A Night to Remember GEET AUR GHAZAL Enchants Brisbane

BRISBANE, QLD – The cultural landscape was illuminated on the evening of November 8, 2025, by the spectacular musical showcase, GEET AUR GHAZAL. The event, a vibrant celebration of classic songs and soulful ghazals, was orchestrated by the dedicated Sangeet Premi Club Inc and led by the charismatic Yousuf Alikhan. The performance drew a full house of eager music lovers, delivering a night that has been universally hailed as a resounding success.

From the moment the first note sounded, the atmosphere was charged with an infectious energy and artistic brilliance. The talented lineup of singers and musicians transported the audience on an emotional journey through the rich tapestry of South Asian music.
The audience response was overwhelmingly positive, underscoring the vital need for such cultural gatherings in the city.

“Enjoyed it thoroughly, will come again.” “All singers and musicians did an excellent job.” “Wonderful evening.” “We need more of these kinds of events.”The sentiment was clear: GEET AUR GHAZAL transcended a mere concert, becoming a communal celebration of shared passion for melody and meaning.

The organizing team, led by Yousuf Alikhan, ensured an evening of grace and high-calibre performance that left a lasting impression. As one attendee noted, the event “brought a unique energy to the scene, radiating an infectious charisma that would have left a lasting impression on all who experienced it.”

The success of the evening is a testament to the exceptional talent showcased on stage.
Singers: Anvi, Yousuf Alikhan, Chandan, Asad, Hemant, Rutvi, Myra, Shabnam, and Usha.
Musicians: Joseph, Wilson, Paramjeet, and Parveen.
Musicians are also singers: Sharad and Mohit.

The Sangeet Premi Club Inc is a passionate organisation dedicated to promoting and celebrating the rich musical heritage of South Asia in Brisbane and surrounding communities. They strive to bring high-quality musical and cultural events to local audiences.

The community has truly set a high bar for future musical evenings and now eagerly anticipates their next offering, ready for another night of melody, meaning, and connection. Last but not least thanks to Tanvi Goel from AusIndia Travel for helping with marketing before and after event and for lucky door prize.
Bravo to the entire team—keep the music alive!

The best financial opportunity: pay it forward

It’s very hard to construct the profile of a donor to Life Global Australia. Occupation is highly variable: from businesswoman to yoga instructor, from copy writer to computer analyst, from psychologist to IT consultant, and from student to retiree. As a result, income is widely varied. Likewise, age is not a defining characteristic: some are over 70, some as young as 12. There are, however, some common factors: all are Australian, all are conscious of being in a position of privilege, and all see that privilege as an opportunity.

Several LifeGA donors are members of the ex-pat Indian community in Australia. In its nascent days, some learned of the charity directly through its founder, Dr Dipti McGowan.
Deepti Jajee first learned about LifeGA and in-country partner charity, Project Life, when Dr McGowan invited her to visit Gujarat, India, to see their work firsthand. As a result of her visit, Ms Jajee, an IT Consultant, has funded five women to complete the Women’s Empowerment Programme, and her husband, Raghu, has funded a further five. She is firmly convinced that when a woman is empowered, her whole family is uplifted.

“I’ve always believed in the idea of teaching a man to fish rather than simply giving him one,” Ms Jajee said. “It’s incredible how this simple concept can have the power to transform lives.”

Like her friend, Dr McGowan, Ms Jajee grew up in a family that believed in helping others.
“My mother instilled in me the value of gratitude and taught me to always show compassion for those who are less fortunate.”
Bina Gorasia was inspired to act after learning about the effects of the Women’s Empowerment Programme. Her Indian heritage gave her significant insight into the predicament of the women entering the programme. After meeting Dr McGowan, the businesswoman became interested in LifeGA’s work with women.

“I come from a culture in which women are not given opportunities,” Ms Gorasia said. “The Women’s Empowerment Programme gives them the strength to change their lives.”

Ms Gorasia was impressed by the extent of the programme, which reaches out to impoverished women, often in remote areas, and provides skill development and personal advancement. The women are educated and given the opportunity to start their own enterprises in various trades such as sewing, embroidery, catering, beauty and computer operations. Further than that, though, they are given training in self defence, gender equality, banking, budgeting and finance.

Kamini Patel was also drawn to the Women’s Empowerment Programme. Curious about Dr McGowan’s motivation and the work of the charity, Kamini went to the LifeGA website and did some research. On her birthday, Ms Patel asked friends and family to donate to the programme instead of buying her gifts. She committed to match the total donations made. The first to donate on that day were her daughters, aged 12 and 14, who raided their piggy banks to contribute.

