$1.7 million on offer to support and enhance Queensland’s multiculturalism

Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef, Minister for Science and Minister for Multicultural Affairs
The Honourable Leanne Linard

• The Palaszczuk Government is calling for applications for the latest round of the Celebrating Multicultural Queensland program’s project funding.
• Funding is open to community groups, not-for-profit organisations, sporting clubs, youth groups, P&C associations and multicultural organisations for projects to be delivered from 1 July 2024.
• Applications close 12 November 2023.

Organisations from across Queensland are being encouraged to apply for their share in $1.7 million in funding as the latest round of the Celebrating Multicultural Queensland (CMQ) program’s project funding round opens.

Grants can be used for a range of projects to be delivered from 1 July 2024 that will build social connection and cohesion in communities across Queensland.

Two categories of funding are available:

• up to $50,000 for projects which focus on supporting economic and social participation of Queenslanders from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and
• up to $120,000 for projects which break down barriers for young people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds aged 12 to 25.

The Celebrating Multicultural Queensland program demonstrates the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to nurturing and celebrating cultural and linguistic diversity and acknowledging it is a source of strength, innovation, and social cohesion.

Past CMQ funding recipients have helped to give people skills for future employment, assisted in starting up small businesses, and supported young people to lead and deliver activities to build confidence and networks, and improve their sense of belonging in the community.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Leanne Linard:

“We know that when everyone, especially those from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, is supported to connect and contribute, our communities thrive.

“However, it can be hard to find a way to feel part of a community or know how to welcome new people into communities.

“The Palaszczuk Government’s Multicultural Queensland Charter promotes our state as a place of welcome and opportunity for people from migrant, refugee or asylum seeker backgrounds, as well as distinct cultural groups such as Australian South Sea Islanders

“This year’s State Budget increased funding for this program, with $1.7 million available in this funding round for innovative projects which will boost the economic and social participation and tackle the unique barriers faced by people from CALD backgrounds, especially young people.

“The CMQ program has a long history of supporting projects which create opportunities for everyone to thrive in their local communities.

“In previous funding rounds, we’ve had a great response to calls for projects which indicates just how passionate community groups and organisations are about building a more inclusive Queensland.

“I encourage organisations across the state to come forward with proposals which support people to connect, contribute and belong, because we know this makes our communities stronger.”

Quotes attributable to the Queensland Association of School Tuckshops’ senior project officer, Deanne Wooden (a 2022 funding recipient):

“The grant allowed us to help more than 60 women from refugee and migrant backgrounds improve their English skills in a safe environment, and gain confidence to participate in training and employment in catering and hospitality.

“Our tuckshop convenors love hosting ‘Connections’ volunteers because they bring cultural diversity into the school environment, including some delicious recipe traditions.”

Explainer/fast fact and or further information:

Applications can be submitted online at https://maq.smartygrants.com.au/ until midnight, 12 November 2023 (AEST).

For more information, please visit www.des.qld.gov.au/cmq-program