Kilcoy Multicultural Carnival showcased community and culture

Brisbane North PHN hosted a stall at the recent Kilcoy Multicultural Carnival, while meeting community members and celebrating the rich diversity of the region.

Held on Friday 24 October, the annual event was hosted by Somerset Regional Council and featured traditional dances, cultural performances, international food trucks, and a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony by Jinibara mob.

Caption: Welcome to Country ceremony

The PHN’s stand showcased the breadth of healthcare services available, focusing on the resources and programs we’ve developed specifically for the Kilcoy region. It was staffed by PHN volunteers from the Healthy Ageing team, as well as Mental Health and Wellbeing.

One of the key services available in Kilcoy is the care finder program, designed for older Australians who need intensive support to navigate and access the aged care system. This program is run in partnership with local healthcare providers throughout the North Brisbane and Moreton Bay region, including Footprints Community, Micah Projects, and World Wellness Group.

Caption: From L–R: Somerset Councillor Michael Bishop, Brisbane North PHN representative Anu Manoharan, Deputy Mayor Helen Brieschke, PHN representatives David Larsen and Veronica Martinez Harris, and Mayor Jason Wendt

David Larsen, Coordinator, in the Priority Communities Team at Brisbane North PHN, commented on the number of mental healthcare providers in attendance, including Stride and World Wellness Group.

“I was super impressed with the community turn out and it was heartening to see so many services attending,” he said. “I felt genuinely proud of how the local community, organisers and political leaders came together to embrace the richness of multiculturalism in their communities.”

The carnival was a joyful and colourful celebration of the cultural groups and traditions in Kilcoy, and Brisbane North PHN was thrilled to be part of it.

Caption: Footprints Care Finder Emily Minto and Luke McKenzie from Micah Projects. Both Emily and Luke help older residents in the Kilcoy region find and access the care they need.