The Toowoomba Region is home to a growing and culturally diverse community. According to the 2021 Census, more than 14% of the region’s 184,377 residents were born overseas, with over 100 nationalities represented. Around 9% of residents speak a language other than English at home, reflecting the region’s strong multicultural fabric.
Toowoomba has a long history as a key settlement location for people from refugee backgrounds and is recognised as one of Queensland’s largest regional refugee settlement areas. The city was third in Queensland to be declared a Refugee Welcome Zone, affirming its commitment to upholding human rights, enhancing cultural diversity, and promoting welcoming and inclusive communities.
Over the past two decades, Toowoomba has welcomed new residents from various nations across Africa and the Asia-Pacific. Its success reflects a well-established framework of collaboration across all levels of government, settlement services, and non-government organisations, supported by strong community engagement in welcoming and assisting new arrivals.
In 2024, Toowoomba was formally recognised as a City of Peace by the International Cities of Peace network, following a community-led application supported by local organisations and civic leaders. This recognition reflects the collective efforts of community groups, multicultural and multi-faith organisations, service providers, and Council working together to promote harmony, social cohesion, and cultural understanding.
Most recently, the Toowoomba Regional Council in partnership with University of Southern Queensland undertook the Needs Analysis of Culturally Diverse Communities in the Toowoomba Region. This landmark study confirmed the region’s diversity and identified opportunities to strengthen participation, intercultural connections, and community wellbeing, insights that continue to inform Council’s planning and priorities.
Initiatives
Some of the key initiatives undertaken by Toowoomba Regional Council to welcome and support the settlement of migrants from Refugee and Humanitarian backgrounds are:
Weaving a Collective Future: Toowoomba Region Intercultural Strategy 2025–2030
This strategy was adopted by Toowoomba Regional Council in 2025 as the region’s first dedicated intercultural strategy. Informed by evidence base research and extensive community consultation, the Strategy provides a clear framework for strengthening intercultural connections, promoting equitable access, and supporting participation across all areas of community life, and building partnerships that reflect the richness and diversity of the Toowoomba Region.
Multicultural Advisory Committee (MAC)
The MAC helps strengthen collaboration between Council and the region’s culturally and linguistically diverse communities. Comprising community leaders, service providers, and Councillors, the Committee provides advice on policy, programs, and emerging issues, ensuring that diverse perspectives inform Council decision-making. This initiative reinforces Council’s commitment to inclusive governance and responsive community development.
Cultural Diversity Network (CDN)
Facilitated by Council’s Multicultural Development Officer, this is a quarterly forum which brings together representatives of organisations, communities, local and state agencies, specific interest groups and networks. CDN supports the growing networking needs of individuals and agencies working with CALD communities.
Toowoomba Regional Council actively supports CALD communities through a range of initiatives that build capacity, strengthen participation, and celebrate diversity. Support is provided through community grants and sponsorships that enable local organisations to deliver cultural celebrations, events, and activities such as the International Street Fiesta.
Council also undertakes regular consultation with new and emerging communities, ensuring that CALD voices inform planning projects and service delivery. In addition, Council staff and representatives attend and participate in multicultural events across the region, reinforcing Council’s commitment to inclusion and visibility.
Partnerships with community organisations, service providers, and government agencies further extend this support, helping CALD communities to strengthen governance, enhance advocacy, and access services effectively. These collaborative efforts highlight Council’s role in fostering intercultural connections and ensuring equitable opportunities for all residents.
For more information on Council initiatives, please visit the Toowoomba Regional Council website.
- Image 1: Image courtesy of Toowoomba Regional Council. Captured during the Multicultural Entrepreneurs Event, May 2025 — celebrating innovation, diversity, and local business leadership.
- Image 2: Toowoomba is home to families from every culture — a vibrant, welcoming city offering connection, opportunity, and quality of life for all. (Photo credit: Toowoomba Regional Council)
- Image 3 & 4: Performers bring colour and rhythm to the 2024 International Street Fiesta — a joyful celebration of culture, connection, and community in Toowoomba. (Photo credit: Nico & co)
