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

UMQ’s Women and Wellbeing, Panel Discussion on Collective Flourishing and World Record Certificate Distribution

United Malayalees of Queensland, the umbrella body for all Malayalees in Queensland, held a seminar titled Women and Wellbeing. Connections conversations and collective flourishing held at the Holland park Library Hall on Sunday 5th May. Dr Jacob Cherian, President of UMQ inaugurated the event, welcomed the gathering, and briefly explained the aims, objectives of UMQ.
The discussion was co-ordinated by Prof Abraham Francis, Associate Prof: Sociology, James Cook University, Townsville. Facilitators were Dr Chaitanya Unni, Ms Bindu Rajendran, Jiji Jaynarayanan, besides Dezima Fernandez & Nikitha Rebello, research scholars from Manipal University Over 30 ladies from various walks of life participated.

Aspects of self-care, challenges faced by women, adolescent mental health, were some of the subjects explored, strategies to care and communicate was discussed. The highlight in fact was the participants enthusiasm to be at the gathering. Panellists, provided guidance, based on their life experiences.

This was followed by a panel discussion, held at the Speakers Hall, Queensland Parliament at 5.30 PM on the subject of Collective Flourishing. Dr Jacob Cherian, President UMQ welcomed the gathering, which included many community leaders, and representatives of various Indian/ Malayalee organisations. The discussion was moderated by Prof: Abraham Francis. Panellists were Hon James Martin member for Stretton [who was also the gracious host of the meeting], Senator Paul Scarr, Cr Emily Kim, Mr Palani Thevar and Mr Asish Katta. A very fruitful and enlightening hour.
World Record Certificates, to participants of the Australian record performance of the Thiruvathira dancers which was held on 12th August 2023, were distributed.

Mr Shaji Theckanath, PRO of UMQ, acknowledged the vote of thanks to all dignitaries, sponsors, community leaders, award recipients and their families. UMQ committee members – Dr. Jacob Cherian, Jiji Jayanaranan, Shaji Theckanath, Prof Abraham Francis & Jolly Karumathy – presented a token of appreciation to Hon James Martin for His support.
Photographs – Courtesy Mr Dev Thottunkal.

The inaugural Indian Traditional New Year Celebration on 27 April 2024 at Roma St Parklands

Indian Council of Australia, Queensland Inc. (ICAQ) proudly executed its inaugural event to celebrate Indian Traditional New Year on 27 April 2024 at Roma St Parklands.
There have been several events to celebrate Indian festivities like Diwali, Holi, Onam etc. but there is no festival in Brisbane to celebrate Indian Traditional New Year at a multicultural community level.

Various cultures observe their traditional or religious New Year’s Day according to their own customs, typically (though not invariably) because they use a lunar calendar or a lunisolar calendar. India, Nepal, and other south Asian countries also celebrate New Year on dates according to their own calendars that are movable in the Gregorian calendar. Traditional new year is celebrated all over the world in different countries in different ways. It will provide opportunities for people of different origins to understand the culture of different communities.

There are numerous days throughout the year celebrated as Hindu New Year’s Day in the different regions of India. The observance is determined by whether the lunar or solar calendar is being followed. Most widely followed Lunar calendar considers the month of Chaitra (corresponding to March-April) as the first month of the year, so the new year is celebrated on the first day of this month.

The traditional new year is known as different names in different regions or states in India. It is known as Chaitra Navaratri, Vaisakhi, Gudhi Padwa, Ugadi, Yugadi, Puthandu, Vishu, NabBarsha, Navreh, Bihu, Cheti Chand, Mesha Sankranti, and Sajibu Cheiraoba.
Traditional new year celebrations provide an opportunity for leaders from the different Indian communities and organizations to meet with each other and with representatives of the different tiers of government and senior government officials to strengthen mutual ties. It also provides opportunities to meet Australians with Indian origin people.
The inaugural event executed by the ICAQ on 27 April 2024, brought multicultural community leaders together along with elected representatives from all levels of Government and representatives from various Government departments. The event observed vibrant and colorful display of Indian culture underlying the importance of traditional new year.

