This document is a case study about the Cairns Multicultural Community Leaders Network, a program facilitated by Centacare FNQ and funded by Multicultural Affairs Queensland. The program sought to support multicultural communities in Cairns, Queensland, by providing a platform for community associations to come together and discuss their strengths, challenges, and goals. It targeted leaders from multicultural communities to build capacity and help those communities identify and meet their own priorities and needs.

Organizations can use this case study as a model to engage multicultural communities by:

• Creating opportunities for diverse communities to network, collaborate, and advocate for their needs. The Cairns Multicultural Community Leaders Network brought together leaders from various cultural backgrounds to discuss shared challenges, identify common goals, and work together to address issues affecting their communities. This collaboration helped communities develop close and meaningful links with mainstream services, leading to preventative health sessions, partnerships with theater groups, and youth leadership programs. Organizations can use this model to create spaces where multicultural communities can connect, share their experiences, and advocate for their needs.
• Facilitating training and development opportunities that enhance the capacity of multicultural communities. The Cairns program incorporated guest speakers on various topics, including health, disaster preparedness, and employment. The network also provided training in response to community needs, such as Mental Health First Aid. This approach helped build the capacity of multicultural communities to address their own needs and advocate for change. Organizations can adapt this model by identifying the specific needs of their communities and providing relevant training and development opportunities.
• Identifying and addressing challenges that hinder engagement and participation. The Cairns network encountered challenges such as Zoom fatigue and COVID-19 information overload. By diversifying guest speakers and incorporating face-to-face meetings, they were able to mitigate these issues. Organizations can learn from this example by being aware of potential barriers to engagement and proactively addressing them to ensure inclusivity and sustained participation.