Celebrating Community in Brisbane:
Holi, Women’s Voices, and Shared Values
By Xavier Hernandez
As our Brisbane Indian community comes together to celebrate the joy and colour of Holi while also recognising International Women’s Day, I find myself reflecting on gratitude, resilience, and the true meaning of community. I want to begin by acknowledging every woman and female caregiver for the vital role they play in our lives. I was raised by a single mum, and I have seen firsthand the strength, sacrifice, and determination it takes to hold a family, and often a community, together. Her tireless efforts to ensure those around her lived joyful, peaceful, and loving lives continue to inspire me to this day. Every woman has a unique journey, and every story matters, particularly within our Indian diaspora, where women continue to shape communities and pave the way for future generations.
This month, I had the privilege of spending time with some truly remarkable women, including Shanjeshni Deo, who has been the heart and backbone of many community projects. She is a smart businesswoman who deeply values her family, and her unwavering commitment has supported and guided young people like myself, helping us believe in our potential and in what is possible when community comes first. Special mention to Tere Sa know as Khieu Oanh President of VCA-Qld Chapter and Vietnamese Seniors Citizens for hosting a fun filled Australia Day event that I was delighted to attend. I also had the pleasure of sitting down with Madhu Khanna, an unsung hero whose quiet dedication deserves recognition in the lead-up to International Women’s Day. Listening to her speak about her passion for the arts, her work displayed across Logan, her contributions through Logan Libraries, and her efforts to preserve language within our community was deeply inspiring. Madhu may be softly spoken, but her kindness, volunteer work, and lasting impact shine through everything she does, and I truly admire how she and her husband work together to build stronger and more united communities.
Community is also strengthened through the spaces where we gather, and I would like to extend a special thank you to Chatoria Café and Indian Street Food for providing a welcoming place where I could enjoy dishes from North India, South India, and many other regions. With its beautiful atmosphere, particularly in the lead-up to Holi, and its outstanding customer service, it is a reminder of why supporting local community businesses is so important, especially as many families are feeling the pressure of rising living costs and the prospect of higher interest rates.
In recent months, I have noticed a growing desire for stronger representation of women, particularly those from Indian and multicultural backgrounds, in local, state, and federal government. Communities across Springfield, Inala, Oxley, and throughout Queensland are calling for leaders who genuinely reflect their diversity, and with the federal election approaching, I remain hopeful that more women will step forward to represent our voices and lived experiences.
This month I also attended the Mustangs Rugby Football Club meet and greet, and I encourage everyone to come along to their next event. It was wonderful to see how inclusive and welcoming the club is, and I was especially pleased to learn that the Mustangs have now started a women’s team alongside their men’s and youth teams. This is a fantastic opportunity for people of all skill levels to get involved, improve their physical fitness, and just as importantly, support their mental health through teamwork and connection. The Mustangs are currently seeking senior men and women players and welcome anyone interested to attend training sessions held every Tuesday and Wednesday from 6:30pm to 9:30pm at 60 College Avenue, Forest Lake, QLD 4078, and more information can be found through mustangsrfc.com.au or by contacting [email protected].
This month has also prompted important conversations about safety, social cohesion, and our shared values. Following the tragic Bondi terror attack, Australia has introduced what are being described as “hate laws” expanding the definition of hate groups, increasing penalties for hate crimes, and granting authorities greater powers to act against those who incite violence or communal hatred. While many believe strong action against extremism is necessary to protect people and communities, it is equally important that such laws are applied carefully and fairly. Many have raised concerns that the legislation was developed and passed through Parliament rapidly, with limited scrutiny and without broad community consultation. I would genuinely like to hear from you, our readers, about what these changes mean to you, as some have shared fears about speaking openly or asking questions out of concern they may be punished. This is particularly relevant as debates continue around is the government now taking to much control over what can be see, said and herd. For example: tighter legislation governing online content and youth access, freedom of expression, how hate is defined versus factual discussion, and whether alternative viewpoints are being censored in public spaces such as cinemas. These are complex issues, and they are conversations worth having together as a community. At a recent event, a participant asked, where is the word “freedom to choose” in all of this.
Many readers also tell me how much they value staying informed about both local and international news, and this month I was saddened to learn of reports of a Nipah virus outbreak in India, with Australian authorities monitoring the situation closely. While there are currently no confirmed cases outside India, it serves as a timely reminder to remain informed and follow official health advice when travelling. Closer to home, the possibility of further interest rate hikes remains a major concern, and with inflation proving stubborn, many households are feeling anxious about what lies ahead, highlighting just how important compassion, understanding, and community support are during uncertain times. As your yearly bill is predicted to rise by $1000.00 in T.V reports. Please reach out if you need any community support.
Despite the challenges, there is still so much to celebrate, and Brisbane is once again preparing for the most colourful day of the year with the Festival of Colour, Holi 2026. This vibrant celebration is proudly brought to the community by Sargam Music Academy and managed by Platinum Events Services Gold Coast. The festival will take place at the Mount Gravatt Showground on Saturday, 28 February 2026, from 10am to 4pm, with tickets starting from just five dollars, and I encourage everyone to come along, celebrate culture, colour, and connection, and as always, if you see me out and about in the community, please say hello, because I truly value hearing from you. Please stop to have a chat when I’m out and about in the community. Look forward to seeing you at Holi.
