Cairns is a multicultural city

— 7 Oct, 2019 —

Cairns is a multicultural city

Australia is a vibrant, multicultural country, home to the world’s oldest continuous cultures as well as Australians who identify with more than 270 ancestries. Since 1945, almost seven million people have migrated to Australia, adding to a cultural melting pot with citizens from across the globe.

International students make up a significant proportion of our multicultural population with Cairns at the forefront of Australia as a popular study destination. Each year over 32,000 international students from over 34 countries come to Cairns to study. Some stay for the duration of a short study tour or extended vocational studies while others come to improve their English language skills.

Australia’s multicultural citizens

One in four of Australia’s 22 million people were born overseas and 46% of Australians were either born overseas or have a parent who was. Nearly 20% of Australians speak a language other than English at home. In the 2012-2013 year almost 125,000 people from more than 190 countries became Australian citizens.

Cairns as a multicultural city

Cairns is in close proximity to Asia and the Pacific, and is well-connected with flights from Cairns International Airport to the city hubs of Singapore, Tokyo, Osaka, Port Moresby, Shanghai, Guanzhou, Auckland, Bali, Manila and Seoul.

Australia has a highly-regarded education system with all classes English speaking. James Cook University is ranked in the top 2% of the world’s tertiary institutions. Central Queensland University enjoys a reputation as one of Australia’s most progressive and innovative universities. International students may arrive in Cairns on a short Study Tour, or be enrolled at a School or at an English Language College. Students may then continue with long-term study at a Vocational Education and Training College or at University.

Cairns devotes a whole month to Multicultural Month, showcasing and celebrating our unique cultural identity. Cairns Multicultural Month promotes community awareness of multiculturalism and the benefits we all gain from living in a culturally diverse society.

Cairns Multicultural Month happens in August each year with a vast program of events across the city.

Multicultural Community groups

Cairns is a true multicultural community that supports a number of cultural groups from nations across the globe. The Cairns Regional Council supports multiculturalism – contact the council for more information or you can contact Multicultural Services to find out about multicultural services available in Cairns

Cairns is a multicultural city