Council invites communities to have their say on local migration

Balonne Shire Council is calling on community members to share their views on the shire’s Migration Strategy, as it tries to attract new residents to the Balonne region.

A series of Multicultural, Migration and Settlement Strategy Workshops are scheduled to run in St George, Dirranbandi, Bollon, and Thallon next month. Locals are invited to share their ideas or concerns about migration and offer their own ideas about how the Balonne Shire can become a more welcoming place for new residents from all over the world.

At the workshops, Council will also be asking for expressions of interest to form a steering committee for the region, which will advise on matters relating to migration and settlement, ensuring new residents can actively participate in local life.

Balonne Shire Mayor Samantha O’Toole, who herself hails from Canada, said the drive to attract more residents from all nations is a personally important project.

“Being a migrant to the Balonne myself, this initiative is particularly close to my heart,” she said.

“It is vital that we find ways to grow our shire and ensure a prosperous future for the Balonne region, and having diverse, vibrant communities will no doubt play a big part in that.

“But we also want our current residents to have their say on our Multicultural, Migration and Settlement Strategy. It is important to us that everyone who wants to share their ideas about growing our communities has a chance to add their voice to the conversation.”

Through the Multicultural, Migration and Settlement strategy, Council intends to attract more permanent residents like Than Reh Lo Piang, his wife Zung, and three daughters Audrey, Chloe, And Rosie (pictured).

Originally from Myanmar, Mr Piang and his family initially settled in a suburban area upon their arrival in Australia.

But after learning about life in St George, the family chose to make a tree change; they moved to the Balonne Shire in February, and quickly became involved in their new community.

“We have found the local people are very welcoming and friendly,” Mr Piang said.

“St George is a very nice town, and we hope more people will choose to live and work here.”

This project is a joint initiative of Balonne Shire Council and the Queensland Government; the Multicultural, Migration and Settlement Strategy Workshops will be held on:

• Monday, August 17, 5.15pm – Dirranbandi Civic Centre
• Tuesday, August 18, 5.15pm – Thallon Community Hall
• Friday, August 21, 10am – Bollon Community Hall
• Monday August 24th, 5.15pm – St George Cultural Centre

Due to COVID-19 venue restricitons, an RSVP is required. Please RSVP by Monday, 10th August to Council's Community and Multicultural Development Officer, Dani Kinnear: dani.kinnear@balonne.qld.gov.au or phone 4620 8834.