Member for Ipswich West Jim Madden MP joined Queensland Police Service Acting Deputy Commissioner Michael Condon yesterday at the Toowoomba multifaith afternoon tea garden party.
This was a unique event that allows government and other agency representatives the chance to bring people of differing faiths and backgrounds together in a convivial atmosphere with QPS members, and to strengthen existing connections between community members and police.
The QPS is continually striving to provide the best possible policing service to all members of the community regardless of culture, faith, gender or background and yesterdays’s event is confirmation of this inclusive approach.
Approximately 80 members of the local multifaith community from diverse backgrounds attended the event at Laurel Bank Park.
Acting Deputy Commissioner Condon said the annual multifaith event aligned with the Queensland Police Service’s intention of inclusion and acknowledgement of diversity and to celebrate the many nationalities and faiths throughout Queensland, especially in the Toowoomba Region and the Darling Downs Police District.
“Fifteen percent of the Toowoomba Regional Council area are of non-English speaking backgrounds, equating to about 18,000 people,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Condon said.
“This presents a diverse community and working environment for members of the Queensland Police Service.
“I am honoured to stand here and celebrate the differing faiths and cultural backgrounds of each and every one of you.”
Mr Madden said the event provided the opportunity to celebrate cultural diversity, enhance community relationships and celebrate the contribution and achievements of this wide section of the community.
“It is pleasing to see such a diverse gathering of community members here to promote kinship and communication between the community, the Queensland Government, the QPS and partner agencies,” Mr Madden said.
