Queensland Budget Investment in Multicultural Communities
Last week I joined sector colleagues at parliament house to welcome the 2025–26 Queensland Budget, which allocates an additional $1.5 million to expand our capacity-building initiatives and $5 million for multicultural capital works projects.
From 1 July 2025, this support will boost training, education, and tailored assistance for community leaders and organisations, while strengthening our research, advocacy, and policy work.
This timely investment will also reinforce the Multicultural Services Executive Network and enhance sector collaboration, visibility, and sustainability.
I am pleased with the Government’s refresh of its multicultural grants program, with new categories—such as intercultural sports and economic participation—designed to foster inclusion and empower newly arrived communities.
Ageing Australia Conference and the Upcoming Diversity Forum
This month, I had the pleasure of attending the Ageing Australia three-day conference on the Gold Coast, where I facilitated a panel discussion on Strength in Diversity: Embedding Inclusion in Aged Care Practice. ECCQ was proud to contribute to the event, advocating for the needs of multicultural ageing communities and highlighting the critical importance of cultural safety, equity, and representation in aged care settings.
The upcoming New Aged Care Act, commencing 1 November 2025, marks a transformative step forward—prioritising the rights and autonomy of older people and introducing a new Statement of Rights that providers must uphold.
ECCQ is committed to working alongside sector partners to support the transition to the strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards, ensuring that the needs, rights, and cultural identities of culturally and linguistically diverse communities are respected and upheld in aged care settings.
We are further pleased to invite you to join our upcoming Diversity and Inclusion Forum in Cairns, developed in partnership with Ageing Australia. This forum will provide a space for sector leaders to share strategies for inclusive aged care and connect with professionals across the region.
Register here: Diversity and Inclusion Forum – Cairns 2025
Enquiries: mp@eccq.com.au
Amani Centre Visit with Senator Paul Scarr
It was an honour to stand alongside the Amani Centre in hosting Senator Paul Scarr, Federal Shadow Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, and Multicultural Affairs.
ECCQ’s ongoing collaboration with Amani has led to the co-design of a literacy and job-readiness program that builds the skills, confidence, and networks of East African community members in Logan—enhancing their access to education, employment, and long-term opportunities.
We are continually inspired by grassroots leaders like Bishop Asa Namajana and Pastor Prosper Mahinga, whose dedication is vital to empowering multicultural communities from the ground up. Their community-driven approach ensures that support reaches those who need it most and creates lasting change at the local level.
We thank Senator Scarr for taking the time to engage with the community and for recognising the importance of initiatives that strengthen inclusion, opportunity, and cohesion across Queensland.
Sincerely,
Lisa Ward
Chief Executive Officer
