Toowoomba has received two prestigious multicultural awards announced by the Multicultural Affairs Queensland Department of the State Government on 6 September.
The Cultural Diversity Ambassador (Regional) was awarded to Mrs Gitie House, President of the Toowoomba International Multicultural Society (TIMS). The award recognises an individual who has demonstrated an outstanding and sustained commitment to promoting the values of multiculturalism and promoting harmonious community relations.
The Regional community organisation award which recognises not-for-profit, community-based organisations that have shown leadership in supporting cultural diversity in regional Queensland was also awarded to TIMS. TIMS has successfully promoted the benefits of cultural diversity within south west Queensland, delivering an impressive range of community development initiatives for a small, volunteer, not-for-profit organisation. Notable achievements include the Toowoomba Language and Cultures Festival and cultural awareness programs.
Gitie House has made significant and sustained contributions to developing and increasing cross-cultural understanding in the Toowoomba region. Her work has been dedicated to creating an inclusive community through social, cultural and educational activities; crossing all age groups, faiths and cultures and recognising the rich cultural diversity of the region.
Vice-president Ms Daphne Fung accepted the award for TIMS from the Minister for Multicultural Affairs Glen Elmes. “TIMS, is a grass roots community organisation whose members are all volunteers — individuals, families, cultural groups and organisations who are committed to building a harmonious multicultural community. Our members strive to work collaboratively with people from other backgrounds including Indigenous Australians, mainstream Australians, migrants and refugees to create an environment of mutual sharing and learning so that we can all enjoy the benefits of our different cultures in a harmonious way.”