Bundaberg’s inaugural Multicultural Sports Day and World Cup 2025 took centre stage during this year’s Welcoming Week, bringing together around 150 community members for a celebration of culture, connection and friendly competition.
The futsal event was just one part of a broader week of activities hosted by Bundaberg Regional Council from 12 to 21 September, marking the region’s first official Welcoming Week since signing the Welcoming Cities Commitment.
The national initiative supports Local Governments to build more inclusive, engaged and participatory communities.
Held with support from the Queensland Government, the futsal competition featured 10 teams representing a range of cultural backgrounds.
A free barbecue was hosted by the Bundaberg Badminton Club with entertainment provided by local Indonesian and Filipino groups and community support was made available from headspace, Bundaberg Neighbourhood Centre and World Gym.
Council also welcomed seasonal workers from PALM scheme farms including Ironbark Citrus, Farmgate and McCrystals, who joined in the festivities to connect with the broader community.
Bundaberg Regional Council’s Community, Resilience and Connection portfolio spokesperson Cr Tracey McPhee said the event was a standout moment of Welcoming Week 2025.
“It is fantastic to see people from so many different walks of life coming together through sport and celebration,” Cr McPhee said.
“Events like this are more than just fun- they help break down barriers, create friendships and build stronger communities.”
The day ended on a high note with Team Philippines taking out the championship title and Ironbark Citrus finishing as runners-up.
Plenty on offer for Welcoming Week celebrations
Throughout the region a wide range of activities were held to showcase and celebrate Welcoming Week.
Bundaberg and Gin Gin libraries created colourful displays of cultural and in-language books while the Gin Gin Neighbourhood Centre hosted a morning tea for locals to share personal stories of migration and heritage.
Cr McPhee said the week was an important milestone for Council and the community.
“Welcoming Week is all about bringing people together to learn from each other and feel a sense of belonging” she said.
“Council is proud to be part of the Welcoming Cities network and to lead initiatives that strengthen inclusion, respect and community pride.”
Find out more about Welcoming Week here and the Welcoming Cities Commitment here.
