Irene Lalana Muñoz, the Founder and CEO of Irela Aqua and Fitness, has been recognized as the Multicultural Emerging Leader of the Year in QLD. This significant accolade celebrates a multicultural Brisbane business leader who has shown outstanding progress early in their career and business endeavors.   The award specifically acknowledges recipients for their notable success in business innovation, the introduction of new products or services, and a commitment to giving back to the community. Irene Muñoz’s journey to becoming a recognized leader is defined by personal growth and overcoming challenges. Born in Spain, she arrived in Australia in 2019 and achieved Australian citizenship in 2024. Although her childhood dream of competing in the Sydney 2000 Olympics as a swimmer was not realized, the principles of Olympism guided her path, leading her to complete a Bachelor’s in Sport Sciences and a Master’s in Sport Management.   Muñoz emphasizes that her multicultural background, which blends her Spanish heritage with the Australian way of life, forms a core strength of Irela Aqua and Fitness. This background shapes the business’s fitness programs, which support sustainable healthy lifestyle changes, and informs its swimming programs tailored for the migrant community. Building a Business from Scratch   Irela Aqua and Fitness specializes in serving adult learners, particularly migrant adults, who may not have had the opportunity to learn to swim during childhood. Muñoz explained that many migrants arrive in Australia and realize that swimming is a crucial skill, given that “so much of life here revolves around water”. As a sole trader, Muñoz serves as both a fitness coach and swimming instructor, focusing on providing these adults with the chance to learn how to swim while integrating fitness training.   The business began as a side project during the COVID-19 pandemic. With isolation leading to the closure of gyms and pools, Muñoz started providing personal training, building connections, and working with private clients through online teaching and coaching. She later decided to pursue this work as a full-time career and established her brand.   Reflecting on her win, Muñoz highlighted the theme of resilience. “It is a personal achievement, but it represents all the journey for many entrepreneurs and for me, many migrant people who are right in Australia,” she said.   She noted that migrant individuals arrive in Australia with “dreams, with passion, with knowledge, with experience,” but often “have to start from scratch, and we have to work hard to get recognised and to build our profession, professional path again”. She detailed the difficulties encountered, which include facing not only a different language but also a “different culture, a different tradition, a different work culture, everything that you have to learn, apply, and modify your habits”. The Road to Recognition   Muñoz’s journey to the award was supported by existing community initiatives. Her path began when she received a scholarship last year funded by the city council, designed to support multicultural individuals in business.   Attending the awards ceremony the previous year, where she witnessed about 300 attendees driven by dreams and passion, was incredibly inspiring. It was at this event that a friend pointed out the absence of finalists from the Latin community and urged Muñoz to apply, insisting she had to be there the following year.   Despite initial skepticism about whether a small local business like hers could compete, she completed the self-nomination process. The application required written answers detailing her work, the challenges faced, the business’s operational length, and how she promotes inclusivity, innovation, and community collaboration. Following the submission, she was shortlisted and interviewed by a judging panel. Muñoz described the suspense as “thrilling,” noting that finalists were invited to the ceremony and advised via email to prepare a one-minute speech, just in case they won. To her surprise, she was publicly announced as one of the finalists before claiming the top honor at the ceremony.  

