Multicultural Advisory Committee - 23 Mar 2026 2:30 PM

Topics

• Committee proposes opening membership to external representatives
  Council advisory committee seeks a rule change to add up to five external members from public and community sectors.
  This could broaden community representation and change who advises council on multicultural issues.
• Multicultural event proposed for Nicholas Street Precinct in August
  Council-backed multicultural event could be held during multicultural month at the Nicholas Street Precinct.
  A new community event may boost attendance, local activity and visibility for multicultural groups and nearby businesses.

Decisions

• Confirm previous minutes
  The minutes of the Multicultural Advisory Committee held on 28 October 2025 were confirmed.
  Administrative only; no direct service or policy change.
• Update committee terms of reference and membership
  The committee recommended updating its terms of reference to allow external representatives to join, with membership including up to five external members on a fixed-term basis.
  Could change how the committee represents multicultural communities and public-sector stakeholders.
• Prepare expression of interest for external members
  The committee recommended that an expression of interest be drafted with membership criteria for the committee.
  Residents and community organisations may be able to apply to join the committee.
• Note report on multicultural/unity festival event
  The verbal report on a council-supported multicultural event in August within the Nicholas Street Precinct was noted.
  Signals a planned community event that may affect local participation and activity in the precinct.

Discussion

• External membership on advisory committee
  Members discussed equivalent arrangements used by Toowoomba Regional Council and the inclusion of external members from public and community sectors on council's advisory committee.
  May improve community input into multicultural advice to council.
• Multicultural/Unity Festival in August
  The committee discussed a proposed council-supported multicultural event during multicultural month in August at the Nicholas Street Precinct.
  Could bring community activity, attendance and local business trade to the precinct.
• Loss of quorum and deferred business
  After Councillor David Martin left the meeting, quorum was lost and item 4 on waste collection and contamination in culturally diverse communities was discussed but no recommendation was made.
  Delays any committee advice on waste education or contamination issues affecting multicultural communities.

Impacts

• Possible new opportunity for external community members to join the advisory committee.
• Potential multicultural event in August at the Nicholas Street Precinct may increase local visitation and community participation.
• Waste collection and contamination issues in culturally diverse communities were not resolved at this meeting due to loss of quorum.

Places

• Nicholas Street Precinct (precinct)
  Proposed location for a council-supported multicultural event in August.

Next

• Draft an expression of interest for external committee members, including membership criteria
  Future action recommended by the committee
• Update the committee's terms of reference to allow up to five external members on a fixed-term basis
  Future action recommended by the committee
• Further consider the waste collection and contamination item once quorum is available
  At the next meeting
• Next meeting to be advised
  No date set

Extract

23 MARCH 2026 MULTICULTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE NO. 2026(01)] of 3 MULTICULTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE NO. 2026(01) 23 MARCH 2026 REPORT COUNCILLORS’ ATTENDANCE: Councillor Pye Augustine (Chairperson); Councillors Jacob Madsen (Deputy Chairperson), David Martin and Jim Madden (Observer) COUNCILLOR’S APOLOGIES: Councillor Marnie Doyle and Councillor Andrew Antoniolli OFFICERS’ ATTENDANCE: Chief Executive Officer (Sonia Cooper), General Manager Environment and Sustainability (Kaye Cavanagh), Manager, Marketing and Promotions (Carly Gregory) and Community and Sport Manager (Melissa Dower) ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY Councillor Pye Augustine (Chairperson) delivered the Acknowledgement of Country DEC...