Youth Leadership, Cultural Pride, and Community Service Mark the Month
By Xavier Hernandez
It has been wonderful connecting with so many Brisbane Indian Times readers and community members at recent events. Hearing your stories, celebrating your volunteer work, and understanding the issues that matter most is important to me and the team. Your encouragement and positive feedback about how much you enjoy reading the Australian Indian Times is appreciated. With spring just around the corner, I’m pleased to share some of these moments with you in this article.
The month began in a truly inspiring way at the Empowering Migrants Expo at Brisbane City Hall. I was chuffed to be recognised as a finalist in the Youth Leadership Award (15–25), while my mum was also a finalist for Community Leader of the Year 2025, alongside many other award recipients who we proudly call friends. As the child of a migrant, the journey hasn’t always been easy, but every challenge has reinforced the importance of giving back, achieving milestones, and especially breaking barriers. Standing alongside so many passionate leaders filled me with pride and hope, showing that the migrant success journey is one of resilience and community spirit. Congratulations to all nominees, finalists, and winners. You are proof that community spirit is thriving for the betterment of all. My thanks go to Bhartiya Samaj and President Abhishek Sharma and all the organisers hosting such a meaningful event, and Ms Neetu Mehrada BHAGOTIA, Consul-General of India, Mayor of Brisbane, Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, Hon. Shayne Neumann MP for Blair, and Queensland Senator Paul Scarr also known as the peoples senator with others being part of this meaningful occasion.
I was equally thrilled to see my mentor and family friend, JD Deo, and his family recognised by Premier David Crisafulli at Parliament House alongside other community champions. They have guided countless people, broken many barriers and supported many, including myself. Leadership is not just about personal achievement; it’s about lifting others along the way.
Another highlight this month was the GOPIO India Day Fair 2025. Being entrusted with the GOPIO Queensland stall was both an honour and a joy. My mum and I poured our hearts into decorating the space, and the smiles and excitement on people’s faces made every effort worthwhile. I will never forget a little boy who told us we had made his night because we purchased a item from his parents’ stall as a gift. The day is important for many reasons, but its also important to locals celebrating and holding cultural stalls and their families. This is the essence of community: small acts of kindness leaving lasting memories. My thanks go to President Usha Chandra, the GOPIO team, Luxurious Beauty Aura who spend the day doing henna, Sonia from ANZ Browns Plains who volunteered all day, Cr Penny Wolff who donated a raffle, and all donors, volunteers, and guests who made the day so special.
Music and culture also played a big part this month. My mum and I, both lovers of classical music, attended A Musical Journey of Romania, hosted by the Romanian Association Doina Queensland. It was a heartfelt evening of music, dance, tradition, and friendship. Thank you to President Aurelia Noran, our dear friend Helen Brereton, the performers, and volunteers for keeping Romanian culture alive. I also had the privilege of volunteering at Sargam Music Academy’s Tribute to Eternal Melodies, a dazzling event raising funds for the Children’s Hospital Foundation. Giving your time to a cause close to your heart is one of the most rewarding things you can do.
As we approach the International Day of Charity on 7th September, I encourage everyone to give back in whatever way they can. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference. This September, I will be volunteering with the Lions Club of Inala, cooking sausages on bread to support our local community. It is also important to acknowledge the efforts of the Crisafulli Government in strengthening protections for vulnerable Queenslanders, including on-the-spot 12-month domestic violence protection orders and child safety reforms known as Daniel’s Laws. Raising awareness of these changes is vital, as they aim to protect our most vulnerable. Many readers have expressed appreciation for these practical measures, and I wanted to highlight them in this month’s article.
Until next month, keep serving, keep celebrating, and please reach out if you need a helping hand or would like me to write about a topic important to you.
