Toowoomba Region is home to a vibrant and growing culturally diverse community. According to the 2021 Census, nearly 14% of our region's residents - over 24,000 people - were born overseas, and around 9% speak a language other than English at home.
We are committed to fostering understanding and appreciation of the many cultures and languages that enrich our community. We aim to deliver services that reflect our community’s diversity by focusing on access, equity, participation, inclusive planning, and meaningful engagement.
Our goal is to build positive relationships between all people and create a connected and culturally responsive region for everyone.
Intercultural Strategy
The Weaving a Collective Future - Toowoomba Region Intercultural Strategy 2025 - 2030(PDF, 8MB) sets out a clear vision for a more inclusive, connected, and culturally responsive community.
Developed through extensive consultation and underpinned by evidence-based research, including a comprehensive A Needs Analysis of Culturally Diverse Communities in The Toowoomba Region: Technical Report,(PDF, 619KB) the strategy identifies key priorities to strengthen intercultural relations, remove barriers to participation, celebrate the rich diversity of our region and build intercultural connections.
The strategy was developed through extensive consultation and underpinned by evidence-based research. It sets out a clear vision for a more inclusive, connected, and culturally responsive community.
Cultural Diversity Network
The Cultural Diversity Network (CDN) is a collaborative platform convened by our Multicultural Community Development Officer to strengthen connections between service providers, community leaders, culturally diverse individuals and the border community. The CDN provides a space for open dialogue, shared learning, and coordinated action to promote inclusion, equity, and cultural responsiveness across the region.
Multicultural Advisory Committee
The Multicultural Advisory Committee provides leadership and direction through an advocacy role, coordinated advice and recommendations to Council on recognising, engaging, supporting and empowering people from a multicultural background across the Region.
Find out more information about the Multicultural Advisory Committee.
Find guidance on accessing translating and interpreting services, key cultural and religious dates, and details about Council services designed to assist people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds:
Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS)
For translating and interpreting assistance, please contact Translating and Interpreting Service. Other local agencies and settlement providers like CatholicCare or Multicultural Australia have interpreters and translators to assist newly arrived residents of our Region.
Employment and training
The Settle into Employment Guide is a practical resource for organisations, service providers, and community groups supporting people from refugee and humanitarian backgrounds to settle into life and work in our Region. It brings together information on local settlement, employment, English language supports, community networks and multicultural organisations - making it easier to navigate services, understand eligibility, and connect people to the right pathways.
Toowoomba’s status as an International City of Peace recognises the long‑term work of the local Peace Committee and the wider community in promoting peace, inclusion and understanding across the region.
This recognition reflects both past and ongoing efforts by community members, organisations, volunteers and Council. Together, they have worked to build respect, connection, and harmony throughout Toowoomba.
Sharing this recognition helps raise awareness of the initiative and celebrates the community’s shared commitment to creating a safe, welcoming and peaceful place for everyone.
Toowoomba has proudly been a Refugee Welcome Zone since 2013, an initiative of the Refugee Council of Australia.
This designation represents our public commitment to welcoming refugees into our community, upholding their human rights, and promoting social inclusion. It reflects our ongoing efforts to build a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where people from refugee backgrounds can thrive and actively contribute to the social, cultural, and economic life of the broader region.
Toowoomba Regional Council supports a range of multicultural events that celebrate our community’s cultural richness, promote inclusion, and bring people together through food, music, language, and shared experiences.
Toowoomba International Street Fiesta
Toowoomba International Street Fiesta: Held annually in Queens Park, the Toowoomba International Street Fiesta is a vibrant celebration of our region’s cultural diversity. Proudly supported by Toowoomba Regional Council as a major event sponsor, the Fiesta features live performances, international food, cultural displays, and family-friendly activities. It’s a dynamic community event that brings people together to celebrate and share cultures from around the world.
Harmony Day
Harmony Day: Observed around 21 March, Harmony Day promotes respect, inclusion, and belonging. Supported by Council, this event includes cultural performances, speakers, and activities, and warmly welcomes new residents to the region. It aligns with the UN’s International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.