Many cultures, many stories, one Sunshine Coast community

Belonging will be at the heart of a free community celebration at Cotton Tree Park this September as Sunshine Coast Council marks Welcoming Week 2026. 

The family-friendly community picnic will be held from 10am to 2pm on Sunday 20 September 2026 at Cotton Tree Park, Maroochydore to bring people from all backgrounds together to celebrate culture, connection and community through food, storytelling, music, games and interactive activities. 

Visitors can enjoy food experiences, storytelling, lawn games, face painting, henna art, weaving, music, dance, arts and crafts, while connecting with people from different cultures and backgrounds.  

Attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic rug, gather family and friends and enjoy a day of celebration, connection and belonging.  

Registering to attend the free event is recommended, with the first 50 people to receive a complimentary traditional Turkish coffee. Everyone is welcome. 

Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli encouraged residents to take part in this community celebration and connect with people from across the region. 

"The Sunshine Coast is enriched by the many cultures, traditions and experiences that shape our unique identity," Mayor Natoli said. 

"The Welcoming Week Community Picnic is an opportunity to come together in celebration of our shared love of everything that makes the Sunshine Coast a wonderful place for everyone to call home." 

Held globally each year, Welcoming Week celebrates communities striving to be more welcoming places for all, including First Nations peoples, migrants, refugees, people seeking asylum, international students and long-term residents. 

This year's theme, Belonging is Everyone's Business, recognises that creating a community where people feel seen, valued and connected is a shared responsibility.  

From neighbourhoods and sporting clubs to schools, workplaces, community organisations and local government, everyone has a role to play in fostering belonging and strengthening social cohesion. 

Belonging is everyone's business 

Strong Community Portfolio Councillor Taylor Bunnag said the event would provide opportunities for people from all backgrounds to connect and build lasting community relationships. 

"Belonging grows when people come together to share experiences and learn from one another," Cr Bunnag said. 

"We're proud to work with multicultural communities, local organisations and community leaders to create opportunities where everyone feels welcome and included." 

Food, culture and connection 

The free community picnic at Cotton Tree Park will create opportunities for people from all backgrounds across the Sunshine Coast to connect, share experiences and celebrate community. 

Queensland Minister for Multiculturalism, The Honourable Fiona Simpson MP, said Welcoming Week highlighted the important role communities play in ensuring everyone has the opportunity to belong. 

 "The Queensland Government is proud to support initiatives that bring people together,” Minister Simpson said.  

“This picnic demonstrates how shared experiences can build connections.” 

The event has been developed in partnership with multicultural communities, community organisations, Council's Multicultural Advisory Group and emerging community leaders to ensure it is community-led, culturally safe and reflective of the diversity of the Sunshine Coast.  

The Welcoming Week Community Picnic is proudly supported by the Queensland Government through the Celebrating Multicultural Queensland Program. This funding has enabled Sunshine Coast Council to deliver a community-led event that celebrates culture, connection and belonging.  

For more information, please email [email protected]. To register, visit,  events.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au and search ‘Welcoming Week Picnic’.