What We Do
The Toowoomba International Multicultural Society Inc. (TIMS) is a community group of volunteers.
Since 2008, we have brought people together from diverse backgrounds by increasing understanding through cultural, social and educational activities.
Our Aims
TIMS aims are to undertake activities that pursue the following charitable purposes:
To promote fellowship and amicable relationships amongst people of all cultural and linguistic backgrounds, including promoting harmony and reducing conflict between people from different races, religions or belief systems.
To engage with the Toowoomba and Region community through initiating and participating in social, cultural and educational activities for the promotion of:
presentation, learning, teaching, practice, performance, display and demonstration of cultural languages, music and arts;
research, learning and information exchange in support of these goals;
reconciliation, mutual respect and tolerance between groups of individuals; and
peace, friendship and understanding.
To provide mentoring, tutoring and training strategies and programs aimed at improving social determinants to a diverse range of community members with supported transitions to meaningful and sustained education and employment.
To promote the creation of opportunities for the wider community to experience cultural and artistic expressions of people from different backgrounds in the form of workshops, displays, presentations, research, publications and activities involving music, performing arts, community art, arts, languages, crafts, design, film, radio, literature, video and other media.
To advance and enhance the practice and teaching of language, music and arts; and to develop public awareness and community access to knowledge and appreciation of all peoples from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds through traditional language, music and arts activity.
To co-operate, co-ordinate, assist and develop affiliations with groups, bodies, agencies, educational institutions and individuals with interests and/or objectives common to the Association.
TIMS is a non-profit, non-political, non-religious organisation which welcomes people of all backgrounds. All our members are volunteers, and TIMS has no paid staff.
Committee
The TIMS Management Committee is elected annually at the AGM.
Our current Committee members are:
President: Mrs Gitie House OAM is a community leader for over 20 years, and has a professional background with experience as a software engineer and project manager for many years.
Vice-President: Ms Maud Bagnall has extensive experience working with diverse communities at the grassroots level.
Secretary: Ms Anna Nicholls - has extensive experience as CEO, managing training organisations, non-profit organisations, charities, social services and teaching.
Minutes Secretary: Mrs Bhavna Gupta has worked for the community for many years and is also a professional statistician.
Treasurer: Ms Dipika Aggarwal has many years of community experience and is a professional software engineer.
Members:
Mr David New has extensive experience overseas and locally in the employment industry and community projects.
Mr Eakraj Adhikari has extensive experience working in social services.
What We’ve Achieved:
Increased sense of belonging for new migrants and people from vulnerable backgrounds.
Increased access to services.
Increased employment opportunities.
Open career pathways.
Bringing people together by breaking barriers and increasing cultural awareness.
Better knowledge on physical, emotional and mental health services and options.
Increasing harmony, social cohesion and peace in the region.
More About TIMS
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Memberships
Individuals, families, and community groups can join the TIMS community, which is dedicated to supporting all its members.
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Programs
TIMS organises cultural and educational initiatives that foster understanding across diverse backgrounds, provide training for employment, education, and health, and fundraises for various projects.
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Partners
TIMS has joined forces with over 200 organisations, including businesses and governments, to uplift communities through education and employment.
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Awards
TIMS has received numerous awards for its impactful work, and its members have been recognised nationally and statewide for their contributions.