Business
1 October, 2025
Cultural guiding light
CAIRNS’ businesses now have a new tool to help them build more inclusive and culturally -aware workplaces, with the official launch of a cultural awareness handbook.
Developed by the Cairns Regional Jobs Committee (RJC) in consultation with local businesses, community leaders, migrants and people from refugee backgrounds, the handbook provides practical strategies for employers to confidently hire, onboard and support staff from diverse cultural backgrounds.
The handbook, launched at The Backyard, Shangri-La hotel, arrives at a crucial time. More than 21% of Cairns’ population was born overseas and more than 72 languages are spoken in the region. With ongoing skills shortages, organisers say inclusive employment is not only good policy but also vital to the region’s future.
“This is not about changing Australian workplace practices but rather expanding our cultural competence to support better and retain a diverse workforce, and attract more customers,” said Cairns RJC project manager Janelle Yarwood.
In her launch speech, Ms Yarwood shared her personal connection to Cairns and its diverse community. “I grew up here, and though I’ve left a number of times, I always come home,” she said.
“What draws me back? Of course, the sunshine and the easy-going nature of our people, but most of all, our wonderfully multicultural community. We wanted our children to grow up surrounded by diversity, to understand the value of inclusion and to see firsthand the beauty in different cultures.”
Ms Yarwood highlighted Cairns’ unique character, where festivals and cultural events regularly bring people together.
“We don’t just live in paradise, we live in a place that welcomes all people, that celebrates difference and that thrives because of it,” she said.
The cultural awareness handbook offers:
Tips for cross-cultural communication and managing language barriers
Guidance on cultural differences in humour, time management, hierarchy and eye contact
Practical onboarding advice and interview techniques
Local case studies showing how businesses benefit from diversity.
Centacare FNQ executive director Anita Veivers said workforce diversity was key to building the region’s resilience.
“Workforce diversity is not just good policy; it’s our region’s future,” she said.
The handbook is now available for free download at www.bit.ly/4nK3mWa