Through various speeches all dignitaries highlighted the importance of Indian Traditional New Year as well as how such festivities can bring multicultural communities together by sharing cultures and values.
The Hon Anthony Albanese MP, Prime Minister of Australia, Hon Steven Miles MP, Premier of Queensland, and Cr. Fiona Cunningham Councillor for Coorparoo Ward sent a message to the ICAQ congratulating for hosting the inaugural event and wishing Indian community happy celebrations.

To commence the event, Welcome to Country & Didgeridoo performance was presented by Uncle Billy Cummings.
ICAQ President Mr. Parminder Singh, ICAQ Patron Mr. Ashish Katta, and ICAQ Advisor Mrs. Pinky Singh welcomed everyone and highlighted various ICAQ initiatives as well as values ICAQ can present to the multicultural communities.

The event observed attendance from the following dignitaries:
Mrs. Neetu Bhagotia, Consul General of India in Brisbane
The Hon. Milton Dick MP, Member for Oxley Queensland & Federal Speaker
Hon Charis Mullen, Minister for Child Safety, Minister for Seniors and Disability Services, and Minister for Multicultural Affairs
Mr. John-Paul Langbroek MP, Representing Mr. David Crisafulli MP, Qld leader of opposition
Hon Bart Mellish, Minister for Transport and Main Roads and Minister for Digital Services
Cr Vicky Howard, Central Ward, Representing the Brisbane City Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner
Mayor Teresa Harding, Ipswich City
Mayor Jos Mitchell, Redland City
Mayor John Raven, Logan City
Cr. Trina Massey, Councillor The Gabba Ward
Wayne Briscoe Executive Director, Multicultural Affairs
Heath Goldfinch, COO at Multicultural Australia
Inspector Mat Ryan, Patrol Group Inspector, Inner West Patrol Group, North Brisbane District
Dr. Anil Dalsania
Dr. Ram Mohan
Mr. Gati Krushna Mishra
Mr. Sushil Kumar Goel
ICAQ cannot express enough gratitude for the overwhelming response towards the community members for supporting the event.
ICAQ is thankful to all Cultural Performance teams for their time and devotion. Mrs. Sudha Manian Yatra Music, Art of Living Yoga Dance, Rich Virsa Punjabi Folk Dance, Noopur Dance Studio, Swetha Bhupathi, ORIOZ Community for traditional and Sambalpuri dance, Mr. Rohit Vombathkere SUR420, and Mr. Mihir Brahme Maharashtrian Shivan Dhol Tasha Group.
Roma St Parklands have provided venue management and best services to make the event a big success.
Thank you, Namaste Foodies, Aarav Ice Cream, Art of Living, 1300 Medics for putting up their stalls.
Any successful event is not possible without team effort. We are thankful to the ICAQ Treasurer Mr. Srikar Reddy, Vice President Mr. Sambit Das, Vice President Dr. Venkat Pulla, and all Volunteers for assisting us.
The last but not least the event MC Mrs. Swati Das had a wonderful introduction of all dignitaries and has managed the ICAQ presentation in a most professional manner.
ICAQ Secretary Mr. Ganesh Deshpande stated in his vote of thanks that, the roots of all goodness lie in the soil of appreciation. As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. ICAQ would like to live by our commitments and objectives towards the Indian Diaspora, grow stronger by co-creation and by adapting the changing environment.
ICAQ is highly energized and motivated with the overwhelming response and looking forward to delivering many more programs in future to better serve our multicultural community.
Article prepared by ICAQ Secretary Mr. Ganesh Deshpande

16th Anniversary of Galaxy Impex Group Celebrated on 17th May 2024

We would like to inform you that we had celebrated the 16th Anniversary of Galaxy Impex Group on 17th May 2024 and the following guests were invited for the celebrations:
Guest of Honour: Mayor Jon Raven
Special Guest: Cr Miriam Stemp and Cr Paul Jackson
We are Logan based Business now grown Nationwide. We have Offices in Brisbane, Sydney, Darwin, Townsville, Melbourne and New Zealand.