Building a welcoming community EMBRACING DIVERSITY ON THE SUNSHINE COAST

BY SHARI HALL

The Sunshine Coast has long been celebrated for its pristine beaches, lush hinterland, and vibrant community spirit. However, beneath its picturesque facade lies a rich tapestry of cultural diversity and migration stories that contribute to the region's dynamic social and economic landscape. We often don’t hear of these, yet each year, thousands of multicultural individuals embark on a journey to this idyllic region, driven by dreams of a brighter future.

Luisa Lopez’s journey from Colombia to Australia a decade ago is a testament to resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Arriving in Australia at the age of 24, with aspirations of learning English and pursuing further education in business and finance, Luisa encountered numerous obstacles along the way.

"When I landed in Sydney, I burst into tears. I thought, ‘Oh, my God, what am I doing? I don't think I can do this’," she recalls. Despite the initial uncertainties and fears, Luisa found support and kindness in unexpected places, from strangers in the airport to her host family who was instrumental in teaching her basic English.

“During my first week here, though, I didn’t leave my bedroom. I was overwhelmed with thoughts like ‘How am I going to get to school? How do I catch a bus? How am I going to get a job? This is so hard’. But I felt a lot of support coming from everywhere; that was nice," she reflects.

Luisa's experience mirrors that of many migrants who have made the Sunshine Coast their sanctuary, enriching the community with their diverse talents and aspirations. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the region's Estimated Resident Population stood at 413,218 in 2022, with 83,605 people born overseas.

Cate Gilpin, the Queensland Coordinator for Welcoming Cities, underscores the challenges faced by migrants in integrating into the Australian workforce.

"For many migrants, their international qualifications are not recognised in Australia, posing a significant barrier to employment," Cate explains.

“In business, many experience confusion and complexity due to the different tax laws, superannuation requirements and business structures in Australia. We are working with Sunshine Coast Council to develop support programs to help migrant led businesses thrive.”

Stella Romagnoli, Program Coordinator of the Baringa Community Centre, says migrants often arrive with high hopes and dreams, but the reality of the adjustment process can be dramatic, especially when their expectations do not align with reality.

“Securing their first job is significant in their transition; it not only provides financial stability but also a sense of dignity, belonging and connection with their local community,” Stella says.

Nambour Community Centre Settlement, Engagement, and Transition Support Worker Linda Dennis emphasises the invaluable role migrants play across various sectors, from healthcare to hospitality. Linda cites the Intergenerational Report 2023 which states, "Migrants bring with them a wealth of skills and experiences. Their contributions are critical to maintaining essential services and driving economic growth. The vast majority of migrants with a permanent visa or on the skilled migration stream, are mostly between 20 and 39, highly trained and experienced, and are critical to maintain health, caring, and educational systems as well as finance, insurance, hospitality, and IT companies."

Many migrants initially need to take lowerlevel jobs to improve their English, familiarise themselves with the Australian system and integrate into the workforce gradually – like Luisa. Despite having a degree in business from a university in Colombia, she worked in cleaning, hospitality, and as a nanny while studying English.

Overcoming one challenge after another, Luisa persevered, eventually securing a scholarship for a diploma in mortgage broking at Kaplan in Brisbane. With resilience and determination, she navigated the challenges of finding employment in her desired industry and will soon be a Senior Mortgage Advisor at the Mason Finance Group on the Sunshine Coast.

"Life is not easy or fair, but just keep working. Never give up," Luisa advises.

"There are amazing people who want to help and see you succeed.”

In 2023, Sunshine Coast Council reinforced its commitment to cultural diversity and inclusion by joining the Welcoming Cities Network. Sunshine Coast Council Economic and Community Development Group Executive Greg Laverty highlights the significance of this milestone.

"Our region is home to migrants from 150 countries, with 96 different languages spoken," he says.

Programs such as the Diverse Queensland Workforce, Migrant Work Ready, and Migrant Business Ready, alongside events like the upcoming Migrant Job Fair and Business Expo in May 2024, are tangible items of the Council’s commitment to inclusivity and cultural diversity.

“Imagine the Sunshine Coast being nationally and internationally acknowledged as one of the most welcoming regions in Australia!” Greg exclaims. For Luisa Lopez, it certainly has been.

“By embracing diversity, fostering inclusivity, and championing collaboration, our region is not just welcoming migrants, it’s building a stronger, more vibrant community where we all belong,” Greg says.