A Season of Celebration, Connection, and Giving Back
It’s hard to believe that the New Year is just four weeks away. It always seems to arrive so quickly! I really enjoy this season, from Christmas festivities to end-of-year gatherings, and reconnecting with people we don’t see often. Still, amid all the celebrations, I find myself thinking of those going through tough times. The holidays can be particularly challenging for families dealing with financial stress, health issues, mental health struggles, or complicated family dynamics. Remember to take care of yourself, and consider reaching out to those around you. Even a small act of kindness can make a big difference.
I’d like to express my appreciation to the Deo family and our Brisbane Indian Times team for making this past year so memorable. Together, we’ve worked to keep the paper focused on the topics that matter most to you. I’m especially thankful for the readers who shared their thoughts on the upcoming social media laws and what they might mean for families.
The hot topic this month is the introduction of social media restrictions for anyone under the age of 16. For some background, Australia’s new social media laws take effect on 10 December 2025. They will prevent anyone under 16 from creating or maintaining accounts on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to name a few. Under the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024, these platforms must verify users’ ages and block underage access.
In a related story by Sam Buckingham-Jones Media and marketing reporter in the Financial Review on November 26th, 2025, a constitutional challenge has already been filed against the law by two teenagers, Noah Jones and Macy Neyland, through the Digital Freedom Project. The case argues that raising the minimum age for social media use from 13 to 16 infringes on teenagers’ constitutional rights to freedom of political communication. I’ll be watching this closely and reporting updates as they happen next year.
Many parents I’ve spoken with when out and about in the community agree that protecting children online is important, yet they question whether these laws will make a real difference, as young people often find ways around restrictions using Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Some parents are concerned about the extra personal information their children may need to provide, while some young people see the government as overreaching, stepping into the role of parents or caregivers making being a parent more difficult as it will be harder for them to monitor what their children are seeing.
Others argue that stricter laws and penalties should target those who use social media to harm or exploit children. I would love to hear your thoughts. Do you agree with the intent of these laws, the way they are being implemented, or neither?
Personally, I haven’t used social media for the past two years.
I chose instead to focus on grassroots community work, reading the paper and writing for – of course, the Brisbane Indian Times. Helping people directly and having meaningful conversations is the best way to know what is really happening on the ground. I prefer hearing firsthand from readers about their experiences—the good, the bad, and the challenging—so that together we can work toward solutions and truth.
One of my personal highlights this month was attending the Lord Mayor’s Multicultural Business Awards with friends Usha, Bob Pillay and volunteering on the same night at the inaugural Lighthouse community fundraiser. The evening sparkled with colour, culture, and pride as we celebrated Brisbane’s vibrant multicultural business community. A heartfelt thank you to Umesh for your warm hospitality and generous welcome at the table—it made the night even more special.
Service has also been central to my month. I was grateful to volunteer again with Community Life Uniting Church at their final garage sale of the year, helping visitors carry their purchases and supporting a cause that gives so much back to our community.
In November, the Inala Lions Club hosted its inaugural trivia night—a lively evening full of laughter, friendly competition, and community spirit. It was wonderful to see so many friends and locals come together to support the club’s important work. A big thank you to Grill’d Mt Ommaney for supporting the event and providing the perfect venue. We raised much important funds to serve those who need a smile and helping hand.
Stop by for a chat. You’ll also find me at the Forest Lake Christmas Carols this year, so please come say hello and sing a carol or two. I’ll be by the lake from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM, before moving to the Christmas Carols program from 4:00 PM until it begins on Saturday, 6 December. I’ll also be volunteering at Blessing Day, a community tradition I’ve been part of since I was five years old.
This free event at Community Life Uniting Church supports families experiencing hardship, offering children’s gifts, activities, a festive photo booth, food and drinks, face painting, a Christmas hamper for each family, and a delicious lunch sponsored by Nando’s.
Thank you for being such an important part of this community. It has been a privilege to share stories, celebrations, and moments of connection with you this year, and I look forward to continuing that journey together in 2026.
For anyone who may need them, here are some important numbers:
Emergencies 000; SES 132 500; Ergon Energy Faults 13 22 96; Energex Faults 13 62 62; Homeless Hotline 1800 474 753; Lifeline 13 11 14; Salvation Army 13 72 58; Kids Helpline 1800 551 800; DVConnect Men’s Helpline 1800 000 636; and 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
