Queensland’s multicultural communities and the organisations helping build connection, belonging and participation across the state were recognised at the 2026 Celebrating Multicultural Communities Reception at Queensland Parliament House.
More than 350 people attended the reception, with approximately 180 community organisations represented at the event, held as part of Multicultural Queensland Month.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli MP and Minister for Multiculturalism Fiona Simpson MP thanked participating organisations for their contribution to bringing communities together and helping shape modern Queensland.
Representatives of the organisations also received certificates of appreciation from the Premier and Minister in recognition of their work within Queensland’s diverse communities.
The scale of Queensland’s diversity was reflected throughout the evening, with the Queensland Government noting that almost one in five Queenslanders was born overseas.
The reception provided an opportunity to acknowledge the work undertaken throughout the year by multicultural organisations, community leaders and volunteers supporting people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
These organisations often play an important role in helping newly arrived communities establish connections, preserving languages and cultural traditions, providing community services and creating opportunities for people from different backgrounds to participate more fully in Queensland life.
Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland Chief Executive Lisa Ward welcomed the opportunity for community organisations and leaders to come together at Parliament House.
“We particularly appreciate the opportunity to come together with the Premier, the Minister and the Queensland Government to celebrate our diversity and acknowledge the significant contribution of Queensland’s multicultural communities,” Ms Ward said.
She highlighted the important role multicultural organisations play in building stronger communities.
“Multicultural organisations play a vital role in supporting this contribution, building connection and belonging, and ensuring people from all backgrounds have the opportunity to participate, contribute and thrive.
“We thank the Premier and Minister for recognising and celebrating the important work of Queensland’s multicultural organisations and the communities they represent.”
The parliamentary reception forms part of Multicultural Queensland Month, which is celebrated throughout August and provides an opportunity to recognise the cultures, traditions, experiences and contributions of Queenslanders from diverse backgrounds.
The month also includes the Multicultural Queensland Awards, which are scheduled to be held on Friday, 28 August 2026, recognising individuals and organisations making significant contributions to Queensland’s multicultural society.
The Celebrating Multicultural Communities Reception placed particular emphasis on the often grassroots work undertaken by community organisations. While major cultural festivals and public celebrations are among the most visible expressions of multiculturalism, much of the work strengthening communities happens throughout the year through settlement assistance, education, cultural programs, social support, volunteering and community advocacy.
For many multicultural organisations, these activities help members maintain connections with their heritage while also developing a stronger sense of belonging within Australia.
The gathering at Queensland Parliament House also provided an opportunity for representatives from different cultural backgrounds to meet one another, strengthen relationships and celebrate the collective contribution multicultural communities make to the social and cultural fabric of the state.
With around 180 organisations represented in one room, the reception highlighted the breadth of Queensland’s multicultural sector and the many communities contributing to the state’s evolving identity.
As Queensland continues to grow and become increasingly diverse, the contribution of multicultural organisations remains important in creating opportunities for people of all backgrounds to connect, participate and thrive.
The 2026 Celebrating Multicultural Communities Reception was therefore not only a celebration of cultural diversity, but also an acknowledgement of the people and organisations whose ongoing work helps turn that diversity into stronger, more connected communities across Queensland.
