Multicultural Council in Toowoomba

• Partnerships paving the way to better employment outcomes and filling skills shortages in regional Queensland were on the agenda at today’s Multicultural Queensland Advisory Council meeting in Toowoomba
• The Council will look at opportunities and barriers people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds face in job opportunities and inclusion
• Community members and leaders will talk to the Council about what is affecting regional settlement

The Multicultural Queensland Advisory Council is in Toowoomba to hear from community leaders, Queensland Government agencies and local organisations on ways to better support migrants and refugees into jobs in the region.

The Council advises the Minister for Multicultural Affairs on issues affecting people from culturally diverse backgrounds and promotes the Multicultural Queensland Charter to support a unified and harmonious community.

The Council will hear about a range of local initiatives supporting better employment outcomes for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Participants include officers from the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training, TAFE Adult Migrant English Program participants and the Queensland Farmers’ Federation.

The Council will also hear from community members and leaders about opportunities and challenges facing diverse communities in the region.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Multicultural Affairs Charis Mullen:

“The Multicultural Queensland Advisory Council is in Toowoomba to hear good news stories on initiatives that are making a difference to better use the talents of migrants and refugees and to fill skills shortages.

“With more than half Queensland’s population living outside the greater Brisbane region, it’s important we engage with those living in regional and rural areas to ensure they’re being supported to contribute and thrive, just as much as those in our major cities.

“Toowoomba is a wonderfully diverse community – nearly 14 per cent of residents were born overseas, and just over 8 per cent speak a language other than English at home.”

Quotes attributable to Multicultural Queensland Advisory Council member Miss Fardowsa Mohamed Yussuf:

"I am excited about meeting culturally and linguistically diverse community leaders and members from Toowoomba.

“As someone from a migrant background, I am keen to learn and listen to the inspiring achievements of our culturally diverse communities in the region.

“I am particularly excited to meet the participants of TAFE Queensland's Adult Migrant English Program to learn about their experiences looking for employment and benefits of connecting with local employers.

“Engaging with the culturally diverse communities in the region not only broadens our horizons but also empowers us to contribute meaningfully to achieve our goals.

“Their insights, dedication and experiences with community engagement, employment, struggles and aspirations inspire and guide us, and helps to make the journey towards a more inclusive and connected Queensland possible."

Further information:

• For more information about the Multicultural Queensland Advisory Council and its members visit: Multicultural Queensland Advisory Council

 ENDS