Charles Kitapindu talks at the African community BBQ at the Wilsonton Heights Community Centre. Kevin Farmer NOTHING brings a community together more than the prospect of a hearty meal.
More than 20 nationalities gathered at the Wilsonton Heights Community Centre yesterday to share in a traditional feast cooked by mostly Congolese women.
The gathering was an informal way for the African nationals to meet with other community members.
It was also a chance for organisations like Uniting Care Community and Mercy Family Services to outline their social services.
"All African-Australians come to Australia not for tourism," Charles Kitapindu of Mercy Family Services said.
"They come to Australia to stay.
"They have decided that Australia, specifically Toowoomba is to be their new home."
But isolation is a problem that many newly arrived migrants face.
Mr Kitapindu said his role was to create "community connectiveness" and reduce social isolation.
The lunchtime event was also an opportunity for Pauline Muraa to serve up her "bread" made from ground-up cassava root.
Pauline arrived from South Sudan five years ago and enjoys sharing the bread, served with cassava leaves, to her new friends in Toowoomba.
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