The Department of Education acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands across Queensland. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging, for they hold the memories, the traditions, the culture and hopes of Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples across the state.
Multicultural recognition in Queensland
The department’s
Equity and Excellence: realising the potential of every student strategy recognises the diversity of our staff, students and school communities as our greatest strength. Our students were born in more than 220 different countries, speak more than 230 different languages and dialects, and identify with a diverse range of cultures and and religions. By valuing culture and creating inclusive teaching and learning environments, we are driving equity and excellence across every Queensland state school.
We are committed to the
Multicultural Recognition Act 2016 (Qld) and, in keeping with the
Multicultural Queensland Charter, we place cultural diversity at the heart of all decision making about policies and services. The Multicultural Recognition Act 2016 (Qld) complements Queensland’s
Human Rights Act 2019 (Qld) by:
- promoting Queensland as an inclusive community with opportunities for all people to participate in all aspects of life
- acknowledging that a diverse and cohesive society delivers important benefits for all Queenslanders
- recognising our diverse cultural heritage and aims to ensure that government services are responsive to the needs of our multicultural communities.
Our commitment to the Queensland Government’s
Multicultural Action Plan 2022–23 to 2023–24 helps ensure equitable access and opportunity for all and mutual respect, fair treatment and valuing the diversity of peoples.
We All Belong – Many cultures workforce strategy
The Department of Education understands that celebrating difference and leveraging the diverse knowledge, skills and experience of our multicultural workforce is critical to maximising our organisation's potential through a high-performing workforce that reflects the students and communities we serve. The department takes a zero-tolerance approach to racism and discrimination, and recognises the foundational importance of equity and inclusion in all aspects of our work. We acknowledge the benefits of co-design and taking positive actions to identify and eliminate systemic discrimination or potential discrimination while undertaking our duties.
The
Many Cultures strategy (PDF, 634KB) is a key deliverable of the department’s
Equity and Diversity Plan. Through education, visibility and leadership, the strategy is creating workplaces where all staff feel safe, supported and valued, and have the opportunity to progress and thrive in their careers.
Celebrating cultural diversity
There are key dates and events throughout the year that provide opportunities to celebrate cultural diversity across the department and strengthen
intercultural understanding in our Queensland state schools (QSS).
Multicultural Queensland Month
'Our vision is an inclusive, harmonious and united Queensland where people of all cultures, languages and faiths feel a strong sense of belonging and can achieve their goals.' – Queensland Multicultural Policy: Our story, our future 2018, p. 2
Multicultural Queensland Month is the state’s largest multicultural celebration and is held in August each year. Each year, we celebrate our diversity, recognising the benefits to Queensland of the many backgrounds, skills and experiences that make up who we are.
Harmony Week
Harmony Week celebrates Australia’s cultural diversity and is held in March every year. Each year, we celebrate inclusion, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone through participating in a range of events in our schools, wider communities and workplaces.
Contact
Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Inclusion
Email:
CALDinclusion@qed.qld.gov.au