Xavier Hernandez – Brisbane Indian Times Community catch-up

I begin my July article by acknowledging the Deo family for such a warm welcome to the team and empowering our youth and readers. I cannot thank them enough for this opportunity to help them connect the community with newsworthy reports about what happening locally and nationally. It is a special feeling when readers tell you how they feel and provide you feedback for the betterment of all. So, a very special thank you to all the readers who completed the Brisbane Indian Times June Survey 2024 and for their well wishes.
The June survey showed how important it is to have a paper and news outlet like the Brisbane Indian Times that is writing in multiple language. Most of the answers came from readers who speak between 2 to 6 languages at home including English. This doesn’t surprise me as the Queensland Treasury Diversity Figures, 2021 March report highlighted, “ In 2011, India was the fourth most common country of birth (30,259 people or 0.7% of the total population), increasing to be the third most common in 2021 (71,819 people or 1.4% of the total population).” You will see that languages spoken in India have made it to the top 10 list for both charts. Languages spoken in India have all been identified in the top 10. That’s why I encourage you to complete the survey. It helps keep language alive, culture strong, and connects the paper to the reader to ensure you receive fair and relevant news. A big happy India Day to all celebrating on August 15th. I hope you will be sending photos and stories about how you’re celebrating this important calendar event this year.

In addition, readers said they also wanted to see high-level community article and all agreed they enjoy our multicultural articles too. We appreciate the feedback, which is why the Brisbane Indian Times July survey is all about what topics you are interested in learning more about. This includes sports, politics, environment, global and local issues multiculturalism, diversity etc.

This month, I really enjoyed attending Africa Day 2024. Meeting such incredible community leader like Beny Bol OAM and was awarded an Queensland Day award by Lewis Lee OAM and Community Advocate Juhee Park from the Southside Migrant Association Inc (SMA) was heartwarming. Preserving culture and writing meaningful articles is a passion of mine. I would encourage you to also ask your children to complete the survey. It is important to find out what the next generation thinks is important and what they’re interested in seeing in their local newspaper.
I encourage you to make time to complete the July survey by scanning the barcode. Make sure you answer every question and hit the submit button.
As a young person, I know the importance of helping one another that’s why I can report that by the end of June, I had raised $600.00 and ranked 9th on the leader chart of the Kokoda Youth Foundation challenge. I have also been doing sit-ups to raise awareness about male mental health. This has only been possible thanks to the generosity of the readers and members of the community. It is such a lovely reminder of all the good people in our community. If your children are going beyond and above in the community. Please complete the survey we would like to reach out to them. If have any questions, please contact me by completing the survey and please say hi if you see me out and about in the community.

Locally based Globally focussed

Since the privilege of owning a cross-media conglomerate placed on our lap earlier this year we immediately fathom the enormous responsibility this business and community media mandate and opportunities that came with it.
From the humble objectives of our family’s Deo family Foundation to now a mighty shift to the world of cross media space, especially while majoring on a particular ethnic group, our Global Indian diaspora, we are at the same time passionate in our role Media service to all Australia and beyond.
Embarrassing these situations, it is always wise for both the JD Media Corp and Deo Family Foundation to start at home.
In our case, we are a Logan City Business, with or office and studios located in Underwood.
Logan is our home as we focus beyond this magnificent multiethnic City.
Meeting with Mayor of Logan and Councillor of Dv5 Cr Paul Jackson, our local reprehensive.
Both meetings were to further establish a cordial working representative. Our various community leaders had the opportunity to personally speak to the Mayor of some of challenge their respective community faces as Citizens of Logan City.
Community Leaders also had the opportunity to congratulate the Cr Jon Raven is his ascending to the office of Mayor of Logan and further commend on the excellent facilities available throughout each Division of the City.
Mayor Jon Raven and Cr Pauls Jackson also had the opportunity to share the present services of the Logan City council available to all Citizens and immediate and long-term municipal plans.
Chairman of Deo Family Foundation and CEO of JD Media, Mr Jitendra Deo said” It was a very fruitful and enlightening meeting and we have been invited to further meetings and other meeting where we as community leader can be resource persons for the Council in matter of tradition and culture issues regarding our respective ethic groups.

