Multicultural Australia's Annual LUMINOUS Lantern Parade 2022

Thank you, All Hallows’ School Choir for that beautiful performance.

Minister for Children & Youth Justice and Minister for Multicultural Affairs, the Honourable Leanne Linard MP; Representing the Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Chair of the Community, Arts and Nighttime Economy Committee and Councillor for Central Ward, Councillor Vicki Howard; State Member of Toohey, Mr Peter Russo MP; Representing the Queensland Police Commissioner, Detective Superintendent Kerry Johnson; Councillors; the Board of Multicultural Australia and CEO Ms Christine Castley; Suncorp Group Executive General Manager, Mr Matthew Leslie; Keynote Speaker Mr Duku Foré; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

I would also like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera peoples, and extend respectful greetings to Elders, past, present and emerging. I extend those respects to any First Nations people here today.  The unique cultural traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continue to enlighten our understanding of the lands on which we gather. 

As Governor of Queensland and Patron of Multicultural Australia, I am delighted to be attending this year’s LUMINOUS Lantern Parade—an event that is not only enjoyed by all, but that also symbolises our united effort to welcome those new Queenslanders who make our State home.

Now in its 15^th year, LUMINOUS is an annual celebration of the richness of diversity.

With spectacular colour and creativity, this event encapsulates how it is the individuality of our contributions that enrich and strengthen our State—sparked by remarkable imaginations, and varied cultural backgrounds and experiences.

So it is fitting, that LUMINOUS is held in conjunction with Queensland Day celebrations—the day our State became a colony independent to New South Wales. These special dual celebrations enable our incredible Queensland spirit to publicly shine.

As the South Bank promenade patiently awaits illumination, I would like to pay tribute to the individuals and groups who each year display their lanterns with well-deserved pride.

Every single migrant and refugee community group, service provider, education and training provider, church organisation, school—in fact everybody marching in the parade—represents individuals committed to smoothing the path for new Queenslanders.

You are sending a message of hope to those who are most vulnerable; those who need the hand of assistance and friendship to make a new life in a strange place.

You are promoting a sense of inclusion and belonging, ensuring that this welcoming sentiment embeds deeply into our communities.

Thank you all for being involved in this significant event, and for highlighting that everyone has a role to play in ensuring our new Queenslanders feel respected and valued, and are given opportunities to create successful, happy futures for themselves and their families.

I would also like to acknowledge the tireless efforts of Multicultural Australia, which for 22 years has been at the forefront in welcoming and supporting the many thousands of migrants, refugees, asylum seekers and international students who come to Queensland. This organisation started modestly in a suburban Brisbane backyard, and has always demonstrated outstanding passion and dedication to service that has seen it grow to become Queensland’s largest multicultural agency.

LUMINOUS is a testament to all of your efforts, and on behalf of all Queenslanders, I thank you for ensuring our State is not only older, but significantly wiser.