Programs

and

Contributions to the Community

Programs:

TIMS has organised many cultural and educational events with the aims to:

  • increase understanding amongst people of diverse backgrounds,

  • provide training, build pathways to employment for people from vulnerable backgrounds to minimise social determinants,

  • provide training and information on employment and education opportunities,

  • provide training and information on health services and health management

  • fundraising for mostly local, state, national and a few international projects.

Some of TIMS events and workshops are listed below:

  • TIMS is the one of the major organising partners and sponsor of the Toowoomba’s signature multicultural event. The Toowoomba Languages & Cultures Festival which was held annually (2006 - 2021). The Festival is an iconic annual celebration of the diversity in our community and a showcase of talents and colour from across the world! The Festival provides career pathways in the catering and performance industries. Volunteers also receive valuable experience in team work, communicating with a diverse range of people backgrounds, practcising English language skills and variety of event coordination roles.

  • In 2022 the Festival was reformatted and renamed to the International Street Fiesta and continues the signature multicultural event of the Toowoomba Region and Queensland.

  • Job Assist Expos and training workshops to provide job seekers from all backgrounds with the necessary skills and information to get employment. Many of the attendees have not been able gain employment due to language, educational and cultural barriers. TIMS has run a series of Job Assist Expos and training workshops in partnership with job providers, recruiting agencies, RTOs and DESBT while providing interpreters and individualised supports. Over 50 trainees have received first hand training in digital and administrative skills. Hundreds of job seekers have received information on opportunities and how to apply for jobs in many industries. These projects were sponsored by the Queensland Government through their Skilling Queenslanders for Work (SQW) program and the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training (DESBT).

  • TIMS has organised several cultural festivals (e.g. Chinese New Year, Diwali, Harmony Day ) showcasing multicultural performances and cultures from different communities of Toowoomba.

  • The Society sponsors the annual Language Awards in participating State High Schools Toowoomba.

  • Members of the Society have actively supported and participated in all the Toowoomba Language and Cultural Festivals since their inception in 2006. Since 2007 the society has been one of the major sponsors of the event.

  • Workshops in stress management, improving health through diet and nutrition across the Darling Downs and Lockyer Valley with the aim of providing targetted information for people who have not been able access this information due to personal and societal barriers. Sponsored by the FRRR

  • Workshops in digital skills and technology

  • TIMS has organised many Health & Wellness Expos providing a wide range of information on health services and therapies (traditional and alternative) available in region.

Fundraising:

  • Over the years TIMS has raised over $40,000 for numerous projects. Organisations that have benefitted include the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation, SES, Spinal Injuries Qld, Angel Flight, RSPCA, Wildelife Rescue, Grantham Flood Appeal and many others.

History:

The Toowoomba International Multicultural Society Inc was formed in 2008. Prior to that, it was known as the Australian Asian Society of Toowoomba Inc. which was formed in 1995 to promote friendship amongst people of different cultural backgrounds and Australians, by creating and supporting cultural and educational activities in Toowoomba. Toowoomba’s growing population now comes from over 118 different cultural backgrounds.

In 2008, the Society decided to change its name to continue to reflect the needs of the community.  Throughout this time, TIMS has grown a reputation of being an organisation that works with community members to find innovative and supported solutions for the diverse community whose needs and challenges continue to present as the multicultural community in Toowoomba continues to expand.