“Donating to LifeGA is an opportunity for us to help families become independent and for me to ¬¬¬¬-set an example for my daughters that, when we can, we should help other women. It is important to me that women can be self-reliant. I have had the privilege of being independent since finishing my studies and I know what living life with confidence feels like.”

Importantly, though, LifeGA’s effectiveness is known well beyond the Indian diaspora. Some of the first people to accompany Dr McGowan on the charity’s annual philanthropic trip to India had never seen Gujarat. Sustainability consultant, Rachel Thompson, is now one of the charity’s Directors, and experienced philanthropist, Geoff Anson, is Chair of the Advisory Board.

Former teacher, Jane Elliott, has not been to Gujarat, but was immediately interested in the charity when she learned of the Indian connection. Ms Elliott had instigated a service trip for students from the independent school where she taught to southern India. Through a colleague, she learned of an institution in Tamil Nadu that provided lifetime education and support for people born with significant disabilities. Students and teachers on the bi-annual trip worked for a week at the privately-funded sangam, digging gardens, painting classrooms, supervising homework and helping with physical therapy.

“When I retired, I lost that access to meaningful service. With a reduced income, I could no longer afford to travel so far,” Ms Elliott said.
When she learned of the rigorous standards and proven results of LifeGA, Ms Elliott knew immediately she had found the answer.

“With its experienced in-country partner, LifeGA can transform the small amount of money I can afford to give into a big change in a community.”

Businessman, Chirag Panchal, became a donor through the intersection of his corporate and community interests. He believes it is everyone’s responsibility as human beings to support each other, especially when we have the ability to make a real difference. He wants to help LifeGA build a school. Incredibly, LifeGA’s partner, Project Life, has built 10-classroom earthquake-proof schools for A$250,000.

“Education is a basic right, but in many remote villages of India, it’s still a privilege. We are building a school to provide access to quality education for children who currently have no reliable facility to study. A school in their own village will give them the foundation for a brighter future, break the cycle of poverty, and uplift the entire community.”
For Mr Panchal, donating is not just about money.

“This is bigger than just building a school – it’s about building futures. It’s about hope. We are fortunate to live in a place with opportunities – others aren’t as lucky. I donate because it’s a way of giving back.”

Mr Panchal believes passionately in LifeGA’s vision to support, sustain and enrich lives through working together.

“When we join hands, we multiply the impact,” Mr Panchal said. “Even a small contribution to LifeGA can go a long way. Together, we can light up a generation.”
www.lifeglobal.org.au

StorySiri – My Story, My Values

The success of this year’s competition has strengthened plans to establish the event as an annual highlight in the Brisbane chapter’s calendar. Organisers have expressed interest in expanding future editions through partnerships with local schools, youth organisations and community groups.

by Saketh Manda

The Basava Samiti Chapter hosted a vibrant and inspiring public speaking competition on 8 November, drawing a diverse group of young participants from across the community for an evening dedicated to confident communication, cultural reflection and value-based expression.

The event forms part of the organisation’s ongoing commitment to promoting education, empowerment and ethical leadership among youth. Participants were invited to reflect on real-life situations where they had demonstrated values drawn from the teachings of 12th-century social reformer Guru Basava, whose principles of equality, compassion, integrity and social responsibility remain central to the Charity’s mission. Throughout the evening, students delivered speeches highlighting moments of personal growth, acts of kindness, and lessons learned from their everyday experiences.

Audience members praised the high calibre of speeches, noting the strong organisation, clarity and composure shown by the speakers. These contestants incorporated personal anecdotes to demonstrate how Basava’s teachings continue to inspire decision-making in modern life, giving their speeches a sense of authenticity and emotional depth that resonated with the audience.

Organisers emphasised that the purpose of the competition extends far beyond the development of public speaking techniques. “Our focus is on giving young people a platform to express themselves,” an event coordinator said. This program brings Basava’s ideals into a contemporary community setting and encourages young people to think deeply about the values they want to embody.

The event drew a warm and supportive crowd of families and community members, who applauded each speaker and fostered an encouraging atmosphere for both new and experienced participants. In keeping with the Charity’s inclusive approach, every speaker received appreciation, acknowledging their effort and courage. Every performer was also recognised for outstanding content, delivery and confidence, reflecting the event’s emphasis on both skill and substance.

The success of this year’s competition has strengthened plans to establish the event as an annual highlight in the Brisbane chapter’s calendar. Organisers have expressed interest in expanding future editions through partnerships with local schools, youth organisations and community groups.

These collaborations aim to broaden participation, provide additional opportunities and continue fostering leadership skills grounded in cultural, ethical and community-focused values.

As the evening concluded, many attendees praised the event for creating a space where young voices could be heard, celebrated and empowered. The competition not only showcased emerging talent but also underscored the enduring relevance of Basava’s teachings in shaping confident, thoughtful and socially conscious young leaders.

