In recognition of Multicultural Queensland Month, and this year's theme 'One Queensland, Many Stories,' Acting Commissioner Shane Chelepy APM hosted the annual multifaith and multicultural dinner on Thursday 21 August, at the Brisbane Technology Park Conference & Exhibition Centre.
The dinner brought together leaders from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds, and government agencies for an evening of celebration, communication and connection.
The theme of this year's dinner was 'Together We Can,' highlighting the importance of partnerships between Queensland Police Service (QPS), multicultural communities, leaders, and government agencies to build a safer, more inclusive and respectful Queensland.
Guests at the dinner were treated to a cultural performance by Drums of Pacific Australia, meals from different cultures and heard keynote addresses from Imam Gamal Fouda of Kuraby Mosque and Dr Uma Kamar, Chairperson of Peace Committee of Toowoomba and Secretary for Toowoomba Tamil Community, who spoke about the role of faith and multiculturalism in fostering resilience and unity.
QPS reaffirmed the ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion, underpinned by the Multicultural Action Plan 2024-2027, setting out a clear framework for improving cultural responsiveness for the next three years.
The intent of the framework is to deliver culturally responsive services, promote diversity, inclusion and social cohesion whilst strengthening community partnerships.
This work is supported by the Multicultural Affairs Unit within QPS, the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) consultation group and Police Multicultural Advisory Group (PMAG), as well as contributions from Police Liaison Officers and the growing multicultural QPS workforce.
The evening showcased the Service's commitment to building an environment that reflects the diversity of the community through pathways such as the Multicultural Recruit Preparation Program.
The program has already seen recruits from Brazil, Nepal, Hungary, Tonga, Iraq and Kenya graduating from the Police Academy, with further a further intake commencing in September 2025.
Acting Commissioner Shane Chelepy APM said the dinner was an opportunity to honour the richness of Queensland's cultural diversity while strengthening collaboration between the Service and the communities it serves.
"QPS's multicultural and multifaith dinner has been an important date on the Commissioner's calendar since 2008 when the first event was held," Acting Commissioner Chelepy said.
"It provides a unique opportunity for police officers, government representatives, and community leaders to come together, share a meal, and engage in meaningful dialogue that strengthens trust and mutual understanding.
"Queensland's strength lies in its diversity, and the QPS is proud to reflect and celebrate this through our workforce and our partnerships with multicultural communities."
Community Safety Group Superintendent Jacquline Honeywood said the dinner was a wonderful opportunity to not just share a meal with cultural leaders, but listen, and learn about sensitivities within different cultures so that every Queenslander feels safe, respected and valued.
"Together with the relationships built, we can continue to nurture ongoing connections with the community we serve, tackle challenges and celebrate the diversity that makes our state unique," Superintendent Honeywood said.
"Our Service is only as good as relationships that are forged through dialogue, listening and partnership.
"Multicultural Queensland Month is a great time to celebrate this significant contribution and achievements of this wide cross-section of the community."
The evening closed with a strong message: Together we can build a Queensland where all people, regardless of culture, language or faith are safe, included and empowered.
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