As a Russian immigrant and Chief Executive Officer of leading water disinfection company, Australian Innovative Systems (AIS), Elena Gosse knows only too well the challenges immigrants face when moving to a new country. It’s one of the reasons that she is so passionate about promoting cultural diversity and supporting the Queensland Russian Community Centre (QRCC) in Brisbane.
As a former president of the QRCC, Elena recently organised a major fundraiser for the not-for-profit organisation.
Staged to coincide with the official Queensland Cultural Diversity Week celebrations, the ‘Cultural Diversity Dinner Dance’ was held at the QRCC on Saturday evening, 13 September. More than 150 people attended.
The evening was a multicultural celebration complete with a Russian feast and entertainment including Russian, Latin American and Ukrainian singing and dancing. A white dove was also released to symbolise peace.
Over $6,500 was raised which will be used by the QRCC for building improvements.
“These types of cultural events are very important, not only for the benefit of the Russian community but for the Brisbane community as a whole,” Elena said.
“The feedback from the night was fantastic and I am passionate about promoting cultural diversity at every opportunity.
“I believe that by celebrating and promoting our different cultures it helps to foster peace and understanding across all ethnicities.”
Member for Bowen, Andrew Laming MP attended the event and agrees, “Russian Australians make a huge contribution to the cultural and economic diversity of South East Queensland and last Saturday evening was a great showcase of that contribution,” he said.
Elena and the QRCC would like to thank all the valuable sponsors and volunteers who contributed to the evening’s success.
For more information about the Queensland Russian Community Centre http://qldruscentre.com
