Sunshine Coast Council Seeks Multicultural Mentees for Advisory Group
Sunshine Coast Council’s Multicultural Advisory Group (MAG) has announced two new volunteer Mentee positions, inviting applications from people with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
The initiative aims to empower emerging leaders to share their voices and contribute actively to the region’s community life.
Selected mentees will participate in bi-monthly MAG meetings, offering their lived experiences of settlement and inclusion, while also receiving mentorship from experienced MAG members and support from the Council’s Community Development team.
Help create a welcoming environment
These insights are expected to provide a clearer understanding of the challenges, needs, and opportunities faced by newcomers to the Sunshine Coast.
Mentees will also have the opportunity to help organise the 2026 Welcoming Week Picnic, co-designing cultural activities and engaging with new and emerging communities.
Councillor Taylor Bunnag, who holds the Strong Community Portfolio, described the new mentee roles as a supported pathway for emerging multicultural leaders to become more involved in community life.
“The Sunshine Coast is a vibrant and welcoming place, and these roles are another way to strengthen the voices of our multicultural communities,” Cr Bunnag said.
“We want new arrivals to feel supported, heard, and to see that there are genuine opportunities to participate in local leadership,” Cr Bunnag added.
“Their lived experience is incredibly valuable and can help shape more inclusive services across the region.”
Fresh perspectives needed
Founding MAG member Peppi Bueti emphasised that bringing mentees into the group would offer fresh perspectives to its work.
“MAG has always focused on listening to community voices and creating spaces where people feel safe and represented,” Mr Bueti said.
“Having mentees join us means we can learn directly from people who have recently arrived and better understand the level of support needed to help them settle and thrive,” he said.
“It’s a great opportunity for emerging leaders to build skills while contributing to meaningful community work.”
MAG member Silvia Castillo highlighted how the mentee experience could help new arrivals forge strong connections within the local community.
“When I first joined MAG, I learned so much about how community groups influence local decisions,” Ms Castillo said.
“Through MAG, I’ve seen how creating strong links between Council and multicultural communities helps us feel heard, welcomed and empowered to actively participate in the place we now call home.”
Building stronger connections
“These mentee roles offer that same experience by building confidence, forming connections, and creating space for participants to share their stories in a supportive environment,” she said.
“It’s a wonderful way for newcomers to feel part of the Sunshine Coast community.”
Expressions of interest are encouraged from people who have lived on the Sunshine Coast for less than a year, identify as part of a multicultural community, are interested in leadership and inclusion, and can attend MAG meetings.
No previous advisory experience is required.
Applicants are asked to provide a brief overview of their background, community connections, interest in the role, and what they hope to gain from the experience.
The Expression of Interest form is available on the Sunshine Coast Council website.
Applications close on 23 March 2026.
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