Walk through the streets of Brisbane, Gold Coast, or Cairns, and you’ll witness a beautiful blend of cultures—Indian grocery stores, Vietnamese pho restaurants, Italian bakeries, and Pacific Islander music filling the air. This is Queensland today—a dynamic and diverse state that thrives on the contributions of migrants. While Australia as a whole has been shaped by migration, Queensland’s economic growth, cultural richness, and social harmony owe much to the resilience and hard work of its migrant communities. Yet, their contributions often go unrecognized.
Migrants shaping Queensland’s identity
Queensland’s multicultural identity has been built on the sacrifices and ambitions of migrants. Post-war European migrants helped establish industries and infrastructure, while more recent arrivals from India, China, the Philippines, and Africa have brought innovation and entrepreneurship. Today, Queensland is home to one of Australia’s fastest-growing migrant populations, with nearly one in five residents born overseas.
The state’s cultural calendar is a testament to this diversity—Brisbane’s Diwali festival lights up the city, the Paniyiri Greek Festival in South Brisbane is a long-standing tradition, and Chinese New Year celebrations bring thousands together. These events are not just displays of heritage; they are proof that migrants don’t just integrate into Queensland’s society—they shape it.
The economic engine of Queensland
Migrants are the backbone of Queensland’s economy. They fill critical roles in industries such as healthcare, technology, hospitality, agriculture, and education. International students, many of whom choose to settle in Queensland, contribute significantly to the local economy. Migrant-owned businesses—from Indian restaurants in Brisbane to family-run shops in Toowoomba—generate employment and boost local trade.
Queensland’s booming agricultural sector also relies heavily on migrant workers. Farms across the state benefit from the labor and expertise of Pacific Islander and Southeast Asian workers, ensuring that fresh produce reaches Australian tables. Without migrants, Queensland’s economy would face significant skill shortages and slower growth.
Why recognition matters
Despite their immense contributions, many migrants in Queensland still struggle with underrepresentation, discrimination, and limited access to opportunities. The stories of their resilience—whether it’s a nurse from the Philippines working through a pandemic, an Indian entrepreneur creating local jobs, or a Sudanese youth excelling in sports—deserve recognition.
Policies that promote inclusion, greater representation of migrants in leadership roles, and community programs that celebrate cultural diversity are essential. When migrants feel valued and included, Queensland benefits as a whole.
Multiculturalism: Queensland’s strength
Queensland’s future is undeniably multicultural. As the state continues to grow, ensuring that migrant voices are heard and their contributions acknowledged will be key to building a stronger, more inclusive society.
Migrants are not just part of Queensland’s story—they are the story. It’s time we celebrate them, not just in words, but through policies, opportunities, and everyday recognition. A truly prosperous Queensland is one that embraces and empowers its diverse communities.
