Ipswich’s inaugural Colours of Ipswich Multicultural Unity Festival has been hailed a success, attracting around 7,000 people for a celebration of the city’s cultural diversity.
Division 1 Councillor Pye Augustine told West Bremer Radio the August 1 event brought together cultures from across the community through food, dance, music, sport and entertainment.
The festival featured representatives from Chinese, Indian, African, Samoan, New Zealand, Indigenous and other communities, along with performances from the Ipswich Pipe Band.
Cr Augustine, who initiated the festival, said one of the highlights was a performance of the Australian national anthem by young Redbank Plains local Alexander.
The event coincided with Multicultural Queensland Month and Cr Augustine said she hoped it would continue bringing the whole Ipswich community together.
Meanwhile, applications are being encouraged for up to five external adviser positions on Ipswich City Council’s Multicultural Advisory Committee.
The advisers will provide expertise on issues affecting multicultural residents and help Council identify practical solutions, including improving communication with residents who face language barriers.
Cr Augustine said the initiative was important for a city with people from around 163 countries of origin.
New social housing opens
Forty new social housing units have also opened at Redbank Plains, providing homes for 52 residents.
Cr Augustine said some of the new residents had previously been at risk of homelessness, while others were older residents downsizing from larger homes.
She said further social housing developments were also planned for the Redbank Plains area, providing additional accommodation for vulnerable residents.
Purga Nature Reserve upgraded
Families are also being encouraged to rediscover Purga Nature Reserve following upgrades to its visitor facilities.
Improvements include upgraded gas barbecues and picnic facilities, funded through Council’s Enviroplan Levy.
Cr Augustine said the reserve offered residents and visitors an opportunity to enjoy Ipswich’s natural environment and wildlife.
Purga Nature Reserve is open daily from 6am to 6pm, with automatic entry gates operating during those hours.
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