Some of TIMS events and workshops are listed below:

• TIMS is one of the major organising partners and sponsors of Toowoomba’s signature multicultural event. The Toowoomba Languages & Cultures Festival, which was held annually (2006 to 2021). The Festival is an iconic annual celebration of the diversity in our community and a showcase of talents and colour from across the world! The Festival provides career pathways in the catering and performance industries. Volunteers also receive valuable experience in teamwork, communicating with a diverse range of people backgrounds, practising English language skills and a variety of event coordination roles.

• In 2022, the Festival was reformatted and renamed to the International Street Fiesta and continues the signature multicultural event of the Toowoomba Region and Queensland.

• Job Assist Expos and training workshops to provide job seekers from all backgrounds with the necessary skills and information to get employment. Many of the attendees have not been able to gain employment due to language, educational and cultural barriers. TIMS has run a series of Job Assist Expos and training workshops in partnership with job providers, recruiting agencies, RTOs and DESBT while providing interpreters and individualised supports. Over 50 trainees have received first-hand training in digital and administrative skills. Hundreds of job seekers have received information on opportunities and how to apply for jobs in many industries. These projects were sponsored by the Queensland Government through their Skilling Queenslanders for Work (SQW) program and the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training (DESBT).

• TIMS has organised several cultural festivals (e.g. Chinese New Year, Diwali, Harmony Day ) showcasing multicultural performances and cultures from different communities of Toowoomba.

• The Society sponsors the annual Language Awards in participating State High Schools in Toowoomba.

• Members of the Society have actively supported and participated in all the Toowoomba Language and Cultural Festivals since their inception in 2006. Since 2007, the society has been one of the major sponsors of the event.

• Workshops in stress management, improving health through diet and nutrition across the Darling Downs and Lockyer Valley, to provide targeted information for people who have not been able to access this information due to personal and societal barriers. Sponsored by the FRRR

• Workshops in digital skills and technology

• TIMS has organised many Health & Wellness Expos, providing a wide range of information on health services and therapies (traditional and alternative) available in the region.

Fundraising:

• Over the years, TIMS has raised over $40,000 for numerous projects. Organisations that have benefited include the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation, SES, Spinal Injuries Qld, Angel Flight, RSPCA, Wildlife Rescue, Grantham Flood Appeal and many others.

History:

The Toowoomba International Multicultural Society Inc. was formed in 2008. Prior to that, it was known as the Australian Asian Society of Toowoomba Inc., which was formed in 1995 to promote friendship amongst people of different cultural backgrounds and Australians, by creating and supporting cultural and educational activities in Toowoomba. Toowoomba’s growing population now comes from over 118 different cultural backgrounds.

In 2008, the Society decided to change its name to continue to reflect the needs of the community.  Throughout this time, TIMS has grown a reputation for being an organisation that works with community members to find innovative and supported solutions for the diverse community, whose needs and challenges continue to present as the multicultural community in Toowoomba continues to expand.