Community coming together and local news written by Xavier Hernandez
There are moments that truly make me proud to be a young Queenslander. Over the past few weeks, I’ve witnessed firsthand the incredible spirit of our community. During ex-tropical cyclone Alfred, people from all walks of life—different backgrounds, ages, genders, and beliefs—came together to support one another. I saw neighbours listen closely to Premier David Crisafulli’s advice, prioritizing their safety and that of their loved ones. This collective effort was inspiring and reminded me of just how resilient our community is.
From sandbagging and preparing homes to assisting with cleanup, countless acts of kindness unfolded across the community. Personally, I had the privilege of volunteering with my mum to deliver food to those in need and help neighbours move heavy items to safer spots in their homes. Whether it was a quick phone call to check on someone or hours spent assisting with cleanup, each act of support made a difference. I’m always happy to help or connect you with someone who can. Big shout out to organisation such as ECAQ (Eritrean Community Association in Queensland), has mobilized over 30 volunteer members to assist people seeking refuge at the Bethania Community Centre in response to Cyclone Alfred.
Last month, it was wonderful to meet so many readers of the Brisbane Indian Times at the Holi event at Mount Gravatt Showgrounds. The event, organized by the Sargam Music Academy and Platinum Services, was an explosion of color, culture, and joy. As I volunteered and participated in the festivities, I was reminded of the deeper significance of Holi. The Hindu festival, also known as the Festival of Colors, celebrates the arrival of spring, love, and equality. It honors the divine love of Radha and Krishna and symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. A special thanks to President Manish Saini, his team, and the incredible Bondita and Mithun Chakraborty and all the volunteers for going above and beyond to make the event a success.
Last month, many celebrated International Women’s Day (IWD). During the festivities, many women were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the community. One of the most touching moments for me was seeing my mum, Nayda Hernandez, receive the Cultural Diversity Champion Award for her years of selfless service. She has always been passionate about helping others and spreading joy, so it was incredibly heartwarming to see her efforts publicly acknowledged. A heartfelt thank you to the Deo family for their unwavering love and support to my family and the community.
Happy IWD day to a lady who does the work and but a very quite achiever, Shanjeshni Deo. Their invaluable work in keeping culture alive and thriving is deeply appreciated through the deo charitable fund, good will and community service. Special acknowledgement to community champion like Rohani Prasad, Irene Tavutavu and Usha Chandra to name a few who worked tirelessly this month to celebrate the achievement of other women and women who have grown their wings, like my late aunty Kelly who paved he way for others.
I was also fortunate to attend the IWD event hosted by the Indian Senior Citizens Association and the EKTA Women’s Group. The event raised more than $800 for the cause through an auction, with notable figures like JD Deo and Senator Paul Scarr generously contributing. The solidarity and generosity on display were truly uplifting. I now understand why Senator Scarr is called “the people’s senator” and why JD Deo and family is regarded as a community champion. I also had the opportunity to reconnect with dear friends, including Helen and her daughters.
Mara, a passionate young performer, showcased the incredible talent of our next generation. I’m proud that my family counts Helen and her daughters as friends, as well as Maria Brereton, a 14-year-old flutist who is seeking sponsorship to represent Australia at the Cluj International Music Competition in Romania. If you are interested in supporting Maria’s journey, you can donate via her GoFundMe page. Maria’s dedication and talent are inspiring, and I have no doubt she will make us all proud.
Focusing on local affairs, many readers have asked about the local developments that are affecting them via the survey. On March 25th, Premier David Crisafulli unveiled the plans for Brisbane’s 2032 Olympics, revealing the venues and outlining how this global sporting event is aimed at shaping a better future for generations of Queenslanders. This is an exciting milestone, and it promises to bring lasting benefits to our community.
In addition, the Albanese government has committed to a significant investment in education, pledging $30 billion over the next ten years to improve childhood literacy, numeracy, and school completion rates which is supported by Queensland, Premier David Crisafulli who co-signed the agreement. The Federal budget was announced on March 25th, same day that shows a deficit of $27.6 billion, which is an improvement from previous forecasts but still a cause for concern for people and economist. It’s clear that while efforts are being made to support Australians through tax cuts and relief measures, the challenges of rising costs and financial hardship are far from over.
What this means for us, as a community, is that we must continue to support one another, especially the most vulnerable among us. Charities and community groups will need more resources than ever, and it’s crucial that we remain proactive in reaching out to those in need. Although there are policies aimed at assisting families, it’s uncertain what the full impact will be in the long run. I encourage anyone who is struggling to seek help—whether from local organizations, neighbours, or friends. No one should have to face hardship alone.
Lastly, I want to hear from you. Please reach out if you have topics you’d like me to write about or any feedback. Your input is always welcome.
