PHOTO OPP: Member groups walking through King George Square on mass from various points in the city between 6 & 6.30pm, photo call prior to event, choir and the Hall filled with people, state, federal and council politicians, academics and civic leaders from disability, aged & mental health care and employment & vocational training.

Who:                Queensland Community Alliance, made up of Queensland’s biggest faith, community, ethnic groups and unions

How many:       1400 – 1600 people across 26+ groups

Where:              Brisbane City Hall, main auditorium

When:               6pm (6.30pm start) to 8pm – People will congregate in King George Square from 5.30ish.

Why:                 to launch the Alliance, demonstrate our people power and put our asks to the state,

local and opposition politicians attending on the night.

What’s going to happen:

There will be real stories around our key topics of care (mental, disability & aged) and employment and training. A 100+ ‘choir of choirs’ performing. Politicians will be asked to commit to several specific asks.

Assembly Co-chairs / spokespeople:

Rev. Dave Baker, Uniting Church,

“This has been helpful for me. I have engaged with people I would not have met before, and come to admire their commitment, passion and discipline. This is perfect for the Uniting Church. I am unashamed to say that this is about growing church. I’ve seen a process unfold – and it does take commitment – and local issues being addressed. We now have new allies in influencing leadership for the common good.”

Sam Pidgeon, Teachers Union,

“The Queensland Community Alliance has strengthened my belief in the power of the collective.  Alone, our organisations do great things but together we can change people’s lives. The Queensland Teachers’ Union is made up of 44,500 members and the Queensland Community Alliance offers us the opportunity to stand alongside other unions, faith groups and community groups to identify better futures and influence the decision-making of government.”’

Kerrin Benson, Multicultural Development Australia

“We work with 5,000 newly arrived Queenslanders and many have had no experience of democracy or participating in civil society. For them to be listened to and to hear the stories of other Queenslanders is inspirational. This alliance has been extraordinary in bringing together so many diverse groups in a non-partisan way. We’ve learned that we all face the same issues and can find solutions together.”

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