Minister for Disability Services and Multicultural Affairs
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk
18/09/2009
Caboolture comes together to celebrate diversity

More than 5000 people are expected to attend this weekend's Caboolture Multicultural Festival at the Caboolture Town Square [26 September].

Multicultural Affairs Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk said the festival would celebrate the diversity of the Caboolture region and promote activities that enhance understanding and acceptance.

"The festival will begin with a bang with a parade down King Street, followed by activities the whole family can enjoy," Ms Palaszczuk said.

"A feature will be the multicultural village displaying cultures from around the world where everyone can roam through and learn more about other diverse backgrounds.

"Highlights include international music and dance performances, arts, craft, information and international food stalls. Residents can also groove along to salsa rhythms at the Latin dinner and dance at the close of this year's festival."

Mrs Carryn Sullivan said the festival would bring the Caboolture community together in a spirit of celebration to recognise the region's many nationalities and cultures.

"More than 20,000 people who live in Caboolture are born overseas giving the region a real international flavour and many cultures to celebrate," Mrs Sullivan said.

"About 5000 residents speak a language other than English at home, with the top five non-English languages spoken being Samoan, German, Italian, Dutch and Tagalog."

The Department of Communities provided the Caboolture Multicultural Festival with $10,000 in funding under the Multicultural Assistance Program.

"The Bligh Government will continue to support events like this multicultural festival because it enables Queenslanders to celebrate and acknowledge the wonderful diversity of our communities," Ms Palaszczuk said.

The free multicultural festival will take place at Caboolture Town Square, King Street on Saturday 26 September from 10am to 4pm, followed by the Latin dance event from 6pm to midnight at the Memorial Hall, Caboolture.

For more information on how the Department of Communities is delivering innovative community services to support and strengthen individuals, families, or communities; visit: - www.multicultural.qld.gov.au