Australian national home values recorded a 1.0% increase in November, marking the third consecutive month that values have risen by one per cent or more, according to Cotality’s national Home Value Index. However, the pace of growth is showing signs of moderation, easing slightly from the 1.1% gain recorded in October. The headline growth figure was significantly weighed down by Australia’s two largest cities, Sydney and Melbourne, which are facing increasing affordability constraints. Meanwhile, mid-sized capitals are dramatically outperforming the larger markets, a trend similar to that seen in late 2023 and 2024. Mid-Sized Cities Surge Ahead Every capital city, apart from Sydney and Melbourne, recorded a value rise of at least 1.0% through November. Perth led the nation with a solid 2.4% surge in dwelling values. Brisbane also showed strong growth, recording a 1.9% rise.   Cotality’s research director, Tim Lawless, highlighted the significant skew towards the mid-sized capitals, noting that the surge in Perth is especially evident. In Perth, listings are holding more than 40% below average while buyer demand remains elevated. The 2.4% monthly rise in Perth added just over $21,000 to the median in November, which equates to roughly $5,000 per week.   In contrast, Sydney recorded a monthly rise of 0.5% and Melbourne was up 0.3%. The lower gain in Sydney is likely reflective of affordability constraints putting a ceiling on growth. Sydney’s monthly growth rate appears to have peaked at 0.9% back in August. Furthermore, Sydney has a smaller supply deficit than the capital city benchmark, with listings tracking only 2.2% below the five-year average, compared to the benchmark of about 16% below average. Affordability and Serviceability Remain Stretched The subtle easing in national growth coincides with several indicators pointing to headwinds for the housing market. Auction clearance rates have trended lower since peaking in mid-September, falling below the decade average by mid-November. Both Sydney and Melbourne saw clearance rates hold in the low 60% range through the second half of November.   A major factor is the record levels of housing unaffordability. Affordability metrics from the September quarter show a record high in the national dwelling value-to-household income ratio, where the median dwelling value is 8.2 times higher than the annual pre-tax household income. The income required to service a mortgage at the median value is near record levels, at 45.0%.   Mr. Lawless warned that these economic factors will likely affect housing sentiment going forward: “With inflation once again above the RBA’s target range and rates potentially on hold for the foreseeable future, it’s likely housing sentiment will suffer,” Mr. Lawless said. “With housing affordability already stretched and worsening, it stands to reason that fewer borrowers will be able to access credit as serviceability barriers become more prominent”.   The flow-through effect of stretched affordability and serviceability is already visible, with housing value growth skewed towards lower price points of the market. Over the past three months, most state capitals have seen values across the lower quartile rising the fastest. The exception is Melbourne, where affordability is slightly less stretched, and the broad middle of the market is experiencing the fastest lift in values.   Regarding future regulatory changes, the impact of the recent policy announcement from APRA—to limit high debt-to-income (DTI) ratio loans to 20% of new lending—is expected to be limited. Mr. Lawless noted that the majority of recent mortgage originations remain significantly below a DTI of six or more. Though the new credit policy is scheduled for implementation in February next year, Mr. Lawless believes it is only “likely to only affect the margins of borrowing activity”.  

Queensland teachers staged their second 24-hour strike of 2025 on Tuesday, November 25, as the Queensland Teachers’ Union (QTU) escalated its campaign against the Crisafulli government, accusing the administration of ignoring teachers’ demands and facing a “credibility crisis”.   QTU President Cresta Richardson issued a statement thanking members and the broader community for their “overwhelming support” in the fight to protect free state education. The QTU calls on the department and the government to listen to school communities and “deliver meaningful change,” citing “unprecedented levels of member participation in the entire EB11 campaign”.   The strike action follows record voting numbers among the QTU’s 51,000 members throughout the campaign. The dispute centers on an ongoing standoff, with the government’s offer of 8 per cent over three years remaining largely unchanged.   Allegations of Misinformation and Punishment   Ms. Richardson criticized the Crisafulli government, stating it “seems intent on punishing our teachers with an unnecessary and punitive full arbitration”.   The QTU President leveled serious accusations of misinformation against the government, declaring it a government with a “credibility crisis”. Specific claims disputed by the QTU include:     The Minister’s assertion that all teachers would earn more than $100,000. Ms. Richardson called this “not true”. The Premier’s promise to step in and solve the standoff, which the QTU stated was “not true”. Reports that the Minister’s office contacted staff claiming the strike was unauthorized, which the QTU also labeled as “not true”. Department Ensures Safety and Minimizes Disruption   Despite the industrial action, the Department of Education informed the public that schools remained operational on Tuesday, November 25. The department stressed that it took necessary steps to ensure disruptions were kept to a minimum.   The department stated it is always concerned about the possible impacts of industrial action on students, particularly during the important final weeks of the school year, where it may disadvantage their learning outcomes and wellbeing. To counter this, schools communicated with students and families about any changed arrangements. They also worked with the department to support students with any changes to assessment so that they are not disadvantaged.   The Department confirmed that when industrial action occurs, arrangements are put in place to ensure the ongoing safety and supervision of students and, where possible, the continuation of learning programs. However, the Department also noted that employees who did not perform work as directed during a period of protected industrial action will have their salaries withheld under the Industrial Relations Act 2016.

