Multiculturalism shines on the Gold Coast

The Gold Coast’s reputation as a multicultural hub has been colourfully displayed at the city’s annual Multicultural Festival at the Southport Broadwater Parklands.

Officially opening the Festival, Minister for Multicultural Affairs Stirling Hinchliffe applauded the ever-growing Gold Coast community for its diversity and inclusion.

“Our diversity is at the heart of who we are as Queenslanders and the Gold Coast has shown it is a wonderfully diverse and welcoming community,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“It’s a reputation that was only enhanced through the outstanding way the Commonwealth Games was conducted earlier in the year.

“People may visit the Gold Coast from all over the world for the beautiful beaches, climate and vibrant city, but it’s the inclusiveness and diversity of the community here which is one of the reasons many choose to stay and call this place home.

“Because of the welcoming nature of the Gold Coast, it isn’t surprising that more than a third of the population here was born in another country.

“The Palaszczuk Government has proudly supported the Gold Coast Multicultural Festival with $60,000 over the past three years through the Celebrating Multicultural Queensland grants program, including $20,000 for this year’s festival.

“In Queensland, we benefit from our diversity in so many ways, in the vibrancy of our community, in our different perspectives, in our rich cultural traditions, and in building cross-cultural understanding and connectedness.”

The Gold Coast Multicultural Festival is part of Queensland Multicultural Month.

Throughout August, there are more than 100 events across the State, including celebrating community champions of diversity at the Queensland Multicultural Awards.

For more information on Queensland Multicultural Month and the Queensland Multicultural Awards visit www.qld.gov.au/QMM

Media contact: Martin Philip 0427 919 548