I want to start by congratulating the Liberal National Party of Queensland (LNP) on their success in the recent state elections. We look forward to working closely with the newly elected government towards our mission in creating a more equitable Queensland.
The recent FECCA conference, was a strategic opportunity to share our united vision for a multicultural Australia. The conference theme, “Our Experiences. Our Future,” provided a platform for leaders and researchers from culturally and linguistically diverse communities to discuss their strengths, challenges, and recommendations.
A key takeaway from this year’s conference was the collective belief that our discussions will lead to tangible actions to enhance the health, wellbeing, and sense of belonging of multicultural communities. We urge the newly elected Queensland Government to prioritise investment in critical areas:
- Provide funding to support health promotion programs, health system literacy, and improved referral pathways for multicultural communities.
- Offer ongoing professional development for healthcare providers, focusing on cultural competence.
- Ensure community organisations have the resources to engage professional interpreters and offer translated materials for effective communication.
- Empower migrant and refugee women with accessible information about their rights, including for their visa, and available support options.
Acknowledgments
I extend my gratitude to all delegates, sponsors, and the team at FECCA, who made the conference possible. A special thank you to the ECCQ team, particularly Naome who has worked with the FECCA team and me over the past 18-month to ensure the conference is a great success and promotes Queensland’s multicultural communities. I also send a special thank you to Global Fair for coordinating the community markets and highlighting local Queensland businesses.
ECCQ AGM
As the year winds down, please remember our Annual General Meeting on Thursday, 28th November.