JD Media Corp welcomes Internationally recognised Radio Guru, Jitendra Shyam

JD Media Corp is proud to welcome the internationally renowned Radio Guru, Jitendra Shyam, to our team. With over 35 years of exemplary experience in radio announcing and presenting, Jitendra Shyam, affectionately known as Bhai ji, has carved a distinguished career path.
Beginning in Fiji and then enriching the airwaves of New Zealand, Jitendra’s journey perfectly sets the stage for his promising venture into the Australian radio scene, reaching out to the global Indian diaspora through JD Media’s cross-media services.
Over these decades, Jitendra has witnessed the evolution of radio technology from analogue turntables and physical media to today’s digital workstations and renowned software like Wizard and Nex Gen automated systems. His expertise spans a range of skills crucial to radio broadcasting, including live and recorded presentations, music programming, on-air interviews, and scriptwriting.
Beyond his technical proficiency, Jitendra brings a deep understanding of migrant life and issues in Western democracies, fostering engagement through community activities such as Diwali, Eid, and Holi celebrations. His commitment extends beyond the studio, volunteering at the Shri Ram Mandir in Auckland, New Zealand, and contributing actively to cultural and religious events.
A graduate of a Hindi Linguistic Institute in India, Jitendra is fluent in both Hindi and English, enabling him to connect authentically with diverse audiences. His warm and friendly on-air presence, coupled with his comprehensive knowledge of radio broadcasting, makes him a trusted companion for listeners across the Australasian breakfast time zone and beyond.
JD Media Corp looks forward to Jitendra Shyam’s invaluable contributions to the Australian Indian diaspora community, confident in his ability to enrich lives through the power of radio.

Greater Springfield Indian Association INC (GSIA) Celebrates International Yoga Day!

Today at Springfield Central Libraries, we had a wonderful International Yoga Day event organized by the GSIA Team. It was heartwarming to see our local community come together to practice yoga and embrace wellness.
A special thank you to our amazing yoga instructors, Jyothiba Patil and Hinduja Ji from Springfield Lakes, for guiding us through the session with such grace and expertise.
Thank you to the sponsors who made this event successful:
During the event, President Mukesh Dubey delivered an inspiring message emphasizing the importance of yoga in promoting physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. He highlighted the significance of such gatherings in strengthening community bonds and encouraged everyone to continue embracing yoga principles in their daily lives.
Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make this day a success! Let’s continue to promote health and peace in our community.

Senator Paul Scarr adresses senate on Girmit Remembrance Day in Brisbane

Senator SCARR (Queensland—Deputy Opposition Whip in the Senate)

I rise today to speak about Girmit Remembrance Day. This is an extremely important day which commemorates those Indians who were transported as indentured labour from India to, amongst other places, Fiji. Between 1879 and 1916, 60,000 Indians were transported as indentured labour from India and sent to Fiji, mainly to work in the sugar industry, in the cane fields. Each year, Girmit Remembrance Day recognises what those members of the Indian diaspora went through as indentured labour. I would like to first congratulate the Fiji Girmit Foundation Australia for putting on a wonderful event to remember those Indians who went to Fiji as indentured labour, many of whose descendants have settled subsequently in Australia.
I would also like to sincerely thank and place on the record my thanks to Mr Jitendra Deo and his family, who supported the event which I attended through their Deo Family Charitable Foundation. Jitendra is a wonderful Queenslander and makes a wonderful contribution to our community, and this is just one example of his and his family’s charitable work through that foundation. His whole family was engaged during the event. It was very, very special to see.
Finally, thirdly, I pay tribute to the descendants of those Indians who were taken as indentured labour and transported to Fiji who have subsequently settled in Australia, many of whom were given awards on the night for their contribution to Australia. These are the descendants of those original members of the Indian diaspora who were sent to Fiji as indentured labour that have subsequently settled in Australia, in our country, and they’ve made a wonderful contribution as part of our wonderful Australian Fijian Indian diaspora—contributions in medicine, business and community work. I honour their achievements. I honour their service.
During the course of the Remembrance Day, I reflected on what their ancestors must think about the contribution they’ve made to Australia. Try to put yourself in the position of one of the members of those shipments of indentured labour with the resilience, the courage and the resourcefulness they all demonstrated. What must they think now that their descendants are working in our hospitals as doctors or specialists, working in our science community and working in jobs providing great community service? So I say to each and every one of the recipients of those awards at the remembrance day that I attended: you do great honour to your ancestors, and each and every one of you represents the very best of Australian values.
Watch on Federal Parliament You Tube. https://youtu.be/7U8_8DvW9Yw

