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Social cohesion

A thriving, cohesive community is a community where Queenslanders of all backgrounds, ages and abilities:

  • are included and respected
  • connect, trust each other and share resources
  • have opportunities to make a positive and meaningful contribution.

The Queensland Government has committed more than $12.4 million since 2016 to strengthening social cohesion in our communities and has appointed the Queensland Social Cohesion Implementation Committee (QSCIC) to help shape initiatives.

Thriving Cohesive Communities Action Plan

The Thriving Cohesive Communities: Action Plan for Queensland 2019-21 (Stage 2) (PDF, 511.36 KB) builds on initiatives delivered under the Cohesive Communities: An Action Plan for Queensland 2016-18. Over 80 projects were funded in 2016-18 across the state to bring individuals, families and communities together to increase understanding and appreciation of the diversity of Queenslanders.

The Thriving Cohesive Communities: Action Plan for Queensland 2019–21 (Stage 2) sets out priorities for action under 4 key focus areas:

  • Pathways for individuals
  • Family connections
  • Community connections and strength
  • Collaborative services

This second action plan has:

  • a greater emphasis on young people (12-25 years)
  • targeted investment for the regional locations of Toowoomba, Rockhampton and Townsville
  • a greater emphasis on addressing economic exclusion.

The plan aims to promote and strengthen Queensland’s social cohesion, reduce social marginalisation and economic exclusion, and address anti-social behaviour and behaviours that can lead to violence or physical harm.

Thriving Cohesive Communities Grants

Read about the successful Tranche 1 and Tranche 2 grant recipients and community projects.

Queensland Social Cohesion Implementation Committee

In June 2016, the Queensland Government established the Queensland Social Cohesion Implementation Committee (QSCIC) as a step towards enhancing social cohesion in our communities.

The Committee provides advice to the Queensland Government and helps shape initiatives that:

  • strengthen community cohesion and resilience
  • reduce social marginalisation and economic exclusion
  • address antisocial behaviour and behaviour that may lead to violence or physical harm to others.

In 2016, the Committee oversaw the development of the Cohesive Communities: an action plan for Queensland 2016-18. In 2019 the Committee worked with the former Department of Communities, Disability Services and Seniors to develop the Thriving Cohesive Communities: Action Plan for Queensland 2019-21 (Stage 2) (PDF, 511.36 KB).

Read the Committee's Terms of Reference (PDF, 290.41 KB).

Committee membership

The Premier appoints QSCIC members. Members contribute independent advice and diverse life experiences to the Committee’s work, including:

  • growing up in a rural or regional community or settling in one as a recent migrant
  • leading and working in human service organisations
  • being active in a faith community
  • being Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
  • establishing and working in business
  • working in the areas of research, youth support, education and advocacy.

The Committee members who shaped the Thriving Cohesive Communities: Action Plan for Queensland 2019-21 (Stage 2) are:

  • Mr Scott Stewart MP (as Chair)
  • Professor Lesley Chenoweth AO (Deputy Chair)
  • Mrs Josephine Aufai
  • Ms Gail Ker OAM
  • Mr Fahim Khondaker
  • Miss Prudence Melom
  • Ms Tammy Wallace

Government department representatives attend Committee meetings as observers.

Last updated: 
9 July 2021