  eSafety is urgently raising the alarm over the misuse of smart vehicles, which are emerging as a new tool for domestic violence perpetrators to monitor, track, and intimidate victims. The agency is urging Australians to recognize how modern smart car features can be exploited for technology-facilitated coercive control. This warning comes after eSafety received reports from frontline workers through its dedicated Technology-Facilitated Abuse Support Service, which assists staff in applying safety planning to digital devices. Exploiting Connectivity   eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant highlighted that as more Australians purchase cars connected to the internet and other smart devices, abusers are exploiting these features to spy on and gaslight their partners. Reports received by eSafety’s service detail several alarming scenarios, including abusers: Accessing trip histories to keep tabs on a partner’s movements. Remotely locking doors or changing the heating to intimidate victims. Using kill switches to prevent victims from traveling beyond certain distances. Ms. Inman Grant emphasized that a vehicle, which is often “crucial for escape,” is being used as a mechanism to trap and control in these situations. The source material notes that location tracking is one of the biggest risks to a victim-survivor’s safety when they are planning to leave a violent situation, which can lead to the violence escalating and taking new forms. The technical foundation of this abuse relies on the fact that most smart vehicles have built-in GPS systems and telematics platforms that record real-time location, trip histories, and geofencing alerts. This personal data can be accessed through companion apps on smartphones or web portals, or shared via synced accounts. A Broader Pattern of Technology-Facilitated Control The misuse of smart vehicles forms part of a broader pattern of technology-facilitated coercive control. Frontline services report that this abuse is becoming increasingly complex due to the interconnected nature of popular smart devices—the Internet of Things (IoT)—which collect and store personal data. These devices range from smartwatches and tablets with synced accounts to smart TVs, security cameras, and thermostats.   Minister for Social Services, Tanya Plibersek, called the weaponization of technology by perpetrators “a new frontier that we have to tackle”, noting that technology-facilitated abuse is one of the greatest and most rapidly evolving challenges in tackling domestic and family violence.   Domestic Violence Crisis Service ACT CEO Sue Webeck added that technology is pervasive and its benefits can quickly become a “lethal risk factor” for someone experiencing domestic violence, noting that people are often not used to assessing their safety based on devices like smart bulbs or smart fridges. Commissioner Micaela Cronin stressed that it is vital to center people with lived experience to build understanding of how this abuse is enacted and how it can be prevented.   When a woman seeking help arrives at a shelter, frontline workers often perform a thorough check of their phone, car, smartwatch, and personal belongings to identify and destroy tracking devices and software.   Call for Urgent Industry Action   With estimates suggesting that more than 90 per cent of new cars sold in Australia by 2031 will have embedded connectivity, Ms. Inman Grant declared that there is a need for “urgent action to make them safer”. She likened the required safety improvements to the industry’s need for their “next ‘seatbelt moment’”, stating that these are “solvable design issues” if safeguards are built in from the start.   eSafety is calling on companies to embed safety into smart car devices and accounts, specifically demanding:   Emergency lockouts and safe transfers: Manufacturers must provide a simple, documented way to revoke all access and transfer ownership during separation without requiring contact with the other party. User-visible audit logs: These systems should offer a clear history of account access, location pings, and remote commands that can be exported for use as evidence. Retailer and dealership standards: Dealerships must always reset devices or accounts when cars are sold or change owners, and staff must be trained to do this safely for people experiencing abuse.   eSafety’s latest Online Safety Advisory focuses on smart devices and the Internet of Things to help victim-survivors and frontline workers understand these risks. Practical safety steps for victims, recommended to be taken with the support of a frontline service, include resetting account control on a ‘clean’ device (using private details and strong passphrases), revoking access everywhere (logging out of companion apps and unlinking shared IDs), and requesting that a dealer reset telematics and remove former users.  