International Yoga Day – with Fiji Prime Minister

Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka participated as the Chief Guest in the International Yoga Day event held at Albert Park in Suva, organized by the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Center. During his remarks, Prime Minister Rabuka addressed the pressing issue of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which have become a significant health crisis in Fiji, causing a high number of premature deaths annually. He advocated for the adoption of yoga as a beneficial practice to combat these health challenges, urging Fijians to consider incorporating yoga into their lifestyles while promoting healthier dietary habits.
Rabuka’s endorsement of yoga aligns with its broader benefits recognized worldwide, irrespective of philosophical beliefs, as highlighted by organizations like Yoga Australia. Rooted in Hinduism and Buddhism, yoga seeks to unify body, mind, spirit, and universal consciousness through practices such as postures, breathing, and meditation. Its origins trace back over 5,000 years to ancient India, as documented in sacred texts like the Rig Veda and Upanishads.
Despite past controversies, including his involvement in Fiji’s political history and its impact on the Indo-Fijian community, Prime Minister Rabuka’s participation underscores a broader commitment to inclusivity and cultural harmony. His journey from military leader to statesman reflects a transformative perspective on governance and community unity, resonating with the spirit of yoga’s unifying principles.
As Fiji continues to navigate its societal challenges and historical wounds, Prime Minister Rabuka’s participation in International Yoga Day symbolizes a commitment to healing and unity among all Fijians, irrespective of background or creed.
Source: www.hinduamerican.org, Radio Fiji, Yogapedia, Art and Culture

Community takes first look at Eight Mile Plains Satellite Hospital

A Queensland State Government joint Statement presented to the public the opening of the state of art, The Eight Mile Plains Satellite Hospital, in Brisbane Southside, along 8 Levington Road, Eight Miles Plains.
Joint statements were articulated by a former hardworking Health Minister, now Rt Hon Premier, the Honorable Steven Miles.
Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment
The Honourable Cameron Dick
Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services and Minister for Women
The Honourable Shannon Fentiman
• The Eight Mile Plains Satellite Hospital which opened it doors and services from Monday 27 May 2024 at 8am.
• The new $65.4 million facility will deliver high-quality healthcare services closer to home.
• It will save residents in Brisbane’s south from having to travel to major hospitals, help take pressure off emergency departments and increase health services in this growing community.
• The Eight Mile Plains Satellite Hospital includes a Minor Injury and Illness Clinic, kidney dialysis chairs, cancer day therapy chairs, outpatient consultation rooms, as well as medical imaging and diagnostic services — including ultrasound, x-ray, and pathology.
• The First Nations co-name was officially announced – Maroo-goodji-ba.
Hundreds of residents toured the new $65.4 million Eight Mile Plains Satellite Hospital today at a community open day.
Opening its doors to the public on Monday 27 May 2024, it stands to deliver essential healthcare services to the community.
Health Minister Shannon Fentiman joined the festivities at the open day to showcase the new facility, meeting with local residents as well as the soon-to-be healthcare staff.
The Satellite Hospital’s First Nations co-name was also officially unveiled as Maroo-goodji-ba, symbolising tranquillity and care, while also honouring the cultural significance of ‘place o red soil, a term representing Eight Mile Plains.
The Minor Injury and Illness Clinic will open from 8am to 10pm daily to treat simple fractures, sprains and strains, fevers and coughs, head injuries without loss of consciousness, and a range of other non-life-threatening conditions. It also includes onsite medical imaging.
The new facility will support nearby emergency departments by diagnosing and treating non-life-threatening conditions.
Eight Mile Plains Satellite Hospital also offers a range of appointment-based specialist and outpatient services including a Cancer Day Therapy Unit and Kidney Dialysis Unit.
More than 100 health care workers have been recruited to staff the new Satellite Hospital including doctors, nurses, administration officers, allied health practitioners and operational staff.
The $65.4 million investment, which included road widening works outside the facility to improve access, is part of the Queensland Government’s nation leading $377 million Satellite Hospital program.
Satellite Hospitals in Kallangur, Redlands, Ripley and Tugun are providing quality urgent care in rapidly growing communities across South East Queensland.

