, regional communities and industry partners, GrainGrowers operates in an environment where a diverse workforce is essential. Building cultural capability strengthens communication on the ground, improves collaboration, and supports safe, respectful workplaces across the sector.

Great to work with a team committed to leading inclusive practice in Australian agriculture!

Last Saturday’s Women's Power of Inspiration Inc. Annual Fashion Gala 2026 was a colourful celebration of culture, creat...
01/06/2026

Last Saturday’s Women's Power of Inspiration Inc. Annual Fashion Gala 2026 was a colourful celebration of culture, creativity and women’s empowerment. Beautiful garments, designed and sewn by women from refugee and migrant backgrounds, were modelled by inspiring women and men – all of whom came together to support and celebrate the fabulous work of WPI.

WPI began as a small gathering of women and has grown into a strong and vibrant community of women who sew, learn, laugh, heal, share stories and rise together.

Congratulations must go to Esperance, WPI’s Founder and President, and her team of like-minded volunteers!

Want to get involved? This volunteer-led, not-for-profit is seeking support and new partnerships to continue their vital work. Please contact WPI directly if you’d like to be part of this life-changing work.

MA’s CEO Jo Nelson and Chief Client Officer Jo-Ann Cochran were delighted to be part of this joyous event, and were inspired to see community leaders, organisations and supporters come together to honour the strength, talent and diversity that makes our communities stronger.

Qld African Communities-Council Qacc's Africa Day Festival shone brightly on Saturday, in a vibrant celebration of cultu...
01/06/2026

Qld African Communities-Council Qacc's Africa Day Festival shone brightly on Saturday, in a vibrant celebration of culture, community and connection in Queensland. This festival showcases the best of African culture, and the richness and diversity of the African continent through music, dance, art, fashion and food.

Together with leaders from across the State, our CEO Jo Nelson, Chief Client Officer Jo-Ann Cochran, and Community Development Manager Kerrie Woodrow were delighted to attend the Africa Day Festival 2026 and celebrate alongside Queensland’s African communities.

Multicultural Australia stands with communities across Queensland in celebrating the stories, traditions and contributions that make this State stronger, more vibrant and more inclusive. Thank you, QACC, for creating such a powerful space that empowers our local African-Australian community, fosters belonging and promotes cultural exchange.

Faysel Ahmed Selat (Magan) Queensland Program of Assistance to Survivors of Torture and Trauma Fiona Simpson MP Charis Mullen MP Councillor Pye Augustine - Ipswich City Council

Last Saturday, we celebrated a major milestone – 12 new Community Champions completed their Workplace Rights Education t...
28/05/2026

Last Saturday, we celebrated a major milestone – 12 new Community Champions completed their Workplace Rights Education training.

Over the past four years, our Workplace Rights Education and Support Program has trained 84 Community Champions across Brisbane, Logan, Gatton, Cairns, Toowoomba and the Gold Coast, reaching almost 3,000 people across 33 cultural communities.

The need is urgent. The Migrant Justice Institute’s Off the Books report found:

• 2 in 3 migrant workers are paid less than they are legally owed.
• An estimated $61 million per week in unpaid wages is owed to international students.
• Migrant workers are engaged on ABNs at more than four times the rate of the general workforce.

For newly arrived and CALD communities, understanding workplace rights can be challenging. Community Champions help bridge that gap by sharing trusted, in-language information that builds confidence and supports safer, fairer work.

We are proud to see this new cohort take that knowledge back to their communities and help drive real change.

Thank you to the Queensland Human Rights Commission, Basic Rights Queensland, Caxton Community Legal Centre, United Workers Union and Queensland Migrant WorkWise. WRESP is a partnership between Multicultural Australia, Queensland Program of Assistance to Survivors of Torture and Trauma and the Queensland Community Alliance - QLD, funded by the Queensland Government.

Celebrating Language & Culture at Indooroopilly State High School was a wonderful reminder of the power of language, cul...
27/05/2026

Celebrating Language & Culture at Indooroopilly State High School was a wonderful reminder of the power of language, culture and community in bringing people together across Queensland.

Hosted by the Ethnic Schools Association of Queensland (ESAQ), the event brought together school communities, performers and guests in a vibrant celebration of multiculturalism and belonging.

A special thank you to Irene and Rafiul for their dedication and ongoing commitment to celebrating cultural diversity and supporting multicultural communities through ESAQ.

The event showcased a vibrant program of performances, poetry and food, reflecting the richness of the many cultures that make up our community.

26/05/2026

Excited to share this post from the Ukrainian Community of Queensland Inc.
The Ukrainian Film Festival starts tomorrow and features meaningful, thought-provoking films that celebrate culture, resilience and storytelling.
Book your tickets on link below.

Today, on National Sorry Day, we acknowledge the strength, resilience and courage of Stolen Generations Survivors and re...
26/05/2026

Today, on National Sorry Day, we acknowledge the strength, resilience and courage of Stolen Generations Survivors and reflect on the ongoing impacts of forced removal policies on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

For many people from refugee and migrant backgrounds, the themes of displacement, loss of culture, separation from family, and the importance of belonging resonate deeply. National Sorry Day offers an important opportunity to learn about Australia’s true history and to stand alongside First Nations peoples in the journey towards healing, truth-telling and Reconciliation.

Building meaningful relationships between migrant, refugee and First Nations communities helps create stronger, more connected communities grounded in understanding, respect and shared humanity.

Through Multicultural Australia’s Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), we are committed to deepening relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, increasing cultural understanding, and creating opportunities for meaningful engagement and learning across our organisation and communities.

As we approach National Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June), we reaffirm our commitment to listening, learning and supporting meaningful action towards a more equitable future for all Australians, through passionately promoting positive conversations about inclusion and belonging for everyone.

Photos below are from our Multicultural Australia staff who attended the annual National Sorry Day Ceremony held at the Sherwood Arboretum.

It is with deep sadness that Multicultural Australia acknowledges the passing of Stella Gibbs, a truly valued and cheris...
25/05/2026

It is with deep sadness that Multicultural Australia acknowledges the passing of Stella Gibbs, a truly valued and cherished member of our community.

For more than five years, Stella generously volunteered her time at the Redbank Plains Community Centre, leading our English Conversation sessions. Through this work, she supported hundreds of people from multicultural backgrounds and newly arrived communities—helping them build confidence, strengthen their language skills, and take important steps toward independence.

Stella was far more than a volunteer. She was a compassionate advocate and a trusted ally. She went above and beyond in supporting individuals and families—connecting them to vital services, advocating on their behalf, offering transport, and providing care and kindness in countless ways, many of which will never be fully known.

Stella had a remarkable ability to make everyone feel welcome. Her warmth, friendly nature, and ever-present smile created a safe and inclusive space for all who met her. She embodied the values of Multicultural Australia, standing alongside us in our mission to walk with people, support them, and empower them.

We are deeply grateful for Stella’s contribution and the lasting impact she has made in our community. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the confidence she nurtured, and the connections she helped build.

Our thoughts are with Stella’s family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing her.

Rest in peace, Stella. You will be greatly missed and never forgotten. 💙

Address

28 Dibley Street
Woolloongabba, QLD
4102

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+61733375400

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