Elara lived in a regional part of Queensland, and for years, she suspected she had Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a neurodevelopmental disorder estimated to affect between two and six per cent of adults in Australia. Under the system established by the former Labor Government, accessing care meant facing long specialist waitlists for formal diagnosis and treatment. This problem was amplified because specialist roles were left vacant in rural and regional Queensland. Elara’s long wait finally seemed to be over when the Crisafulli Government announced an Australian first. From December 1, general practitioners (GPs) in Queensland would be able to diagnose ADHD in adults and prescribe medication. This change built on the existing authorization allowing specialist GPs to prescribe ADHD medication for children aged 4 to 17 years. Minister Tim Nicholls championed the move, stating it would be a “gamechanger” for many adults, especially those in remote and regional areas, offering more affordable care closer to home with a trusted professional. The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) Chair, Dr. Cath Hester, supported the reform, applauding the Crisafulli Government for backing high-quality, GP-led ADHD care. Dr. Hester noted that general practice is the “natural home for the care of chronic conditions like ADHD,” highlighting the crucial role of a GP who knows the patient and their medical history. However, the path to reform was carefully watched by specialist organizations. Just days after the ministerial announcement (which was published on November 15, 2025), the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) released a new Position Statement on ADHD care on November 21, 2025. The RANZCP called for clinically led reform that expands access while ensuring safety, comprehensive assessment, and clear referral pathways. While supporting easier access, the RANZCP emphasized that changes must be matched with additional qualifications and training for healthcare professionals. Specifically, the RANZCP position statement calls for mandatory accredited training for GPs in comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, including ADHD assessments. Elara knew that her diagnosis required a thorough evaluation. The RANZCP affirmed that accurate diagnosis requires thorough evaluation. Dr. Hiran Thabrew, Chair of Tū Te Akaaka Roa, the New Zealand National Office of the RANZCP, explained that without a thorough evaluation, there is a risk of missing critical co-occurring issues like mood and anxiety disorders, trauma related symptoms, autism, or substance use issues, which could completely change the diagnosis or make stimulant use unsafe. Should Elara begin treatment with her specialist GP after December 1, the sources noted that stimulant prescribing must be based on diagnostic confidence, careful monitoring, and shared care arrangements. Dr. Thabrew also stressed that psychostimulants are not a standalone treatment. Safe prescribing requires integration with nonpharmacological psychosocial supports. Furthermore, the RANZCP called for clear guidelines and robust ways for GPs to be able to source help from psychiatrists when needed. For Elara and thousands of Queensland adults, December 1 represented a crucial step forward—a moment when new rules promised easier and more equitable access to services. Yet, the experts agreed that for the reform to deliver consistent, high-quality support, it had to be implemented carefully, with robust governance, accredited training, and adequate resourcing. The Crisafulli Government confirmed that safeguards would be in place to ensure patient safety and quality of care.

Senior Constable Jade Henderson, an officer with the Queensland Police Service (QPS) who spent four years on General Duties in Townsville before relocating to the Gold Coast, was already dedicated to her career. However, her life took an extraordinary turn toward athletic prowess, proving that determination and grit can lead to remarkable achievements. Senior Constable Jade Henderson, an officer with the Queensland Police Service (QPS) who spent four years on General Duties in Townsville before relocating to the Gold Coast, was already dedicated to her career. However, her life took an extraordinary turn toward athletic prowess, proving that determination and grit can lead to remarkable achievements. However, a major setback occurred just one week before her planned 24-hour record attempt: she suffered a tear in her bicep. Not one to be deterred, she was forced to take a five-week break from training to recover. Following her recovery, Senior Constable Henderson shifted her focus, concentrating instead on the one-hour pull-up record. The Gold Coast Senior Constable was literally pulling her way up into the history books. Her record-breaking effort took place on Friday 22 August. Through sheer determination, grit, and a whole lot of upper body strength, Senior Constable Henderson completed 733 pull-ups. Her official confirmation from Guinness World Records arrived later, in late September. Senior Constable Henderson noted that the gym is her “happy place” and where she unwinds from work. Her journey to become a world record holder had a marked impact on both her physical and mental health. Furthermore, she used the achievement to inspire her colleagues, showing them that “even while doing shift work, you can make time for your health and fitness, and you can achieve massive things”. Beyond her personal achievement, Senior Constable Henderson used the opportunity to raise $725 for Blue Hope. Blue Hope is a not-for-profit organization that supports the mental health of current and former Queensland police officers and their families. In securing this Guinness World Record, Senior Constable Jade Henderson truly raised the bar. Source: mypolice.qld.gov.au

