EMILIANA CLARK
The Gold Coast kicked off celebrations for Queensland’s Multicultural Month with the 10th anniversary of the Gold Coast Multicultural festival on the first Sunday of August.
With a record 55 food and activity stalls and over 35 performers, the festival brought in thousands of local residents.
MP for Murrumba, Chris Whiting, launched the event on behalf of the premier.
“It’s truly wonderful to see that so many people are here to be a part of this, supporting the local community and showing support for a diverse and strong Queensland society. Diversity is our strength and I think that we can see that here today, how strong our society is,” Mr Whiting said.
The festival kicked off with a performance by the Yugambeh Aboriginal Dancers, the traditional owners of the land, followed by acts from Japanese, Hungarian, Hawaiian, and numerous other cultural performers.
President of the Queensland Cultural Events, Ben Brauer, was pleased with the turn out and the enthusiasm of the participants.
“What strikes me most is when the young ones of the different cultures take up their cultures and learn the dances and learn the stories. So it’s absolutely fantastic to see these young kids dancing in front of all of us, having learnt and participating in the traditional cultures,” Mr Brauer said.
According to the 2016 census over 21 percent of Queenslanders were born overseas and 37 percent have one or both parents born overseas.
The festival and Multicultural Month work to bring people from all walks of life together and celebrate all diversities and identities that call Australia home.