QUEENSLAND WORLDS AWAY AT THE MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL

More than 45,000 Queenslanders look set to celebrate the many cultures from across the globe at the Queensland Multicultural Festival on Sunday 15 October 2006, Minister for Multiculturalism Lindy Nelson-Carr said today.

Ms Nelson-Carr said the festival, to be held at Roma Street Parklands, will include a kaleidoscope of music, dance, song, art, literature and food from around the world to celebrate Queensland’s cultural diversity.

“Multiculturalism will be celebrated through music and dance at the Ceremonial Music Stage with attendees treated to music from Buddhist, Jewish, Arabic, Persian, Indian and Christian traditions.”

Ms Nelson-Carr said she was pleased to see the combination of many different faiths and cultures at the festival.

“Australia is a diverse, culturally rich country and this is something we should celebrate.

“I encourage people to come and visit the Ceremonial Music Stage and The Sanctuary and learn about the many cultures that add flavour to our country,” she said.

"The Queensland Multicultural Festival will also have displays of art, literature, cooking demonstrations, historical exhibits, interactive installations, children’s activities and food from across the globe."

Ms Nelson-Carr said the 2004 and the 2005 festivals had drawn combined crowds of more than 75,000 people to Roma Street Parkland and she hoped even more Queenslanders would celebrate our multicultural lifestyle in 2006.

“Roma Street Parkland, through this popular festival, will become a gathering ground for the hundreds of different cultures that now call Queensland home,” she said.

The Queensland Multicultural Festival was developed by the Beattie Government to promote the importance of cultural diversity in the SmartState, and to provide Queenslanders with an annual celebratory event focused on multiculturalism.

For more program information visit www.multiculturalfestival.qld.gov.au.

Media Contact: Karla Steen 3336 8004 or Andie Gatti 3336 8002