Exploring a North West Multicultural Community Hub
Published on 04 September 2026
Burnie City Council General Manager Shane Crawford and The Multicultural Council of Tasmania (MCOT) Chief Executive Officer Bruno Ferreira have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore what a multicultural hub could look like and how it could support culturally diverse communities across the North West.
Burnie Mayor Teeny Brumby said the opportunity was about recognising and supporting the diversity of the North West community.
“Burnie is home to people from many cultures and backgrounds, and that diversity is something we should celebrate,” Mayor Brumby said.
“We want Burnie to be a place where everyone feels welcome, connected, and supported.”
Exploring what's possible
The MOU sets out how Burnie City Council and MCOT will work together to understand community needs, investigate the viability of a hub, and consider potential locations, funding opportunities and partnerships.
It is about listening, gathering information and identifying what could work for the North West.
The MOU will remain in place for two years, providing time to investigate the need, develop a business case, and consider what a future hub could look like.
“Being local means we can advocate for local opportunities and issues, highlight the value multicultural communities bring, and celebrate all the things that make Burnie an amazing place to live, work and raise a family,” MCOT CEO, Mr Ferreira said.
A more connected North West
For MCOT Board member Astri Kirkland, the idea of a multicultural hub is personal.
"When I arrived in Tasmania 22 years ago, I remember how overwhelming it was to start from scratch without knowing anyone," Ms Kirkland said.
"A multicultural hub is about so much more than just getting information. It’s about having a place where you feel seen, welcomed, and backed by your community. It gives people a sense of safety and home right when they need it most and helps us build a region where everyone truly feels they belong."
Over the coming stages, Burnie City Council and the Multicultural Council of Tasmania will work together to build the evidence needed to determine whether a North West Multicultural Community Hub could be viable and how it could deliver lasting benefits for the community.
The aim is to identify an opportunity that could help make the North West an even more connected, welcoming and inclusive place to live, work and participate.
Above image: Burnie City Council Mayor Teeny Brumby with Astri Kirkland, member of the MCOT Board.
Find out more
▸ What could a multicultural hub provide?
A welcoming place for people to connect, celebrate culture, access support, learn, and participate in community life.
The project vision includes community connection, cultural celebration, settlement support, education, training, service access and regional multicultural development.
▸ What happens next?
Council and MCOT will investigate the need, demand, viability and potential benefits of a multicultural community facility.
This includes developing a detailed business case looking at community needs, potential options, locations, costs, funding, governance, risks, and economic and social impacts.
▸ Who is involved?
Bruno Ferreira | Chief Executive Officer, Multicultural Council of Tasmania
MCOT will lead or coordinate the business case, engage with multicultural communities and stakeholders, provide cultural expertise and help explore external funding opportunities.
Shane Crawford | General Manager, Burnie City Council
Council will support the investigation, contribute relevant information, participate in potential site discussions and help identify partnership and funding opportunities.
▸ How will the community be involved?
Listening to multicultural communities and other stakeholders will be an important part of the investigation.
Council and MCOT will engage with multicultural communities, service providers, government agencies, community organisations, and other stakeholders to help inform the project.
The partnership is based on mutual respect, open communication, inclusion, community wellbeing, and evidence-based decision making.
▸ Where could a hub be located?
No location has been selected as of yet.
Potential options could include existing Council or government facilities, underused community infrastructure, commercial premises, shared-use facilities or future developments.
The MOU does not commit Council to providing land, buildings, leases or other property interests.
▸ How could the project be funded?
Council and MCOT will explore external funding opportunities that could potentially support feasibility work, business case development, a future facility, fit-out, community engagement, and ongoing programs.
Any future funding applications would be subject to separate approval processes.
▸ What could this mean for the North West?
A future hub could help:
- strengthen community connections
- support migrant and refugee communities
- improve access to culturally responsive services
- provide opportunities for education and training
- build stronger partnerships across government, community and business
- support regional growth and skilled migration
- activate and make better use of community infrastructure.
▸ Is Council committing to build a multicultural hub?
No.
At this stage, the partnership is about exploring and investigating the proposal.
The MOU does not commit Council or MCOT to establishing, funding, owning or operating a facility. A detailed business case and further approvals would be required before any future commitment could be considered.