General News
27 August, 2025
Excitement builds for Multicultural Festival
The annual Mount Isa event is just around the corner.
Thousands of locals are once again expected to overflow the Good Shepherd Parish grounds at the 2025 Mount Isa Multicultural Festival on Friday, September 5.
Having been held in Mount Isa for almost three decades, the festival needs little introduction to long-time locals.
The night kicks off at the Parish grounds from 6pm and includes 14 international food stalls, including new food options from Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe.
There will also be craft stalls and the main stage, where community groups representing the four corners of the globe will showcase their traditional dances and songs.
Father Mick Lowcock said the event celebrated the unique global make up of our city.
“There are more than 50 cultures represented in our city – that’s a lot for a small place like Mount Isa – and it is something that I think Mount Isa has always been very proud of,” he said.
“The festival is a chance for people to share a piece of their culture and also show that we are all part of something very special in this city.”
Among the dedicated volunteers who bring about the standout event each year is Henry Whippy and his family.
The Fijian Catholic Community choir leader brought his family to the North West in the 2000s.
“We came to Mount Isa for the same reason everyone comes here – life and work took us here. We were looking for better opportunities for our children and we found it all here in this city,” he said.
For more than a decade Mr Whippy has volunteered behind the Fijian stall, where this year the community will be serving roast pork and curried chicken.
Mr Whippy has also been active in assisting the Fijian community youth choir prepare to take the stage at the Multicultural Festival.
“The festival is always a good night out for the whole family,” he told North West Weekly.
“It brings the entire Mount Isa community together – it is not just for the Catholic community, it is for everyone.
“We welcome everyone.”
Tickets are still available in the Gold Bullion raffle where a $100 ticket puts you in the draw to win a $10,000 prize.
Tickets can purchased at the Good Shepherd Parish or at https://rafflelink.com.au/mcfestival25.