Cultural diversity

Logan is home to an increasingly diverse population. According to the 2021 Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) census, 27.9 percent of residents in Logan City were born overseas, and 18.1 percent of the population speak a language other than English at home.

Our diversity is part of our identity as a city. We can experience amazing cultures and foods and connect with people from all around the world at our doorstep. Embracing our diversity also means supporting welcoming and inclusive spaces, workforces, and neighbourhoods.

Read on to find out some of the ways that we are encouraging a welcoming and inclusive city for our diverse communities.

Culturally diverse group of people holding up signs with greetings in other languages

Refugee Welcome Zone

Refugee Welcome Zone is an initiative of the Refugee Council of Australia. We were declared a Refugee Welcome Zone in 2017. This declaration is a public commitment in spirit to:

  • welcoming refugees in to our community
  • upholding the human rights of refugees
  • demonstrating compassion for refugees
  • enhancing cultural and religious diversity in our community.

It is also an acknowledgment of the tremendous contributions refugees have made to Logan in the fields of medicine, science, engineering, sport, education, and the arts.

We are proud to be working together with the Refugee Council of Australia to build a more inclusive and integrated community, which celebrates the many positive contributions of refugees in Logan.

Welcoming Cities

Welcoming Cities is a national initiative of Welcoming Australia. It provides a framework for local governments to achieve social cohesion objectives. We became a Welcoming Cities member in 2022. The Welcoming Cities membership will:

  • Broaden Council’s commitment as a Refugee Welcome Zone and further enhance our community connections and activities that embrace all migrants in our city.
  • Reinforce the City of Logan as one of the most culturally diverse local government areas in Australia.
  • Create a framework for us to demonstrate and showcase our commitment to the values we hold dear when it comes to the city’s diverse multicultural tapestry.

We are committed to working in collaboration with Welcoming Australia in the advancement of Logan as a welcoming, inclusive, and cohesive city.

Stories from the Kitchen

Stories from the Kitchen was a Queensland Government funded program between July 2021 and June 2023. It was a series of dinners, where people from diverse cultural backgrounds bring a plate of food and stories from their culture to share.

Throughout the program, we hosted 10 dinners where 260 people attended from 31 cultural backgrounds and shared over 140 dishes. We have had the privilege of witnessing heart-warming stories unfold, as people from diverse backgrounds came together to connect through food.

Beenleigh Neighbourhood Centre has successfully secured Council funding to continue fostering this spirit of unity and cultural celebration by hosting more community-led dinners.

Stay tuned for updates on the upcoming community gatherings by joining the Stories from the Kitchen Facebook group.

Become a volunteer facilitator

If you’re passionate about event coordination, meeting new people and are looking for an opportunity to make a real impact on your community, we want you to join our team of volunteers!

You’ll gain meaningful experience for your resume, develop professional and leadership skills and most importantly, have heaps of fun!

You can regster to become a volunteer facilitator by filling in our Volunteer facilitator registration form.

If you have any questions, please contact Tyahn Jack on 3188 1431 or email tyahn@beenleigh.org.au.

Partnerships

We partner with two local networks to support our diverse community. There are many other networks that meet across the City of Logan. These groups provide an opportunity for information sharing, collaboration, and networking between service providers. To find out what networks are available and how to join, please see Logan community networks

Community Leaders Connect Forum

The Community Leaders Connect Forum is delivered in partnership with leaders from culturally diverse communities in Logan, SSI, MultiLink and Council. The forum aims to:

  • strengthen relationships between cultural leaders, SSI, MultiLink and Council in an ongoing cumulative process
  • provide a platform for cultural leaders to engage with Council, SSI and MultiLink on community and Council priorities
  • provide a platform for cultural leaders to present community needs, trends and highlight achievements
  • provide opportunities for cultural leaders to take part at a range of levels, including providing advice and identifying and progressing opportunities to address the identified priorities.

Community leaders from diverse groups in Logan are welcome to join the forum at any time. All you need is to:

  • be over the age of 18
  • live in the City of Logan
  • be able to attend meetings once every three months
  • have an existing leadership role within community
  • be enthusiastic and passionate about supporting Logan’s diverse communities
  • have the ability to positively influence community and drive social cohesion and connectedness.

To express your interest in being part of this group, please

Logan Multicultural Collaborative

We are a member of the Logan Multicultural Collaborative (LMC), which aims to devise and deliver activities and events, raise awareness, support the health and wellbeing of Logan’s diverse communities, and to find more effective means of reaching them.

LMC is established to build a stronger community. It consists of government and community service providers who provide services to multicultural communities and other communities in the Logan area.

Through LMC, we work collaboratively with other service providers to ensure a supportive environment, equity in decision-making among all members, and opportunities for members to build stronger partnerships and networks.

Programs and Supports

Program Details

English Language Classes

Our libraries offer English language classes to help people improve English language skills. Search What’s On for upcoming sessions.
Adult Migrant English Program The Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP), funded by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs, offers free and basic English language classes at Loganlea TAFE to help people settle into new life in Australia.
Multicultural Community Sector Program

The Multicultural Community Sector Program supports community groups to build their capabilities to establish, manage and maintain community groups and incorporated community associations.

This program develops resources, delivers educational workshops, and offers individual support across Queensland.
Logan Diverse Workforce Hub

The Queensland Government’s Diverse Queensland Workforce Program aims to support migrants and refugees, including temporary visa holders with necessary work permits and international students as the diverse workforce gateway in Logan.

Contact MultiLink’s Employment and Training team on 07 3808 4463 or through reception@multilink.org.au to find out more information.
Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Pilot (CRISP)

The Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Pilot (CRISP) allows groups of everyday Australians to get involved in welcoming refugees into their local community from ‘day one’ of their Australian journey.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed at the scale of the global refugee situation, 
this is your chance to help - one family at a time. 
Active and Healthy The Active & Healthy program offers free or low-cost physical activity, health, and wellbeing programs near you. Activities are suitable for everyone, regardless of your age, gender, mobility, or work schedule.
Community centres Community centres offer a range of activities for all ages and a comfortable space to meet for a cup of coffee.

Resources

The following links and resources may offer you practical information on topics such as how to arrange translating and interpreting services, what are the key cultural and religious dates, and Council services available for our diverse community.

Global Food Markets

The Global Food Markets is open every Sunday from 6:00am to 12:00pm. It includes a large range of Asian and Ethnic food, fruits, and vegetables. There are over 100 authentic food stalls serving freshly made breakfast cuisines from around the world. Free entry and lots of free parking available. For more information visit Global Food Markets.

Language assistance and translated information

Contact us in your own language through Translating and Interpreting Service. Call 131 450 and ask to speak with Logan City Council on 07 3412 3412.

Our website can be translated into many languages. Just select your language by clicking on the language / accessibility button at the top of the page.