What’s happening?
Central Queensland’s multicultural communities will gather in Rockhampton on Saturday, 20 June 2026, for the CQMA Gala 2026, a major regional event celebrating culture, connection and shared community life.
Held under the theme “One Community, Many Cultures”, the Gala will take place at the Australian Shearing Shed in Rockhampton Heritage Village. The event will bring together community leaders, State Government representatives, local Members of Parliament, councillors, businesses, industries, professionals, service providers and multicultural communities from across Central Queensland.
Guests can expect an evening of cultural performances, music, dance and cuisine from communities around the world. The program will highlight the cultural richness that continues to shape Rockhampton and the wider Central Queensland region.
Why it matters?
The Gala is about more than one night of celebration. It recognises the people, families and communities who help strengthen Central Queensland through work, culture, service and community life.
CQMA President Dr Saroj Neupane said the Gala reflects a vision of a region where people from all backgrounds feel included.
“‘One Community, Many Cultures’ reflects our vision of a Central Queensland where people from all backgrounds feel welcomed, valued and connected,” Dr Neupane said.
“Our region is stronger because of its diversity. People from multicultural backgrounds contribute every day across our workforce, economy, schools, healthcare services, sporting clubs and community organisations.”
His comments point to the everyday role multicultural communities play across the region, from essential services and local business to schools, sporting clubs and community organisations.
Local Impact
The CQMA Gala will create a space for people to connect across cultures, industries and community groups. It will also recognise the contribution of migrants, refugees, international students and Pacific Australia Labour Mobility Scheme workers.
These communities support key industries and help address workforce shortages across Central Queensland. Their work is felt in healthcare, aged care, agriculture, hospitality, education and local business.
Dr Neupane said the Gala is also an opportunity to build a stronger understanding between communities.
“Multiculturalism is not just about celebrating difference,” Dr Neupane said. “It is about building a stronger community where people feel they belong and can contribute.”
By the numbers
The CQMA Gala 2026 is set as a major evening event for Central Queensland’s multicultural community.
- The event has a five-hour schedule, allowing time for cultural performances, music, dance and cuisine.
- Individual tickets are $150, giving guests access to the full evening program.
- Group tables are priced at $1,500 for 10 people, suited to businesses, community groups and organisations.
Zoom In
The event will be held at 296 Boundary Road, Parkhurst, QLD 4702, placing the celebration at one of Rockhampton’s well-known heritage venues.
The Gala will bring together people from across Central Queensland, including government, business, industry, professional, service and multicultural community representatives.
That mix gives the event a wider purpose, linking celebration with recognition, connection and regional participation.
Zoom Out
Across Central Queensland, culturally and linguistically diverse communities continue to shape the region’s social and economic well-being.
Their contribution reaches well beyond cultural events. It can be seen in workplaces, classrooms, farms, care services, hospitality venues, sporting clubs and community groups.
The CQMA Gala will reflect that wider story, while giving communities a shared space to celebrate belonging.
What To Look For Next?
The Gala on 20 June 2026 is expected to bring guests from across Central Queensland to Rockhampton. The event may help build stronger ties between cultural communities, local leaders, businesses and service providers.
