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GOPIO Queensland hosts Mental Health Awareness seminar

The Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) Queensland hosted its first ever Mental Health Awareness event on May 29th 2021 in Brisbane, an event based on the theme ‘How to take care of your mental well-being in 2021’

The seminar, conceptualized initially by Arpit Singh, the Treasurer of GOPIO’s Queensland chapter, was attended by prominent members of the Queensland community who all lauded the organisers and laid stress on the importance of bringing mental-health related issues to the forefront. The event was opened by Aboriginal Elder and Advanced Aboriginal Health Worker Aunty Betty McGrady and GOPIO Queensland President Rakesh Sharma who both acknowledged the importance of the event in the current scenario. The event primarily featured a presentation on breaking down depression by Peter Ferreira of the Sydney-based Black Dog Institute, a non-profit facility for diagnosis, prevention and treatment of mental-health issues. The presentation threw light on the early symptoms of depression and how an individual can monitor, regulate and curtail the onset of depression for himself and those around him. This was followed by an in-depth discussion by a panel comprising mental-health and psychiatry experts; question and answer session and a 30-minute live theatre play performance focusing on the significance of mental health awareness. GOPIO, a non-partisan, secular global organization engaged in promoting the well-being of people across the globe conducted this mental awareness seminar as part of their ongoing contribution to spreading awareness on a crucial subject which is often ignored.

Luminous Lantern Parade back with a bang at South Bank Parklands

The iconic Luminous Lantern Parade which is celebrated in the week of Queensland day returned to South Bank Parklands on June 4, 2021

The festival had started less than 15 years ago as a small event, but with the passage of time, it has become one of the most iconic festivals rejoicing the diverse heritage and rich multiculturalism of Queensland. Despite being compelled to follow the social distancing norms this year, there was virtually no dampening in the enthusiasm and spirit of the event which welcomes new Queenslanders including migrants, refugees, international students and people seeking asylum. Multicultural Queensland participated in the Parade. People from diverse cultural background hailing from Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Brisbane formed a unified group to walk in the Parade which was led by current rotating chair Ram Mohan, past chair Surendra Prasad and Secretary General Carl Wu. Featuring over 400 magnificent lanterns glowing dazzlingly in luminous light, many of which were shaped as animals endemic to Australia such as a koala; symbolised welcome and hope for many people from all over the world. The magnificent Luminous Lantern Parade commenced from the Little Stanley Street at around 6 pm and culminated with a live music concert at South Bank Piazza presenting a wide array of musicians from around the world. Following a Welcome to Country by Nunukul Yuggera, The Mad Mariachi, Unbreakable Dance Crew, Sahara Dance Company and Brisbane North Chinese Group all took to the stage. The line-up also included Imanzi Rwandan Drumming Group, Cachicamo Latin Harp and Bolivia Marka. The event also had something on offer for individuals with a penchant for creativity. Apart from participating in the Parade, lantern making workshops were also organised in the neighbourhoods across Brisbane, Ipswich and Moreton.