The United Kingdom is rolling out its most significant changes to the legal migration system in half a century, aiming to create a more selective process for granting permanent residency. The new regulations place a strong emphasis on awarding settlement to migrants who actively contribute to British society, while drastically increasing waiting times and restrictions for those relying on social welfare or breaching immigration laws. The United Kingdom is rolling out its most significant changes to the legal migration system in half a century, aiming to create a more selective process for granting permanent residency. The new regulations place a strong emphasis on awarding settlement to migrants who actively contribute to British society, while drastically increasing waiting times and restrictions for those relying on social welfare or breaching immigration laws. For migrants who contribute through work and taxes, the settlement timeline can be significantly reduced. Medical professionals like doctors and nurses working in the NHS, as well as immediate relatives of British citizens and Hong Kong BN(O) passport holders, retain a five-year path to settlement. Highly skilled migrants, entrepreneurs, and individuals who demonstrate exceptional integration—such as speaking English fluently or volunteering—may also qualify for faster routes. All applicants must meet robust standards, including a clean criminal record, stable employment, and high proficiency in English. Importantly, access to public assistance and social housing will be reserved for those who achieve full British citizenship, rather than those granted mere settled status. The government’s reforms are part of a wider push to restore integrity and public trust in the migration system after years of record arrivals. Transitional measures are being developed for those already in the UK, but once activated, the new rules will apply to anyone seeking settlement without previously securing that status. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood explained that the changes are designed to reward migrants who work hard and respect British values, while maintaining fairness for the wider public. The revamped system, she said, is built on the principles of character, integration, contribution, and residence, ensuring that permanent settlement “is not a right, but a privilege that must be earned.” For recognized refugees who arrived through legal channels, the minimum period before settlement eligibility will be increased to 20 years. These individuals will still have access to public funds, but under much tougher conditions. Overall, these historic reforms mark a dramatic shift in how Britain manages migration, reinforcing the importance of economic and social contribution for those aiming to make the UK their permanent home.

An urgent recall has been announced across Queensland (QLD) and New South Wales (NSW) concerning five deli meat products manufactured by Götzinger Smallgoods. The recall was prompted by the possibility of microbial contamination by Listeria monocytogenes. The recall was published on November 20, 2025. The five recalled products, which include sliced ham and roast beef, were possibly sold by retailers in both Queensland and New South Wales, specifically in retail outlets and butcher shops. Listeria monocytogenes Hazard Detailed The contamination presents a significant food safety hazard. Listeria monocytogenes may cause severe illness in specific vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, unborn babies, neonates, the elderly, and individuals who are immunocompromised. The sources clarify that the general population can also become ill from consuming food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes Products Subject to Recall The recall applies to the following five products (all 1kg packages) from Götzinger Smallgoods, based on their “USE BY” dates: Sliced Silverside 1kg — USE BY dates up to and including 20/12/2025. Sliced Roast Beef 1kg — USE BY dates up to and including 13/12/2025. 4×4 Ham Sliced 1kg — USE BY dates up to and including 13/12/2025. Champagne Ham Sliced 1kg — USE BY dates up to and including 17/12/2025. Provincial Ham Sliced 1kg — USE BY dates up to and including 5/12/2025. Consumer Action Required Consumers are advised not to eat this product. Individuals should return the recalled items to the place of purchase to receive a full refund. Furthermore, any consumers who are concerned about their health after consuming the product should immediately seek medical advice. For further information regarding the recall, consumers can contact Götzinger Smallgoods directly at 07 5549 3955 or via email at sales@gotzinger.com.  

Rental affordability in regional Australia has reached its lowest point on record, with many areas now experiencing severe housing stress, according to the 11th annual Rental Affordability Index (RAI) released by SGS Economics and Planning, National Shelter, and Housing All Australians. The new data confirms that the crisis has shifted beyond major metropolitan areas, with Regional Queensland remaining the least affordable regional area in the country. Housing affordability is no longer viewed merely as a social welfare issue but is recognized as a fundamental threat to Australia’s productivity and prosperity. The persistent shortage of affordable housing now directly impacts business operations across all sectors nationally. Least Affordable Jurisdictions Under Stress The Rental Affordability Index (RAI) is designed to measure housing stress, where a score of 100 or less means households are spending more than 30% of their income on rent, crossing the critical threshold for housing stress. Regional Queensland registers a grim RAI score of 94, indicating that renting at the median rate would consume more than 30% of the average rental household’s income. Affordability in the region has deteriorated significantly, declining by 7% per year since 2020. Regional NSW is also under severe strain, sitting below the critical threshold