Volvo Cars Values Culture
Volvo Cars encourages a working culture that welcomes different perspectives as it believes it unlocks every person’s full potential.
“We are human-centric and embrace honesty, transparency, respect, empowerment and authenticity. We protect what’s important to you and the generations to come, always,” just some of the words used by Stephen Connor, Managing Director of Volvo Car Australia in welcoming Indian media leaders, business leaders, community leaders and influencers.
A Volvo Retail Experience at Volvo Cars Five Dock was the setting as the audience was exposed to the Volvo state of the art consumer experience.
Volvo has long cherished its mantra as a manufacturer of one of the world’s safest car brands. But is also places sustainability and caring for the environment on that same mantle.
Globally, Volvo is firmly committed to becoming an electric-car only carmaker by 2030, but in Australia it will make the transition to full electric vehicles happen by 2026.
A number of current product name plates were on show including the XC90, XC40, and XC60 and the audience had the opportunity to take a test drive.
Volvo Cars continues to enjoy ongoing success in Australia with the multi award winning Volvo XC40 outselling its competition and maintaining its position as the number one in its segment.
The accolades continue for Volvo Cars with its seven seat Volvo XC90 winning yet another award, the 2023 Wheels Best Large Luxury SUV.
In June Volvo Car Australia announced the pricing of the EX30, its smallest ever electric SUV which boasts the smallest carbon footprint of any Volvo produced to date. The vehicle in already a roaring success with the brand holding well over one thousand orders.
Stephen Connor’s closing remarks included: “Our EX30 is paired with an attractive price, and this creates an opportunity to reach new consumers groups with our offering of safe, sustainable luxury mobility. All of this places us in good stead toward our accelerated strategy of being an all-electric car company by 2026.”
For further information, please visit: https://www.volvocars.com/au/
The highlight of the evening was the collaboration of traditional Indian instruments with more contemporary elements, such as keys, synthesizers, bass and drums. This fusion of old and new not only showcased the versatility of Indian music but also appealed to a diverse audience, bridging the gap between generations and musical preferences.
The event commemorated Karnataka’s linguistic and cultural diversity and fostered a sense of pride and belonging among the Kannada-speaking community in Queensland. Families dressed in traditional attire added to the splendour, bringing alive the spirit of Deepavali. A diverse range of cultural activities engaged attendees throughout the day. The Kannada Sangha’s commitment to inclusivity was evident in the varied program, catering to the tastes of a broad audience.
Karnataka’s famous singers, Shashikala Sunil and Chethan Naik’s performances, set against the backdrop of Kannada Rajyotsava and Deepavali celebrations, contributed to making the event a holistic cultural experience. The echoes of their performances lingered as a harmonious reminder of the state’s musical legacy.
Recognising the relentless efforts of the FICQ committee members over several months, Mr. Anoop Nannuru, President of FICQ, expressed, “Diwali holds immense significance for the Indian community, and organising such a grand event is an enormous undertaking. From securing funds to ensuring financial viability to the meticulous execution and subsequent cleanup, each step requires tremendous effort. Additionally, the crucial role played by the families of the committee members is noteworthy. It’s truly gratifying to witness the unified support of the Indian community during this Diwali celebration. We extend our gratitude to all committee members, advisors, member organisation.
The event included live Parade by Brisbane Dhol Tasha with Warner Bros Characters. There were over twenty plus unique Performances, ten plus retail Shops and up to five variety food stalls. The event was Inaugurated by Mark Boothman MP, as the chief guest.
GOPIO Gold Coast hosted an outdoor Diwali Fair event on Sunday, November 19th, 2023. The celebration was a great success with over 1000 attendees, including many invited dignitaries.
GOPIO GC takes this opportunity to thank all our wonderful sponsors:
Bengali Society of Queensland (BSQ), thriving along the Brisbane River in Australia, proudly represents the heritage and culture of West Bengal along the Ganges River in Kolkata. Probasher Bangali feels at home along the meandering coasts of the Brisbane River and takes every opportunity to create and relive memories and moments of Kolkata so deeply rooted within. With profound care and love the BSQ community brings together every year the major events and festivities for all. The Bengali Society of Queensland has grown consistently and has spread its wings wide, bringing Probashi Bangali under one banner. Today, BSQ is one of the most populated Bengali communities of Queensland. This is the time of the year when new members are added to the BSQ fraternity every year – students, migrants, interstate movers and a large number of non-Bangali friends would flock to become a member and be a part of the family. It is the strong bond of childhood memories, lifestyle, food, bedtime stories, music, dance, movies, celebrations, shopping, adda, festivities and last but not the least, the Sharodiya and Diwali months, make a big difference to all. BSQ rekindles the greatest feeling of belonging and nostalgia that bonds every member into positive vibes and family feeling in a country that feels like home.
