Faith, Service and Courage: A Young Leader’s Message to the Community
By Xavier Hernandez
I am delighted to begin this edition of the Brisbane Indian Times by sincerely thanking our readers for supporting this wonderful publication and for encouraging young contributors such as myself. I am proud to share that I have been selected as a Senior School Council member for 2026 at St John’s Anglican College, it is a true privilege to serve alongside my peers and other outstanding student leaders and to give back to a school community that has given so much to me.
Our College motto — Faith, Service and Courage — guides everything we do, encouraging us to be faith-led, service-oriented and courageous in our actions. I would like to acknowledge our Principal, Mrs Maria McIvor, along with Mrs Robern Hinchliffe (Deputy Head of College – Pastoral Care), Mr Andrew Landroth (Deputy Principal – Curriculum and Innovation), and Mr Braydon Giles (Head of Middle School & acting Head of Senior School). Their leadership and dedication strengthen not only our school, but also the wider community. I am also deeply grateful to the broader community, including the Deo family and many others, who continue to support and encourage me.
This month is particularly significant as we prepare to commemorate ANZAC Day 2026, marking 111 years since Australian and New Zealand troops first landed at Gallipoli. ANZAC Day falls on Saturday, 25 April 2026. I will be attending the local Forest Lake service, and I warmly encourage readers to attend a service in their area. ANZAC Day provides us with an important opportunity to honour the courage and sacrifice of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, established in 1914, and to recognise the significant contributions of Indian and British soldiers who served alongside them. Approximately 16,000 Indian troops fought in the Gallipoli campaign, with around 1,600 losing their lives. Their bravery and sacrifice must always be remembered.
As part of my commitment to keeping our community informed about international developments, I read an article published on 1 March 2026 by journalist Joseph Olbrycht-Palmer in NewsWire, reporting that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was reportedly killed in joint airstrikes carried out by Israel and the United States. Iranian state media confirmed his death, while the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned of an imminent “devastating offensive.”
In Australia, opponents of the regime gathered in Canberra, Sydney and Melbourne. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that his passing would not be mourned. While a ceasefire is currently in place, the situation remains fluid. Australians requiring consular assistance can contact the Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 (overseas) or 1300 555 135 (within Australia).
Closer to home, I recently had the privilege of speaking with community champion Sonya, a Home and Investment Lending Specialist with ANZ Browns Plains. I was inspired by her passion for helping families achieve home ownership, during our catch-up she mentioned, “Many people give up after one ‘no’ sometimes they just need someone to look deeper. I love being that person for my community, I genuinely want to help more families feel confident about home ownership.”
She shared a moving story about assisting a client whose loan application had previously been declined. By carefully reassessing the situation and guiding her through the process, Sonya secured approval just in time. When she delivered the good news, her client was overwhelmed with gratitude. Moments like this remind me that leadership is grounded in compassion, persistence and genuine care.
I also enjoyed hearing about her recent travels to Delhi and her continued support of community events. With International Women’s Day approaching, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all women — especially those whose efforts often go unrecognised — for the extraordinary difference they make every day.
I would also like to acknowledge the Vietnamese Community in Australia – Queensland Chapter President Khue Oanh Do and her team for hosting a memorable Tet Festival celebration at CJ Greenfield, Forest Lake and I would like to wish Khue Oanh a happy birthday. It was a pleasure to volunteer and support fundraising efforts by Vietnam Grace Church for important local causes. Community spirit like this truly strengthens us all.
There are also several wonderful upcoming local events I encourage readers to support:
• Walk for Breast Cancer – Forest Lake 2026
Hosted by Lions Club of Inala President Kylie Gates
Sunday, 8 March 2026
8:00am
The Esplanade, Forest Lake
• Social Smash Cricket Program – Wolston Park Cricket Club
Hosted at CJ Greenfield, Forest Lake
Every Sunday from 8 March to 29 March 2026
Ages 10–14: 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Ages 15+ to Adult: 4:00pm – 5:00pm
Cost: $40 for four weeks (+ Cricket Australia insurance)
These events promote health, connection and participation for people of all ages, and they are excellent examples of community engagement in action.
As always, thank you for your continued support and for the positive feedback I receive about my contributions. It is an honour to bring you both international updates and local community news. If you would like to share your story in a future edition, please feel free to reach out.
