Our headspace Bundaberg team held the first ever “Bundaberg Multicultural World Cup”. Held in partnership with Bundaberg & District Neighbourhood Centre, and the Community Development team from Bundaberg Regional Council, the event focused on bringing the local groups together and celebrating the many different cultures that make up the community.

Many months ago, the headspace Bundaberg team and Youth Engagement Committee were brainstorming ways to bring the various cultural groups together for an event. After some great discussions, it was decided, what better way than through a social competition of the world game, football (or soccer as it is also commonly referred to).

The team worked closely with many of the local cultural leaders to pull the event together over the few months following.

The weather provided some challenges, however this didn’t dampen the team’s spirits. The decision was made to make the last-minute change to Futsal (an indoor form of soccer), and the event was able to go ahead.

Participants from Asian FC, Bundy Blasters, Cape to Cairo, Pacific Island Soccer Squad, as well as 2 Nepalese teams battled it out on the courts, with Asian FC winning the final.

With more than 50 people coming together to participate, and over 100 people in attendance, as family and friends came along to support, it was an incredible atmosphere.

Music for the day was selected by all the participating groups, representing different cultures. With plenty of story sharing, and new friendships made, it was a fantastic day.

The team would like to thank Bargara Football Club who were incredibly supportive, with 5 of their young club members refereeing for the day, as well as supplying equipment.

The day would also not have been possible without the sponsorship from Happy Family Asian Market, enabling prizes for the day, and Bundaberg Futsal helping in the final hours to supply the correct balls due to the surface change.

With great feedback from all who attended, and plenty of discussion about running another event in the future, this looks to be the beginning of some special connections in Bundaberg.