This year on the auspicious day, 14th October, BSQ members woke up early morning with the devotional voice of Sri Birendra Krishna Bhadra’s chanting of the Mahalaya. Every Bangali waits patiently to reflect on the spiritual journey of Devi Durga and seek her blessings listening closely with family the Vedic chants relaying the creation of Katyayani Maa Durga, broadcasted by Australian Indian Radio, one of the proud sponsors of BSQ. This is the beginning of Devi Pokhya, heralds the homecoming of Uma ( The other name of Ma Durga) that culminates into the Sharodiya Durgotsav, the biggest and the richest festival of every Bangali, spread in any corner of this planet. The festivities and celebrations are aimed to embrace the ritual of homecoming, be with their loved ones and share the prosperity together. Every day is to be felt like a new and happy day, welcome happiness and gather resources to make the ten days a memorable one until next year. Engage in Sharodiya Mantra – Pujo-r Gondho, with Pujo-r Bazar, Pujo-r Mandop, Pujo-r Alochona, Pujo-r Gaan, Pujo Shonkhya, and Pujo-r Anondyo – “Ay re chutey ay pujor gondho eshechey…“
Long before we heard the bells of Mahalaya and was singing along to the tunes of Agomoni Gaan, our Pujo Mandap’s decoration and theme was well and truly underway under the most creative and experienced hands of one member legend. BSQ’s Sri Sri Durga Mandap is a surprise that is brought to life and finally unveiled the evening before Saptami Pujo. Brisbane is lucky to get a new one each year. The devotees visiting the venue will spend time to admire most intriguingly the art and engineering masterpiece. BSQ is proud and immensely lucky to adorn Devi Durga with a unique backdrop every year since 2009. The garage, in a quiet Western Brisbane Suburban home of the couple, becomes the most active ground of design and artwork, quite in tradition to Kolkata Mandaps. Like the excitement of the Mahalaya, the new Mandap is an excitement, together with the lights which is done by another member’s couple keeping the same traditional Kolkatas lighting. The decorations, announcements of the activities and events that brings everyone together on a Friday evening after work to support in the display and make Durga-Pujo an event to come back to.
Durga Pujo is always full of emotion and nostalgia, and Brisbane’s Probash-er-Bangali community (BSQ) does care about it all – the planning, the management and the execution is no less than what can be a daughter’s hand in marriage. Not any minor chance of “missing out” will be accepted. Every detail goes into making the logistics, safety, entertainment, food, and brotherhood a great success. Any new member will strive to be a part of this mammoth display of worship and cultural extravaganza for their younger generation to witness and be a part of. A five-day event is zipped into two and half days – needs a powerful and action-packed arena. It is possible only with the support of all members, sponsors, donations, volunteers, earlier success stories and the hard work of BSQ Executive Committee. A major initiative also goes in bringing together other communities, Brisbane Council Members, The Local Councilors, The Prime Minister’s Office, the Premier’s Office, the sponsors, The Media Partners and event partners to join in the festivities and continue the strong bond of friend and mateship. Every community and ethnic group find time to support and embrace in the celebration of the Navaratri festival that is better known for BSQ as Durga Pujo.
It is by the tradition of the utsav and the rituals, Maa Durga is adorned with the best jewelleries, sarees, offerings and music-dance-happiness that takes prosperity to the pinnacle. Kolkata’s family and Bonedi pujo style becomes the background of what is seen replicated at BSQ pujo mandap. The flowers, the fresh fruits and vegetables, the delicious home-made bhog, the sugondhi dhuup-dhuno, kashor-ghonta and above all the kola bou is never forgotten. It is a grand show of ladies and gents in their best attire these three days working since early morning to midnight from chopping veggies, frying the luchi, cooking the meals, running errands, to packing and cleaning relentlessly. This pujo season, BSQ has welcomed 1000 guest attendees and served 3000 plus visitors through Friday to Sunday at Coorparoo Secondary College. BSQ was proud to receive letters of appreciation and acknowledgement from the Prime Minister’s and Premier’s Office along with our community stakeholders that went as record and is published in our Annual Magazine or Barshiki Patrika – Kashphool’23. The Kashphool – as the name says, symbolises the season of Devi Durga’s homeward journey. We enrich her homecoming releasing the magazine that showcases the creativity and talent that the members share from all levels. We acknowledge our sponsors, advertisers, members’ art, literature, recounts, life experiences and preserve it as a memory to cherish with family and friends.
“Our mission is to promote Taiwanese culture through cinematic art,” said Kaijung Yu, CEO of Taiwan Film Festival in Brisbane, “presenting Taiwan’s profound history, abundant nature, contemporary social issues and people to the Australian audience as part of our celebration to multi-culturalism.”
Written, directed and played by indigenous people, the closing film “Gaga” portrays a Taiwanese indigenous family, the members’ relationship, struggles, and dilemmas between adapting to the modern world and keeping the ancestors’ doctrine. “Very sad, but beautiful,” commented a viewer after the screening.
The Lord Mayor’s Multicultural Awards for Business celebrate the contribution multicultural businesses make to the Brisbane economy and community through their creativity, innovation and resilience.