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Last Updated: Wednesday, 18 December 2024 12:08

Our Region is a rich tapestry of multicultural ideas and values that stem from the Darling Downs’ proud history of friendly communities.

We're committed to broadening the community's understanding of cultural diversity and linguistic opportunities. We want to deliver services by focusing on access, equality, participation, planning and consultation to bring about positive outcomes.

Our Region’s cultural diversity profile

  • Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people: 8,677.
  • 15,586 people speak a language other than English at home (9% of the Toowoomba Region).
  • Top 5 languages spoken at home other than English: Kurdish, Fillipino/Tagalog, Mandarin, Arabic, Nepali. As Toowoomba is a designated regional refugee settlement area and zone, it has a growing number of Kurdish - Kurmanji, speaking community.
  • Total number of people born overseas: 24,059

Data collected from the 2021 Census.

Multicultural Advisory Committee

The Multicultural Advisory Committee provides leadership and direction through an advocacy role, coordinated advice and recommendations to Council on recognising, engaging, supporting and empowering people from a multicultural background across the Region.

Find out more information about the Multicultural Advisory Committee.

Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS)

For translating and interpreting assistance, please contact Translating and Interpreting Service. Other local agencies and settlement providers like CatholicCare or Multicultural Australia have interpreters and translators to assist newly arrived residents of our Region.

Sister cities

Our Region has international sister city relationships with Takatsuki in Japan, Pajui in South Korea, Whanganui in New Zealand and Yuecheng District, Shaoxing in China. These relationships encourage cultural exchanges between the cities and foster business opportunities.

You can learn more about our sister cities.

Toowoomba International Street Fiesta

The Toowoomba International Street Fiesta (formally the Toowoomba Languages and Cultures Festival) is an annual celebration of the diversity in our community. The event is a showcase of talents and colour from across the world. The Toowoomba International Street Fiesta is an opportunity for families to have a fun afternoon out that offers something for everyone.

Held in beautiful Queens Park at the edge of Toowoomba's CBD, the event has brought colour and excitement to the city for over 15 years. For more information including dates and entry details, visit the Toowoomba International Street Fiesta.

The Toowoomba International Street Fiesta provides:

  • an entertaining, drug and alcohol free family day out.
  • performances from schools, professional artists and community groups.
  • opportunities to try new foods and activities.
  • a sense of belonging to a diverse and interesting community.
  • a chance for the community to showcase their cultural, culinary and linguistic heritage

Harmony Day

Harmony Day celebrates Australia’s rich cultural diversity, promoting inclusivity, respect, and a sense of belonging for everyone, regardless of cultural background.

Harmony Day is held on or around 21 March each year, coinciding with the UN’s International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

Our annual Harmony Day event showcases the diverse cultures that contribute to our community through guest speakers, activities and entertainment. The event also provides an opportunity to welcome those who have just arrived in our Region.

Annual event details are updated in our Events register.

Cultural Awareness Training for Council staff

Cultural Awareness Training is available to all our staff as part of our induction process.

Helpful organisations for refugees and migrants

A list of helpful links to support refugees and migrants new to our Region.

Related links

Multicultural Australia

Queensland Multicultural Resource Directory