Night Markets will bring Cultures together on the Gold Coast

Friday 20^th March marks World Harmony Day. To celebrate the occasion the Gold Coast community will come together for the first of what’s hoped to be many, of the Culture Street Markets events.

With around 30% of Gold Coast residents being from overseas, the inspiration for the markets is to celebrate the various cultures that make the Gold Coast community so unique; bringing together a neighbourhood and creating an inclusive and harmonious community for all.

The markets are a free event and will be open from 5pm-8pm on Railway Street in Southport.

The markets will feature an array of food, arts, crafts, dancing, fashion, performers, music, artists and more; offering the Gold Coast community with a unique experience and opportunity to connect with different cultures.

RESIDENTIAL FACTS: Almost 30% of the Gold Coast residents were born overseas*. Over 10% of those are from non-English speaking backgrounds. The top 10 countries of birthplace are:

·       New Zealand

·       United Kingdom

·       Japan

·       China

·       Philippines

·       Germany

·       India

·       South Korea

·       United States of America

·       Netherlands

 

Victor Ho, from host partner organisation Neighbours and Friends said,

“We work closely with refugees in detention centres, immigrants and asylum seekers to help them integrate into society on the Gold Coast. We would like people to take part so that they can learn more about the Australian Culture whilst giving Gold Coast residents the chance to learn more about their cultures.”

FSG Australia is encouraging people who identify as a refugee, unemployed, or people who would genuinely benefit from the services attending to come along.  Stalls can be rented out by contacting FSG Australia on (07) 5564 0655.

Vicki Batten, CEO of FSGA said,

“We are delighted to assist in connecting our community and in supporting micro-businesses and social enterprise. What better way than bringing together an entire community in such a fun and purposeful way. It will be an evening to celebrate and showcase the different cultures and ethnicities in the community that we are all part of.”

 

To get involved in the Culture Street Markets you can email events@fsg.org.au or call (07) 5564 0655.

 

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INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITY: If you would like to arrange an interview with FSG Australia, please contact Clare Southwell on 0448 720 549.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NOTES TO MEDIA

 

 

About FSG Australia:

 

FSG Australia (FSGA) is a not-for-profit, for purpose community organisation and centre for Social Enterprise, offering a wide range of innovative services in disability, mental health, aged care, family services and children’s services. FSGA also operates several retail social enterprise initiatives including an Op Shop, Cafe, Green Shop, Nursery, Coworking Space and Green Shop.

 

Today, FSGA is determined as ever to achieve our vision for a community that connects with all people and is free of social injustice.

 

FSGA is one of the largest community organisations in Queensland and operates from Maryborough on the Fraser Coast through to Byron Bay, with its head office based on the Gold Coast. FSGA now has presence and services operating in and around the Ballina Shire in NSW.

 

With over 640 staff and up to 300 volunteers between its 14 regional locations, FSGA provide a service to around 2,500 per month.

 

For more information visit www.fsg.org.au

 

*Statistics and data taken from the 2011 Gold Coast census.