FICQ hosts Diwali celebrations at King George Square

Diwali celebrations organised by the Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland (FICQ) at the iconic King George Square on Oct 28 was a muchawaited calendar event, especially for the growing Indian diaspora in Brisbane.

For the past couple of years, due to COVID-related restrictions, it has been challenging to celebrate the Diwali festival on a larger scale. But with life bouncing back to normal earlier this year, the Indian community thronged in large numbers to celebrate the festival of lights.

‘Unity in diversity’ is an integral part of the Indian community’s ethos. FICQ, true to its mission, has paved the way year after year since 2010 to bring the Indian diaspora and the extended community together.

All three levels of government officials attended the FICQ Diwali celebrations. Hon. Peter Dutton, MP, Leader of the Opposition, addressed the audience. Hon. Grace Grace MP, Minister for Education, Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Racing, energised and motivated the crowd with her speech. Mrs Archana Singh gave a motivational speech making the attendees feel at home and proud of their rich cultural heritage. Councillor Angela Owen represented the Hon Lord Mayor of Brisbane.

Over 15,000 people of Indian descent and the broader South East Queensland community attend the event annually, signifying the festival’s success over the years.

A Dhol Tasha honour was extended to the dignitaries while the large crowd thoroughly enjoyed and celebrated the festivities. Culinary and cultural entertainment were integral to the celebrations and ran right through the day with food, songs and dance performances from various parts of India.

Acknowledging the tireless work over months by FICQ committee members, Mr Anoop Nannuru, President FICQ, said, “Diwali is a big event and festival for the Indian community. Organising this event is a mammoth task. From organising funds to ensuring the financial viability, to executing it and later cleaning the mess created after the event, each step is a huge effort and must be executed meticulously, taking care of every minute detail to make it a grand success. It is a pleasure to see the Indian community support and come together as one during this Diwali function. We thank all committee members, advisors, member organisations, volunteers, sponsors, dignitaries and community members for their continued support.”

FICQ hosts citizenship ceremony in Brisbane

The Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland (FICQ) hosted a citizenship ceremony at the FICQ Diwali event on Friday, October 28.

Cr. Angela Owen, Councillor for Calamvale Ward was the presiding officer for the citizenship ceremony and read the Minister’s message.

Dr Ram Mohan, FICQ - Advisor, and Department of Home Affairs officials also assisted to facilitate the citizenship ceremony.

The event consisted of the conferees’ pledge, certificate presentation, affirmation ceremony, singing of the National Anthem and entertainment.

Taleatha’s beautiful dance highlighted her indigenous cultural heritage, giving the new citizens a glimpse into the aboriginal culture of the land.

Sudheshna Paul and Arpita performed a beautiful Indian classical bharatnatyam dance and finally, the Gold Coast Australia- China Sunday Fashion Show Group Association performed a mesmerising Chinese cultural dance and fashion show.

Ms Seema Chauhan concluded the ceremony with a vote of thanks, acknowledging the contributions of sponsors, volunteers, and committee members who tirelessly worked to make the event a success.

FICQ has welcomed the new Australians and congratulated them on being part of the multicultural community of Queensland and Australia.