A multicultural event will give Coast residents an opportunity to share food, stories, music and the traditions of people from diverse backgrounds.
A free community picnic in honour of Welcoming Week will be held at Cotton Tree Park, Maroochydore on September 20 from 10am to 2pm.
Welcoming Week is held globally each year to recognise communities working to become more welcoming places for everyone, including First Nations peoples, migrants, refugees, people seeking asylum, international students and long-term residents.
This year’s theme, ‘Belonging is Everyone’s Business’, highlights the shared responsibility of creating communities where people feel seen, valued and connected.
The Sunshine Coast Council event will feature food experiences, storytelling, music, dance, lawn games, face painting, henna art, weaving, arts and crafts and other interactive activities.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli encouraged residents to take part.
“The Sunshine Coast is enriched by the many cultures, traditions and experiences that shape our unique identity,” Mayor Natoli said.
“The Welcoming Week community picnic is an opportunity to come together in celebration of our shared love of everything that makes the Sunshine Coast a wonderful place for everyone to call home.”
Strong community portfolio councillor Taylor Bunnag said the picnic would help people make new connections.
“Belonging grows when people come together to share experiences and learn from one another,” Cr Bunnag said.
“We’re proud to work with multicultural communities, local organisations and community leaders to create opportunities where everyone feels welcome and included.”
Queensland Minister for Multiculturalism Fiona Simpson said Welcoming Week highlighted the role communities play in helping people feel they belong.
“The Queensland Government is proud to support initiatives that bring people together,” Minister Simpson said.
“This picnic demonstrates how shared experiences can build connections.”
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The event has been jointly-developed with multicultural communities, community organisations, council’s multicultural advisory group and emerging community leaders.
Registration is recommended and attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic rug and invite family and friends.
The first 50 people to register will receive complimentary traditional Turkish coffee.
The event is supported by the Queensland Government through the Celebrating Multicultural Queensland Program.
