ECCQ Extends Welcome to New State Premier the Hon Steven Miles, MP

Brisbane, December 13 (MCCQ

Newsdesk) Press Release ECCQ

The Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland (ECCQ) proudly extends its warmest congratulations to Ms. Annastacia Palaszczuk on her commendable leadership and service as the former premier of Queensland. Her dedication to the people of Queensland has been exemplary, and her commitment to encouraging inclusivity and diversity has played a crucial role in driving a more vibrant and harmonious community.

Ms. Palaszczuk’s tenure has been marked by resilience, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to the well-being of all Queenslanders. Under her leadership, the state has navigated through challenging times, her efforts to prioritise the needs of the diverse communities within Queensland have not gone unnoticed.

As the Hon Steven Miles MP, Premier of Queensland assumes leadership, ECCQ warmly welcomes him to his new role.

“ECCQ acknowledges that Ms Palaszczuk was the architect of the Multicultural Recognition Act 2016, and it is our hope that Hon Steven Miles MP, Premier of Queensland will continue to build on this legacy with more resource to the Multicultural Sector in Queensland”, said Elijah Buol OAM, Chairperson.

We further congratulate the Hon Cameron Dick, MP as new Deputy Premier and continuing Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment, and the Hon Charis Mullen, MP as Minister for Child Safety, Minister for Seniors and Disability Services and Minister for Multicultural Affairs.

We acknowledge the support of both Hon Cameron Dick, MP and Hon Charis Mullen, MP as strong advocates for multicultural communities. We eagerly anticipate working together to continue driving positive changes for Queensland communities.

ECCQ is looking forward to collaborating with Premier Miles and the Queensland Government to ensure the voices of our diverse communities are heard and considered in the policy-making process. We look to continue building a Queensland that is stronger, more vibrant, and reflective of the cultural richness that defines our state.

ECCQ acknowledges Ms Annastacia Palaszczuk’s legacy and expresses gratitude for her unwavering dedication to Queensland. We extend our best wishes to Premier Steven Miles as he takes on the responsibilities of leading our state. ECCQ remains committed to working collaboratively with the government to promote the interests of Queensland’s culturally diverse communities.

Improved and Safer place to take refuge during any future disaster

Fiji, December 13 (MCCQ Newsdesk) Media Release

KADAVU – More than 500 villagers of Nabukelevu-I-Ra in the district of Nabukelevu in Kadavu now have an improved and safer place to seek refuge in during any future disaster.

This follows the commissioning of the Nabukelevu-I-Ra Evacuation Center Retrofitting project by the Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster

Management, Hon. Sakiasi R Ditoka.

Funded under the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management’s Self-Help Programme (SHP) at a cost of more than $10,000, this new development by the Coalition Government is intended to serve as a provisional space that provides basic shelter for people affected by disasters. The newly improved facility also can accommodate evacuees with special needs.

Nabukelevu-I-Ra villager Ms. Salanieta Caudre was among the many villagers who acknowledged the Government for coming to their aid.

“Before we have to walk down to the school to shelter in, especially during a cyclone. We would worry about our safety there because the school is situated near the sea,” said the 83-year-old.

“But we are very happy and grateful to the Government for helping us with the retrofitting of our evacuation center. Now we no longer have to run down to the school, we all just have to come to the village hall, and we can confidently say we feel much safer in here.”

Mr. Filimoni Waqarua thanked the Government for the assistance, saying the villagers were grateful for this aid from the Government. In commissioning the project, Hon. Ditoka said with the increase in the intensity and strength of disasters such as cyclones, having evacuation centers to be retrofitted was not only timely but crucial in ensuring the safety of each individual.

“We have been experiencing category 5 cyclones and that is why we need to enhance evacuation centers that serve as provisional space that provide basic shelter for people affected by disasters,” he said.