with an RAI score of 99. Regional Western Australia (WA), despite being the only Affordable rest of state area in 2020, has experienced the steepest decline, deteriorating by 8% a year over the last five years, and its rents are now classified as Moderately Unaffordable (RAI 109). Overall, most Australian regions, excluding South Australia, have reached record-low affordability over the past two years, with affordability declining across all regional areas by 1% to 5% over the last year. Migration and Economic Impact   The sharp decline in regional affordability has been a persistent trend since 2020, with affordability decreasing in every rest of state area by at least 4% per year. This trend accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic when outward migration from cities drove up housing demand against limited regional supply. This has created a two-tiered system where existing regional households, who typically earn less than city residents relocating to work remotely, are left at a disadvantage when competing for limited housing stock. The growing populations in regional areas increase the demand for essential services, which then become difficult to deliver due to the lack of affordable local housing for workers. Essential workers—including nurses, teachers, and police officers—are increasingly unable to afford to live where the jobs are. The lack of affordable housing has thus become a critical economic issue for businesses facing chronic staff shortages. South Australia Remains the Acceptable Anomaly Amid the widespread decline, Regional South Australia (SA) remains the only non-metropolitan jurisdiction with Acceptable median rents (RAI 123). Regional SA even saw a slight improvement in affordability over the past year. Affordable Housing as Economic Infrastructure   The 2025 Rental Affordability Index strengthens the argument that affordable housing must be considered essential economic infrastructure, as vital to productivity as ports or telecommunications. Robert Pradolin, Founder of Housing All Australians, highlighted the severity of the crisis, noting that “Every worker lost to housing stress is potential unrealised, productivity diminished, prosperity deferred”. He stressed that the business sector is ready to participate in solutions but requires policy settings that recognize housing as economic infrastructure. Ellen Witte, Principal and Partner at SGS Economics and Planning, asserted that the RAI provides evidence that housing costs are “profoundly impacting lives and communities,” underscoring the urgent need for a system that delivers improved housing affordability.

The Crisafulli Government is delivering a fresh start for multicultural communities across Queensland by announcing the successful recipients of the Round 1 grants of the Celebrating Multicultural Queensland program. These grants will provide support to 70 community organisations and their cultural events, spanning geographically from the Gold Coast to Cairns. The successful organisations in Round 1 will collectively share 500,000. **While the total funding pool is half a million dollars, each organisation received varying grant amounts, upto a maximum of 20,000. The first round of funding is specifically designated to support cultural events taking place between 1 January and 30 June 2026. The primary goal of the Celebrating Multicultural Queensland program is to promote social cohesion and community participation. Minister for Women and Women’s Economic Security, Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, and Minister for Multiculturalism, The Honourable Fiona Simpson, emphasized the significance of the funding. Minister Simpson noted that the program celebrates the diverse heritage of Queenslanders while simultaneously building social cohesion and increasing participation. “The Celebrating Multicultural Queensland program received significant interest during Round 1, and  I’m glad we will be supporting a spread of 70 culturally diverse events across the State in the first half of 2026,” Minister Simpson said. She added that the Crisafulli Government believes in building stronger communities and delivers on this commitment, contrasting the current efforts with what she described as a “decade of decline under Labor” for multicultural communities.   Diversity in Grant Recipients The Round 1 grant recipients showcase the wide range of cultures and locations benefiting from the support. Successful community events include: The Cairns Greek Festival, run by St Johns Community Care. Afrekete 2026 Rhythm & Roots Intercultural Day in Townsville. Murweh Shire Council’s Welcome to Charleville 2026 event. The Whitsunday Multicultural Festival. The Sri Lankan Association of Central Queensland’s Sinhala and Tamil New Year Celebration 2026. The Gladstone Islamic Open Day and Eid Celebration. The 13th International Food Festival and Mosque Open Day in Toowoomba. The St George Dragon Boat Festival in Southern Queensland. The Sunshine Coast Chinese Association’s Lunar New Year Lantern Festival. Celebrating Iraqi Cultural Day in Moreton Bay. Events in Brisbane include the Indian Traditional New Year Celebrations 2026 in Brisbane City, the Queensland Fiji Football Association’s QCUP 2026 in Brisbane’s South, and Mandela Cup 2026 in Brisbane’s South-West. On the Gold Coast, funded events include the Philippine Independence Day Celebration Gala and the Holi (Colour) Indian Festival.   Second Round Applications Open The Celebrating Multicultural Queensland grants program has been split into two funding rounds of $500,000 this year to ensure year-round support. Applications for Round 2 remain open for community organisations planning events in the second half of 2026. The second round will support events scheduled between 1 July and 31 December 2026, and the funding must be used for multicultural events, including intercultural sporting events. Applications for Round 2 close on 13 December.