Live music. Street entertainment. Information. Prizes. Meeting new people. These activities and more are what’s planned for Brisbane’s new international students on Saturday 6 March.
Over 3,500 new students from around the world are expected to descend on Brisbane’s Reddacliff Place in the CBD to participate in the official Brisbane Welcomes International Student event, hosted by Brisbane Marketing’s Study Brisbane and Brisbane City Council.
Launching the event on the day is Lord Mayor Campbell Newman who will officially welcome all new international students to Brisbane.
“Brisbane is a friendly, welcoming and multicultural city and by hosting this event, we want to demonstrate these qualities to our new international students,” said Lord Mayor Campbell Newman.
“Many of these students will experience Brisbane for the first time and it’s important the city provides a festive, educational and supportive introduction that will help them transition into Brisbane life.
“I’m delighted to be part of this event and look forward to personally welcoming many of our international students to Brisbane.”
Brisbane Marketing’s Study Brisbane program is hosting the event for the first time, and has worked closely with Brisbane City Council (BCC), local education institutions and stakeholders to develop and promote the event.
“We want to ensure Brisbane’s new international students gain an accurate and positive impression of Brisbane, and that is why we have pulled together a real community showcase of the city’s offering in a single location,” said John Aitken, Brisbane Marketing’s CEO.
“The event will have over 40 exhibitors, from education institutions, transport providers, banks, public transport services, community engagement groups, sporting groups to student accommodation providers. Through this community approach we hope to provide essential orientation information for students.
”In addition, the day will be interactive and fun for all attendees with live music, street performers, activities and games, information sessions, prizes to be won, food and many will get to see their first glimpse of koalas, snakes and lizards thanks to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and Geckoes Wildlife.
“We encourage all new international students to come to Reddacliff Place on the 6 March between 10am and 2pm to experience a true taste of what Australia’s new world city has to offer.”
The Brisbane Welcomes International Students event is a joint initiative between Brisbane Marketing and BCC. Commencing in 2007, the event was created based on a recommendation from the International Education Impact Study (a report commissioned by the Economic Development unit of BCC). The event is now a permanent fixture on Brisbane’s education calendar.
International education is Brisbane’s largest export industry, earning over $2 billion in 2009 and attracting over 80,000 international students. Brisbane’s international student market grew by 26 per cent in 2009 from the previous year.
More information about the event can be found at www.studybrisbane.com
Some of the highlights for the Brisbane Welcomes International Students event will include:
- Entertainment: live music, street performers, koalas from Lone Pine, Australian wildlife / reptiles from Geckoes Wildlife,
- Activities and games: Queensland Cricket speed bowling competition, Brisbane Lions handball competition, NOVA 106.9 competitions and giveaways
- Information exhibitions: student accommodation providers and support, visa information, emergency services
- Brisbane’s leisure offering: Visitor Information Centre, Tangalooma, My Australia Tours
- Community engagement: Greening Australia, City Smart, Visible Ink, Volunteering QLD
- Prizes: laptop, books and holiday package from QUT, holiday to Tangalooma Island resort,
- Information sessions: staying healthy in Brisbane, staying safe in Brisbane, money matters — managing your money / saving / sending money home, beach safety
- Food: under $5 options, supplied by local retailers
When: Saturday 6 March, 2010
Time: 10am — 2pm
Location: Reddacliff Place (top of Queen Street Mall)
Cost: FREE
Attending: Approximately 3,500 new international students
Launched by: Brisbane Lord Mayor Campbell Newman