The Multicultural Advisory Service was pleased to host the Diversity and Inclusion Forum on August 31st at Upper Coomera, Gold Coast. 55 organisations, businesses 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 presented on Inclusion in Mental Health, Health Literacy projects with multicultural communities, Beyond the Binary and Diversity and Inclusion Responsiveness.
Attendees came from or shared heritage from 25 different countries, spoke 16 different languages, and live at least 8 different faiths. A Panel shared experiences and answered questions from a Multicultural Connection Phone Service, Multicultural Funeral Service, Aboriginal Artist and Cultural Consultancy and Carers Gateway. Groups at tables reviewed some cultural resources and provided valuable quality improvement feedback.
Each presenter gave a call to action to the attendees and many people signed the Accord committing to:
- Inclusion in Action
- Giving Nothing to Racism
- Fostering Understanding
- Deep Listening
- Being Welcoming
- Valuing Diversity
Attendees reflected on their learning for the day – when responding to ‘what did you learn?’ responses included:
“Civilisation/community starts from serving others.”
“Ways to keep diversity and inclusion front and centre in the conversations (and ways to create change).”
“The distinction between diversity and inclusion as well as the great projects run in our community.”
“There is no ‘one-size’ fits all. There is plenty of information out there but [it is important to be] reviewing what and how it can be used in my community or place of work.”
“So much….important information about how much more we can do, as individuals, to support ourselves and all people in our communities.”
“Diversity comes in different shapes and needs action to be inclusive.”
The following links are to some of the resources shared on the day:
- Justin Geange – Youtube channel >>
- Calling an Ambulance in Queensland, English – Video >> (this video is available in other languages, too)
- The Uluru Statement from the Heart – link >>
