Celebrating diversity through local storytelling

Published on 04 September 2026

The community is invited to celebrate the people, stories, and cultures that make the Western Downs a vibrant place to live through a new local story telling initiative, in support of Queensland Multicultural Month and Welcoming Week 2026.

It's The People Who Make It: One Western Downs is a community storytelling and engagement campaign supported by Western Downs Regional Council to encourage residents, workplaces, community groups, and organisations to celebrate the diversity, connections, and shared experiences that shape the region.

Western Downs Regional Council Spokesperson for Community and Cultural Development Councillor Peter Saxelby said Council is inviting locals to share stories and experiences that celebrate the region's diversity and the people who make the Western Downs a welcoming place to live.

"Storytelling creates opportunities for connection and helps celebrate diversity through shared experiences,” Cr Saxelby said.

"It's the people that make it on the Western Downs and what better way to celebrate Multicultural Month and Welcoming Week 2026 than by bringing our community together through inclusion, belonging, and community pride.

"The Western Downs is a vibrant place to live, offering opportunities, and experiences that foster pride in our people and strengthen their connection to the region.

"Let's celebrate the people, experiences, and stories that contribute to life in the Western Downs."

Cr Saxelby said the Western Downs was strengthened by the many people who chose to call the region home and contribute to its future.

“Over the past three years, we’ve proudly welcomed more than 200 new Australian citizens to the Western Downs, each bringing their own stories, skills, and experiences that enrich our communities,” Cr Saxelby said.

“The Western Downs has been shaped by generations of people who have built their families, businesses, and communities here, and today’s new citizens are continuing that legacy.

“We’re proud to be a region that is welcoming, inclusive, and full of opportunity, where people from all backgrounds can feel a sense of belonging and contribute to the future of our communities.

"I encourage everyone to get involved and share what they value most about living in the region, their contributions, and their hopes for the future of the Western Downs."

During 10–20 September 2026, community members are encouraged to take part by sharing stories, hosting their own Welcoming Week activities, such as Share a Plate morning tea, to celebrate the people who make the Western Downs a welcoming place to live, work and belong.

For more information about Welcoming Week and how you can get your community or business involved, visit https://welcoming.org.au/initiatives/welcoming-week.