Welcoming Cities, North/Far North Queensland Summit: Building Belonging in a Changing Community

The Queensland Welcoming Cities Summit Series 2025 brings together local councils, community leaders, and key stakeholders from north/far-north Queensland to explore how we can create stronger, more inclusive communities. Regional Queensland is at a turning point, facing population growth, workforce shortages, and increasing cultural diversity. This Summit explores how regions not only adapt to change but thrive, by fostering belonging through everyday connection and shared community life. In Cairns, where diversity is rapidly growing through migration, international students, and essential workers, these questions are particularly urgent. While grounded in the Cairns experience, the Summit invites voices from across councils, community organisations, sport, and services to share practical ideas for building welcoming, inclusive communities across regional Queensland.