Basava Samiti Asia Pacific conducted this event in two cities in Sydney on the 16th November 2025 and in Brisbane on the 8th November 2025. Both cities rejoiced the reflections and adoption of the values. Sydney also welcomed the speakers of the Batch 6 Learn2Grow Program, CEO Talk from Mr.Emmanuel Musoni, Executive Manager GALPD graced by three councillors from the Blacktown city council.

A Season of Celebration, Connection, and Giving Back

It’s hard to believe that the New Year is just four weeks away. It always seems to arrive so quickly! I really enjoy this season, from Christmas festivities to end-of-year gatherings, and reconnecting with people we don’t see often. Still, amid all the celebrations, I find myself thinking of those going through tough times. The holidays can be particularly challenging for families dealing with financial stress, health issues, mental health struggles, or complicated family dynamics. Remember to take care of yourself, and consider reaching out to those around you. Even a small act of kindness can make a big difference.

I’d like to express my appreciation to the Deo family and our Brisbane Indian Times team for making this past year so memorable. Together, we’ve worked to keep the paper focused on the topics that matter most to you. I’m especially thankful for the readers who shared their thoughts on the upcoming social media laws and what they might mean for families.

The hot topic this month is the introduction of social media restrictions for anyone under the age of 16. For some background, Australia’s new social media laws take effect on 10 December 2025. They will prevent anyone under 16 from creating or maintaining accounts on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to name a few. Under the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act 2024, these platforms must verify users’ ages and block underage access.

In a related story by Sam Buckingham-Jones Media and marketing reporter in the Financial Review on November 26th, 2025, a constitutional challenge has already been filed against the law by two teenagers, Noah Jones and Macy Neyland, through the Digital Freedom Project. The case argues that raising the minimum age for social media use from 13 to 16 infringes on teenagers’ constitutional rights to freedom of political communication. I’ll be watching this closely and reporting updates as they happen next year.

Many parents I’ve spoken with when out and about in the community agree that protecting children online is important, yet they question whether these laws will make a real difference, as young people often find ways around restrictions using Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Some parents are concerned about the extra personal information their children may need to provide, while some young people see the government as overreaching, stepping into the role of parents or caregivers making being a parent more difficult as it will be harder for them to monitor what their children are seeing.

Others argue that stricter laws and penalties should target those who use social media to harm or exploit children. I would love to hear your thoughts. Do you agree with the intent of these laws, the way they are being implemented, or neither?
Personally, I haven’t used social media for the past two years.

I chose instead to focus on grassroots community work, reading the paper and writing for – of course, the Brisbane Indian Times. Helping people directly and having meaningful conversations is the best way to know what is really happening on the ground. I prefer hearing firsthand from readers about their experiences—the good, the bad, and the challenging—so that together we can work toward solutions and truth.

One of my personal highlights this month was attending the Lord Mayor’s Multicultural Business Awards with friends Usha, Bob Pillay and volunteering on the same night at the inaugural Lighthouse community fundraiser. The evening sparkled with colour, culture, and pride as we celebrated Brisbane’s vibrant multicultural business community. A heartfelt thank you to Umesh for your warm hospitality and generous welcome at the table—it made the night even more special.

Service has also been central to my month. I was grateful to volunteer again with Community Life Uniting Church at their final garage sale of the year, helping visitors carry their purchases and supporting a cause that gives so much back to our community.

In November, the Inala Lions Club hosted its inaugural trivia night—a lively evening full of laughter, friendly competition, and community spirit. It was wonderful to see so many friends and locals come together to support the club’s important work. A big thank you to Grill’d Mt Ommaney for supporting the event and providing the perfect venue. We raised much important funds to serve those who need a smile and helping hand.

Stop by for a chat. You’ll also find me at the Forest Lake Christmas Carols this year, so please come say hello and sing a carol or two. I’ll be by the lake from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM, before moving to the Christmas Carols program from 4:00 PM until it begins on Saturday, 6 December. I’ll also be volunteering at Blessing Day, a community tradition I’ve been part of since I was five years old.

This free event at Community Life Uniting Church supports families experiencing hardship, offering children’s gifts, activities, a festive photo booth, food and drinks, face painting, a Christmas hamper for each family, and a delicious lunch sponsored by Nando’s.
Thank you for being such an important part of this community. It has been a privilege to share stories, celebrations, and moments of connection with you this year, and I look forward to continuing that journey together in 2026.

For anyone who may need them, here are some important numbers:

Emergencies 000; SES 132 500; Ergon Energy Faults 13 22 96; Energex Faults 13 62 62; Homeless Hotline 1800 474 753; Lifeline 13 11 14; Salvation Army 13 72 58; Kids Helpline 1800 551 800; DVConnect Men’s Helpline 1800 000 636; and 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732.

