ANCW Australian Multicultural Festival October 2025

Thriving Multicultural Communities (TMC) was proud to co-organise and support the inaugural Australian Multicultural Festival, a landmark celebration of diversity, inclusion and community connection held at the iconic Broadwater Parklands on the Gold Coast.

Supported by the Australian

Government and hosted by the Australian National Chinese Women’s Federation (ANCWF), the festival brought together nearly one thousand attendees from a wide range of cultural backgrounds, including community organisations, schools, cultural associations, performers, families and local residents. The event created a vibrant and welcoming space where people could come together to celebrate their heritage, share traditions and experience the rich cultural diversity that makes Australia such a unique and thriving multicultural nation.

The day commenced with a heartfelt Welcome to Country by Mr Glenn Barry, acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land, the Kombumerri people of the Yugambeh language region. This important recognition reflected the festival's commitment to honouring Australia's First Nations peoples while celebrating the many cultures that now call Australia home.

As a co-organising partner, TMC played an active role in supporting the planning, coordination, promotion and community engagement efforts that helped bring the festival to life. Through our extensive network of multicultural community groups and leaders, TMC worked to encourage participation from a diverse range of communities, helping to ensure the event reflected the cultural richness of the Gold Coast and surrounding regions.

The festival featured more than 30 food, craft, and community stalls representing cultures from around the world. Visitors had the opportunity to sample international cuisine, explore traditional arts and crafts, engage in cultural activities, and connect directly with community organisations. Throughout the day, a spectacular multicultural performance program showcased music, dance and cultural traditions from numerous communities, providing both entertainment and opportunities for cultural learning and appreciation.

For TMC, the significance of the Australian Multicultural Festival extended far beyond the day's celebrations. Events such as these play a critical role in fostering social cohesion, building understanding between cultures, and creating opportunities for meaningful community connection. In a time when many people can feel isolated within their own communities, multicultural events provide valuable opportunities for people to learn from one another, challenge stereotypes, celebrate differences, and recognise the shared values that unite us.

The festival also highlighted the strength of collaboration between community organisations, government, volunteers, and cultural groups. By working together, we can create inclusive spaces where people from all backgrounds feel welcomed, valued, and empowered to participate in community life.

As an organisation committed to supporting multicultural communities across South East Queensland, TMC recognises the importance of creating opportunities that bring people together. Our work extends beyond service delivery and community support, it is about strengthening relationships, amplifying diverse voices and helping build communities where everyone has a sense of belonging.

TMC extends its sincere thanks to the Australian National Chinese Women’s Federation for their leadership and vision in delivering this inaugural event, as well as the Australian Government for its support. We also thank the many volunteers, performers, sponsors, community leaders and attendees whose contributions made the festival such a memorable success.

The inaugural Australian Multicultural Festival was a powerful celebration of Australia's diversity and a reminder of what can be achieved when communities come together with a shared commitment to inclusion, respect, and understanding. TMC looks forward to continuing to support initiatives that strengthen multiculturalism and create thriving, connected communities for generations to come.