Five-year partnerships to enhance economic and social participation

• The Crisafulli Government is investing more than $16 million over five years to help Queenslanders find job opportunities and access services.
• 18 organisations will deliver support across 17 Local Government Areas, stretching from Far North Queensland down to the Gold Coast.
• Funding from 2027 to 2031 to support Queenslanders from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
• During Labor's decade of decline, only three-year funding was provided, but the Crisafulli Government is delivering certainty and better services through a stronger economy with five-year agreements. 

The Crisafulli Government is delivering certainty to community organisations across Queensland by investing more than $16 million over five years. 

The fresh funding will be delivered through the Community Action for a Multicultural Society (CAMS) program.   

In total, 18 community organisations and service providers in 17 local government areas will share in more than $3.2 million in annual funding from 2027 to 2031. 

The funding supports Queenslanders from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to find employment opportunities and understand local services. 

Funded organisations and service providers are situated across the State, including the Lockyer Valley, Toowoomba, Fraser Coast, Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Gladstone, Mackay, Townsville, Cairns, Mount Isa, and the Sunshine Coast. 

During Labor's decade of decline, community organisations and service providers only received three-year funding agreements under the CAMS program. 

The Crisafulli Government's five-year funding delivers certainty and allows organisations and providers to plan ahead, strengthen local partnerships and deliver reliable support to their communities. 

Minister for Multiculturalism Fiona Simpson said this investment would help community organisations work with local employers and service providers to address barriers. 

“At the heart of the Community Action for a Multicultural Society program is the belief that every Queenslander deserves the opportunity to find work, support their family and be part of their community,” Minister Simpson said.  

“For those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, simply knowing where to find opportunities and which local support services are available can be the first step towards putting their skills to use.  

“Our five-year funding commitments to 18 community organisations across 17 regions provides certainty and allows these local service providers to focus on supporting people and responding to local needs.  

“The Crisafulli Government is focused on breaking down barriers to economic and social participation for all Queenslanders – regardless of their background or where they live in our State.  

“When more people can put their skills to work, local businesses benefit, families have more opportunities and our communities grow stronger." 

Among the CAMS providers is Townsville Multicultural Support Group. TMSG general manager Dr Tra Nguyen said the organisation was in its 34th year of service and thanked the Crisafulli Government for its continued investment. 

“We recognise the CAMS program as a vital investment in strengthening social cohesion, improving the cultural responsiveness of mainstream services and employers, as well as empowering multicultural communities to access employment, training and essential services," Ms Nguyen said. 

“We also acknowledge our dedicated staff, volunteers, multicultural community leaders and partner organisations whose commitment and collaboration help build a more welcoming, connected, inclusive and resilient North Queensland.” 

Funded organisations: 

• Centacare FNQ (Cairns)
• Townsville Multicultural Support Group Ltd (Townsville)
• Good Shepherd Parish (Mount Isa)
• George Street Neighbourhood Centre Association (Mackay)
• Central Queensland Multicultural Association Inc (Rockhampton)
• Strong Communities Ltd (Gladstone)
• Bundaberg and District Neighbourhood Centre Inc (Bundaberg)
• Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre (Fraser Coast)
• Nambour Community Centre Inc (Sunshine Coast)
• Neighbourhood Centre Caboolture Inc (Moreton Bay)
• Lockyer Community Centre (Lockyer Valley)
• Mercy Community (Toowoomba)
• Australian Red Cross Society (Brisbane)
• Multicultural Australia (Brisbane and Ipswich)
• Settlement Services International (Logan and Redland)
• IWA Australia Limited (Logan)
• Multicultural Communities Council Gold Coast Ltd (Gold Coast)
• The Migrant Centre Organisation Inc (Gold Coast) 

ENDS 

MEDIA CONTACT: Toby Crockford, 0421 632 396