Getting to know the Neighbours

The Relaxation Centre, now in the Brisbane suburb of Alderley, and Margaret Bornhorst have joined forces to bring a new opportunity to Brisbane: Cultural Encounters - a new tool for increasing awareness and understanding between people of different ethnic, cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

Queensland is now home to people from over 220 birthplaces speaking more than 200 languages (2006 Census). The diversity of our population is increasing all the time. And yet many of us have never had an opportunity to learn first-hand about the cultures, languages, perspectives, and experiences that this diversity represents.

The best way to do this is to have personal conversations with people in a relaxed and safe environment. This is what the Cultural Encounters series at the Relaxation Centre provides, believing that personal understanding is the first step in achieving social harmony and cohesion.

The Cultural Encounters program explores aspects of culture and language that the group decides is most interesting, loosely structured around specific themes drawn from the cross-cultural literature. Sessions are run over a course of three evenings and participants may attend one, two or all of the sessions.

Margaret Bornhorst is the director of Margaret Bornhorst Cross-Cultural, a cross-cultural consultancy whose goal is to provide innovative and creative solutions to problems and challenges related to cultural and linguistic diversity.

With over 20 years experience as a cross-cultural teacher and consultant in NSW and Queensland, including 14 years as in-house training officer with Multicultural Affairs Queensland, she is in a unique position to guide the Cultural Encounters process.

“I have discovered through my cross-cultural training programs over many years that Anglo-Celtic Queenslanders and Queenslanders born in other countries are completely fascinated by each others’ personal stories. There just needs to be many more opportunities to share these stories.”

“This program is targeted towards three groups: Anglo-Celtic and Indigenous Queenslanders who would like to know more about the other cultures who now call Queensland home; Queenslanders from an immigrant background no matter how long they’ve been here who would like to share their stories with others; and recently arrived settlers to Queensland who would like to understand the Anglo-Australian culture better,”Margaret said.

Bookings and enquiries for future programs can be made by contacting the Relaxation Centre on 07 3856 3733. Sessions run from 7:15 to 9:00pm and are $20pp for all three sessions and $8pp for one session. All proceeds go to the Relaxation Centre. - Ends. -
DETAILS:

WHAT – Cultural Encounters
WHERE – Relaxation Centre, 15 South Pine Road , Alderley (Brisbane, QLD)
PRICE - $20pp for three sessions or $8pp per session.
BOOKINGS – Phone + 61 7 3856 3733, bookings essential

Media Information

What is a Mediated Cultural Encounter?
A Mediated Cultural Encounter is a planned process whereby people of different cultures, ethnicities, nationalities, mother tongues or religions come together to explore each other's experiences and perceptions under the guidance of a skilled and knowledgeable facilitator in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Many communities and organisations could benefit from Mediated Cultural Encounters as a fun and enjoyable way to break down barriers and stereotypes. Such a process can provide enrichment at the personal, organisational and community level. Experiencing different world-views, perspectives, personal histories, can even unlock unforeseen potential in individuals, organisations and communities. As a community activity, Mediated Cultural Encounters can be scheduled in neighborhood and drop-in centers. They can be inserted into community or multicultural festivals. As an organisational development process, Mediated Cultural Encounters can be run using existing staff and/or invited guests.

Web: www.mbcross-cultural.com.au
Contact: Margaret Bornhorst Email: Margaret@mbcross-cultural.com.au
MEDIA CONTACT: Peta Ellis, City Publicity Ph: +61 420 374 733 email: info@citypublicity.com.au