- Multicultural Queensland Month kicks off with the LUMINOUS Lantern Parade in Brisbane tonight, supported by the Crisafulli Government.
- Queenslanders are encouraged to celebrate the stories that connect us, with this year's theme of "one Queensland, many stories".
- Other key events during August include cultural displays at the Ekka, the Brisbane Lions' Heritage Round special citizenship ceremony, as well as the Multicultural Queensland Awards.
The Crisafulli Government will ignite Multicultural Month with the LUMINOUS Lantern Parade in Brisbane, shining a light on the incredible stories of Queenslanders from diverse backgrounds.
Throughout August, an exciting program has been scheduled across Queensland featuring multicultural festivals, live performances, art and craft workshops, cultural cuisine experiences and intercultural activities.
Queenslanders are encouraged to embrace the spirit of storytelling, with this year's Multicultural Month theme of "one Queensland, many stories" inviting us to celebrate the stories that connect us.
Kicking off the celebrations with one of Queensland's largest multicultural events, the LUMINOUS Lantern Parade will light up Brisbane's South Bank Parklands tonight.
Minister for Multiculturalism Fiona Simpson said Multicultural Queensland Month showcases the incredible diversity of people throughout the State while promoting connection.
"No matter where you're from or where you live, Multicultural Queensland Month is about coming together to celebrate our differences in the spirit of promoting unity, harmony, and inclusion," Minister Simpson said.
"The Crisafulli Government recognises that celebrating our diversity and embracing greater mutual understanding helps people to overcome economic barriers and further strengthen social cohesion and participation.
"By sharing our stories and listening to others, we build those connections that make our communities even stronger.
"We know Labor viewed multicultural groups purely as a box-ticking exercise, with outdated policies that didn't address community concerns – as made clear in the Sustainability of Multicultural Organisations in Queensland report.
"The Crisafulli Government highlights and appreciates the contribution our multicultural communities make to our State, both economically and culturally, and we remain focused on supporting and celebrating our diverse cultures."
Multicultural Australia Chief Development Officer Jason Olsson-Seeto, also the organiser of LUMINOUS, said the festival marks the start of a great month and he welcomed the attendance of Minister Simpson.
"Multicultural Australia is thrilled to be bringing another Luminous Lantern Parade to the South Bank Parklands this August, with the support of the Queensland Government," Mr Olsson-Seeto said.
"Multicultural Queensland Month is all about celebrating diversity, and what better way to get it underway than by welcoming our newest Queenslanders with the lights, sounds and celebration of the Luminous Lantern Parade?"
Other highlights during the month include the Multicultural Music Stage and the Australian South Sea Islander Exhibition at the Ekka, a special citizenship ceremony during the Brisbane Lions' Heritage Round, and an exciting mix of cultural experiences supported by the Crisafulli Government across the State.
The Multicultural Queensland Awards ceremony will then be held in late August and will recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements and contributions of Queenslanders who support and promote unity, harmony and inclusion.