August is Multicultural Queensland Month, an opportunity for everyone to connect, share, listen, learn and acknowledge that, while we may come from different communities and cultures, we all love living in Queensland.
This year is all about acknowledging the role that everyone plays in contributing to Queensland’s culture and prosperity through the theme ‘Inclusion in action’.
Inclusive Communities is an outcome area of Sunshine Coast Council’s Sunshine Coast Community Strategy 2019-2041.
Council’s objective is for our community to be equitable and inclusive, for the value that all people bring to our community to be recognised, respected and embraced.
It’s also vital that opportunities are available for everyone in our community to participate socially and economically.
Sunshine Coast migrants are encouraged to consider two programs council is implementing.
The Migrant Work Ready program is FREE for people from a multicultural background. It prepares participants for the local job market and improves prospects to find employment on the Sunshine Coast.
The successful program has run for the past three years and is undertaken via an expression of interest process.
The program includes eight weeks of employment ready workshops, a graduation event, mentoring and networking opportunities.
Sunshine Coast residents from culturally diverse backgrounds are invited to submit an expression of interest to be considered for a Migrant Business Ready Scholarship.
The scholarship will support eight micro or small businesses to establish and plan for growth.
The scholarship program will be conducted through a specially designed series of workshops as well as opportunities to connect with the Sunshine Coast business community.
Applications for both close midnight Sunday 15 August.
Did you know Sunshine Coast Council has a dedicated digital Multicultural Welcome Hub?
It’s our way of helping new and culturally diverse residents settle and feel welcome in our healthy, smart and creative region.
Multicultural Welcome Hub topics include:
- Migrant stories: Take the time to listen to stories from other migrants living on the Sunshine Coast. They share their personal stories of their challenges and joys while settling into their new home.
- Living on the Sunshine Coast: Understand what you need to do as soon as you arrive and learn what has helped other new migrants.
- Employment and business: There are a range of services and support to help you get ready for work in Australia and find employment.
- Community connections: Here you will find a range of community groups, events, activities and programs available to help you feel part of the community.
- Support and services: Find information on a range of support services and programs to assist you to settle in on the Sunshine Coast.
- Finding a home: Finding a home can be difficult and confusing. Find useful tips and links to help you find the right place to live.
- Education and schooling: The Sunshine Coast has a full range of high quality education and training facilities for both adults and children.
- Health and well-being: Find services, advice and assistance for maintaining your health, happiness and well-being.
- Driving and transport: Learn about your public transport options, buying a car and the road rules.
- Justice and the law: Find support services and advice to assist people who are having legal issues, or find a Justice of the Peace.
- Safety, disaster and emergencies: Understand how to keep safe and prepare for severe weather events and other emergencies.
- Translating and interpreting: Multicultural language services and guidelines.
Learn more about Multicultural Queensland Month by visiting the Queensland Government’s website.
TELL US – HAVE YOU GOT A SUNSHINE COAST MIGRANT STORY?
We’d love to hear about your experience as a migrant living on the Sunshine Coast and any tips you may have to share.
Please email oursc@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au with your words of wisdom. You may also include a photo of yourself.
Please note, by sending us your story and/or photo, you are consenting to it being republished on the OurSC website, Sunshine Coast Council’s social media channels and across any other relevant council communication outlets. Council reserves the right to choose which content to use and to edit for clarity.