Quotes attributable to Premier Steven Miles:
“Satellite hospitals work. They have already proven successful, providing quick, effective and cost-free treatment to thousands of Queenslanders.
“This new Eight Mile Plains Satellite Hospital will support our local emergency departments, including the busy QEII and Logan hospitals.
“But we’re not stopping there. As part of the Queensland Government’s $14 billion Big Build, we’re also investing in major expansions at our southside hospitals to be delivered over the next five years.”

Quotes attributable to Deputy Premier Cameron Dick:
“I’m so pleased to see our community of Logan about to share in the benefits that satellite hospitals are brining across the South-East.
“By reducing the pressure on our major hospitals and on GP clinics, we are delivering more responsive healthcare, which matters to Queenslanders.
“The tens of thousands of patients seen at our satellite hospitals would never have been treated this way under David Crisafulli, because the LNP has never supported satellite hospitals.
“Satellite hospitals would cease to exist under the LNP, who could not afford to operate them like we do.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Shannon Fentiman:
“I’m so proud to cut the ribbon today at the Eight Mile Plains Satellite Hospital.
“The Queensland Government is investing in the Australian-first satellite hospitals program to help meet the demand for healthcare in our fastest growing regions.
“More than 25,000 additional residents will call Brisbane’s southern suburbs home in the next decade.
“The Eight Mile Plains Satellite Hospital will be a gamechanger for this growing community, providing healthcare closer to home for residents.
“I’m also pleased to announce that the state-of-the-art facility will open to the public from 8am on Monday 27 May.”

Quotes attributable to Member Toohey Peter Russo:
“For the first time, we will be able to offer specialist healthcare services outside a major hospital environment with easy access directly from two motorways and free parking.
“This will make such a significant difference in the lives of many people in our community – particularly those who would normally need to travel to hospital for kidney dialysis and cancer treatment.
“We committed to more healthcare closer to home, and we are delivering with this new, state-of-the-art healthcare facility.

Quotes attributable to Metro South Hospital and Health Service Chief Executive, Noelle Cridland:
“We are thrilled to open the new Eight Mile Plains Satellite Hospital, Maroo-goodji-ba, as another healthcare option for local residents.
“Metro South Health has a proud tradition of providing accessible, culturally safe and equitable healthcare services for everyone in the communities we serve.
“We have a strong focus and commitment to improving our health service by listening to First Nations voices, employee more First Nations people, and supporting a better integrated and coordinated system for First Nations peoples.
“The facility’s First Nations co-name, Maroo-goodji-ba, was selected by local Traditional Owners and is another step forward in our journey to improve health outcomes for all.”
*Maroo-goodji-ba pronunciation: “oo” as in cook; “dj” as in jar; “-ba” as in pa