The Unfolding Crisis in Greater Brisbane: When Opportunity Meets Unaffordability

Greater Brisbane stands today as a city of stark paradoxes. On one hand, it is Australia’s undisputed growth engine, attracting a record influx of interstate migrants drawn by lifestyle, career opportunities, and the massive infrastructure projects leading up to the 2032 Olympics. On the other, this surging success has birthed a profound and intensifying property crisis, one that is rapidly eroding affordability for both prospective homeowners and renters alike.

This crisis is not merely a cyclical boom; it is a structural failure of supply to meet overwhelming, sustained demand, pushing the region towards a critical social and economic tipping point.

The current situation in Greater Brisbane, encompassing the capital and surrounding high-growth areas like Ipswich and the Gold Coast hinterland, can be traced to three primary, interlocking drivers:

Queensland has consistently captured the largest share of net internal migration in Australia, with many new arrivals settling in the Greater Brisbane area. This is a structural shift fuelled by lifestyle appeal and relative value compared to Sydney and Melbourne. This sudden, exponential increase in demand has put an impossible strain on the housing market. Data confirms that population growth is running at a pace that far outstrips new dwelling construction, leading to an acute, chronic undersupply.

While demand has soared, the pipeline for new housing delivery has stalled. The construction sector has been plagued by a crippling combination of high material costs, ongoing global supply chain delays, and severe labour shortages. These factors have made it financially unviable for developers to initiate or complete projects quickly, leaving the housing stock significantly below long-term state targets.

Consequently, listings for established properties are tracking significantly below historical averages, in some recent months, more than 30% below the five-year average. This scarcity creates a “fiercely competitive” market, heavily skewing selling conditions in favour of vendors and leading to bidding wars that push prices well beyond reasonable expectations.

The result of this imbalance is a market that has become dramatically unaffordable. Since the onset of the post-pandemic boom, dwelling values in some parts of Brisbane have soared by over 50%, with the median house price in the capital pushing well over the $1 million mark.

For prospective buyers, the financial hurdles are immense:

• Price-to-Income Ratio: The dwelling price-to-income ratio has surged to a record high, meaning households must save for far longer and borrow significantly more to enter the market.

• Mortgage Stress: Even with interest rate fluctuations, the percentage of household income required to service a median new mortgage has soared to near-record levels, placing severe strain on middle-income buyers. Many first-home buyers are now reportedly exhausting all their savings just to meet the deposit and stamp duty costs, leaving them financially vulnerable.

The crisis in the purchase market is mirrored, and arguably magnified, in the rental sector. When homeownership becomes inaccessible, demand is shunted directly into the rental pool, creating an intense shortage.
Greater Brisbane’s rental market remains critically tight, with vacancy rates stubbornly low—often below 1% in many high-demand suburbs. This lack of available stock has led to:

• Soaring Rents: Advertised rents have surged by 47% over the past five years, adding thousands of dollars annually to the cost of living for the typical tenant.

• Rental Stress: The percentage of household income required to meet the median rent has hit a record high. Even average-earning households are now on the verge of, or are already experiencing, rental stress, spending more than 30% of their income on housing. For low-income and essential workers, the situation is dire, pushing them further away from the inner city and closer to economic displacement.
In the face of this widespread crisis, a few factors offer a measure of relief and hope for the future.

The unit market has become the primary shock absorber for the affordability crisis. Unit price growth is now outpacing house price growth in some segments, as attached dwellings offer a significantly more accessible entry point for first-home buyers and a better rental yield for investors. The affordability gap between houses and units is causing a necessary, if forced, shift in consumer preference toward higher density living.

Furthermore, both local and state governments are now taking direct action. The Brisbane City Council’s Housing Supply Action Plan is focusing on making it easier and cheaper to build medium and high-density housing through reduced or deferred infrastructure charges for build-to-rent and small-sized apartments. Similarly, massive infrastructure investment, from the Cross River Rail to the Brisbane Metro and Olympic developments, is boosting confidence and creating long-term value, but the benefit of this will take years to flow through to broad affordability.

The Greater Brisbane property crisis is a complex beast, demanding more than short-term fixes. It is a fundamental challenge of urban planning, construction capacity, and population management.

While the city’s robust economy and enviable lifestyle continue to make it an irresistible destination, the severe lag in housing supply is now threatening to undermine its very appeal. If governments, industry, and regulators fail to unlock the capacity to deliver tens of thousands of new, well-located, affordable homes quickly, the dream of homeownership, and even stable, affordable rent, will drift further out of reach for a generation, potentially impacting the city’s social fabric and economic competitiveness for years to come.