On May 8, 2025, Toowoomba came alive with colour, conversation, and community spirit at the Multicultural Aged Care Expo (MACE25). Organised by the Multicultural Partners team at ECCQ in partnership with COTA Queensland and Toowoomba Regional Council, the event brought together aged care providers, community organisations, government agencies, and multicultural communities from across the Darling Downs.
This was more than just an event, it offered an opportunity to talk about what really matters: providing aged care that respects every culture, language, and life story, and creating workplaces where older Australians from all backgrounds feel understood, safe, and supported.
Working Together for Building Inclusive Aged Care
The expo created a space for local and regional services to share information, build relationships, and connect with community members. From in-home support and residential care to interpreter services and culturally specific programs, every participant added something special to the day.
A highlight was the panel discussion “Together Building Inclusive Aged Care“, which focused on the importance of communication in delivering quality, culturally appropriate services. We were proud to welcome a panel of passionate and experienced speakers:
- Bronwyn Bidstrup, COTA Queensland
- Grant Clonan, Diversicare
- David Taylor, Aurora Training Institute
- Dr John Bosco, ECCQ
- Rosa Ines Rother, Community Leader
- Chelsea Apps, Interpreter Employment Success Program (IESP)
The panel shared real stories and thoughtful ideas about how we can all do more to support older people from diverse backgrounds, and how important it is to have a well-trained interpreter workforce to bridge the gaps.
A True Celebration
One of the most joyful moments of the day came from the Taichi Kung Fu Fan and Traditional Chinese Fan Dance by the University of the Third Age (U3A Toowoomba). Their energy and elegance reminded us of the beauty of staying active and connected as we age.
And what’s an event without food? Thanks to local Sudanese and Afghan community businesses, attendees were treated to delicious traditional dishes and sweets that warmed the heart and filled the room with the wonderful aromas of culture and home.
Looking Ahead
MACE25 was a great success, and we’re committed to making it a yearly event. Our vision is to continue bringing people together, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring older people from all cultures are visible, valued, and heard.
To everyone who took part, thank you. Your presence and support made the day memorable. A special thank you to our key partners, COTA Queensland and Toowoomba Regional Council, for their ongoing collaboration and belief in this work.
We look forward to welcoming you again in 2026. Together, we are Building Inclusive Aged Care one conversation, one connection, and one community at a time. You can watch the MACE25 Highlights here.
