Celebrating Festivals, Community, and Awareness
It’s hard to believe the year has flown by so quickly! Here we are, already in November, and it’s been an honor to the write for the Australian Indian Times. My heartfelt thanks go out to the Deo family and my mentor and friend, Jitendra Deo, who have provided such an amazing opportunity to connect with our community, advocate for readers, and support my studies and passion for media.
Throughout this journey, I’ve been thrilled by the enthusiasm of our readers who’ve engaged with our survey questions. Your honest, thoughtful feedback gives our paper the direction it needs to cover the issues you care about most.
To start, I’d like to wish everyone who celebrated a Happy Diwali! Diwali is a powerful time of year when homes are illuminated, families gather, and Lakshmi Puja is performed to honor Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and success. This year, Diwali took place between October 31st and November 1st, and I had the privilege of attending many local Diwali events, including volunteering at the Diwali celebration at Dreamworld, organized by the Indian Community of Gold Coast and led by Vamish Gji. It was a joy to be part of such a vibrant festival, witnessing the community come together in celebration and support.
November is an eventful month for our community. Alongside Diwali, many will gather on November 11th for Remembrance Day at the Australians of Indian Heritage War Memorial in Sunnybank or their local RSLs to honor those who have served. On November 19th, we celebrate International Men’s Day, followed by Social Inclusion Week from November 23rd to December 1st, and on November 25th, we acknowledge the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, which marks the start of the 16 Days of Activism.
Another significant initiative this month is Movember. This campaign sheds light on men’s mental health, focusing on prevention, early intervention, and building a supportive community for men to feel empowered to care for their mental well-being. With male suicide rates shockingly high—three out of four suicides in Australia are by men—Movember addresses this urgent issue head-on, encouraging men to speak openly about their struggles and take steps toward mental wellness. We’re aiming for a future where men are not only motivated to care for their mental health but are also supported in doing so.
In line with this, I’m excited to invite you to the upcoming ACFC International Men’s Night Gala Dinner, presented by TFH Hire Services Australia and Titan Garages and Sheds, to raise awareness and show support for men’s mental health. Here are the details:
• Date: November 23rd
• Time: 6 PM
• Venue: Logan Entertainment Centre
Be sure to grab your tickets while they’re still available!
This month, I was delighted to get out and volunteer alongside other youth in our community. I had the unforgettable opportunity to meet with Samoa’s Prime Minister, the Hon. Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa, who expressed her delight at seeing young people involved and supporting each other. It was a proud moment to share how grateful I am to the Deo family for their mentorship and support in my community work.
My friends and I also had the chance to volunteer at the Forest Lake Community Festival, working day and night to bring people together. With the rising cost of living, events like these are essential, giving locals a place to connect and celebrate without added financial stress. Special thanks to President Kylie Gates and her team for their hard work in organizing this festival! Next up, we’ll be back for the Forest Lake Community Carols, and if you’d like to join or learn more, reach out. We’ll have performances from Sargam Music and many more.
Last month, I attended the Queensland Multicultural Council Dinner, where I enjoyed connecting with some of our most dedicated community leaders. I was honored to receive a special gift from Dr. Noel, chairman of the Noel Group of Companies—a book titled Pocket Philosophy for Sixty Plus Flowers of Paradise – Your Mind Never Grows Old. This incredible gift from such a respected leader was a reminder of the wisdom and kindness in our community. I’m also deeply grateful to GOPIO Brisbane for recognizing our efforts with an award for community service.
In response to reader feedback, I’ve made it my mission to involve more young people in volunteering and cultural activities. I encourage you to continue sharing your thoughts with us in the survey, helping us bring you content that resonates with your values.
In December, I’ll be helping sell Lions cakes for the Lions Club of Inala to fundraise for community causes. You can purchase one directly from the club, or you’re welcome to join us and volunteer! It’s an incredibly rewarding experience, especially as we head into the holiday season.
Finally, I’d like to reach out to anyone who may need a little extra support this Christmas. The holiday season, while joyful, can also be challenging, both financially and emotionally. 
If you’re feeling isolated or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. There are local charities I work with that are here to help.
Thank you for reading this month’s article, and I can’t wait to read your November survey responses. LINK: https://us17.list-manage.com/survey?u=e2a27a9d91a2076e4df41b4e0&id=4aea97ca96&attribution=false
— Xavier
