2022 has been full of training and events – but some of the highlights would have to be our three Diversity and Inclusion Forums held across the state – Cairns (June), Gold Coast (August) and Bundaberg (November).
Diversity and Inclusion Forum – Cairns
The Multicultural Advisory Service held another successful Diversity & Inclusion Forum in Cairns on Jun 22. The Forum was well attended and received by the participants who enjoyed the presentations and the great networking opportunity. The Queensland Program of Assistance to Survivors of Torture and Trauma (QPASTT), Queensland Council for LGBTI Health (QC), and Leading Age Service Australia (LASA) shared their knowledge and expertise on the topics and valuable industry-relevant information.
Diversity and Inclusion Forum – Gold Coast
The Multicultural Advisory Service was pleased to host the Diversity and Inclusion Forum on August 31st at Upper Coomera, Gold Coast. 55 organisations, businesses, individuals and cultural groups came together on the last day of Multicultural Month to discuss and learn about the theme of Inclusion in Action. Guest speakers presentations offered new insights into inclusion responsiveness, engaging community in their own health and wellbeing, LGBTIQ awareness and mental health. Attendees reviewed and provided input to an appropriate cultural assessment, took part in a multicultural quiz and left with a goodie bag of resources and many new connections.
Diversity and Inclusion Forum – Bundaberg
The inaugural Bundaberg forum was held in November, hosted by ECCQ’s Multicultural Advisory Service alongside Bundaberg Regional Council. There were around 40 service providers from different sectors present to learn about migration history; codesigning virtual reality for diversity and inclusion; mental health and inclusion; and beyond the binary. It was wonderful to hear feedback from attendees about their learning from the day – “I learned a lot about inclusion – to everyone; To not to discriminate, to make others feel welcome regardless of race, gender, beliefs.”
