Bangladeshis help Bushfire Victims Sarat (Reg) Maharaj Australia is blessed with the richness of a diverse community. When the going is good, we all celebrate and enjoy together. But, when the going is not so good, we all join hands to ensure that everyone is looked after. The Bangladeshi Association in Brisbane Inc (BAB) did just that when the bush fires were in a rage of destroying properties and people's livelihood. BAB Sports Secretary, Shahidul Islam (Romen), phoned me and said ‘members of BAB wish to organise a Car Rally to raise funds for bushfire victims’. Romen, with BAB’s President, Dr Mohammed Zahirul Islam (Zahir) & members had it all planned well with the finest of details in place. He also said that all funds raised
will be given to Lions Clubs for appropriate use on the ground in affected areas, because Lions Clubs were already working hands-on in the affected areas. The Car Rally from Oxley to Springfield was extremely successful. It generated $500.00 dollars on the day. ‘It was worth the effort’, Romen said afterwards. ‘People enjoyed the event, and were willing to donate to the bushfire appeal, for which BAB is so grateful’. The money was handed over to President of Boondall Lions Club, Reg Maharaj. In thanking the efforts of Bangladeshi Association in Brisbane, Lion Reg said that members of BAB have done a sterling job raising the funds. ‘The money will be used together with other funds raised by Lions Clubs across Australia to
“In the photo Bangladeshi Association in Brisbane President, Dr Mohammed Zahirul Islam (Zahir) & Sports Secretary, Shahidul Islam (Romen) handed over $500.00 to President of Boondall Lions Club, Lion Sarat Maharaj (Reg) & two other members of the Club”. rehabilitate the bushfire victims’, Lion Reg said.
Dr Mohammed Zahirul Islam (Zahir) is an ex-LEO
from Bangladesh. So he is well versed with what Lions
Clubs across the world do for the community in need. LEO’s are the younger members of the Lions Clubs International which has 1.4 million members in 210 different countries with 46,000 clubs. In Australia, there are 1,200 Lions Clubs. Anyone can join a Lions Club close to wherever you live. Boondall Lions Club has been working with various community groups with diverse backgrounds to serve the needy locally, statewide, nationwide, and internationally. Lion Reg said ‘there are many community-service-minded people in every diverse community. We already have discussed bigger & better events in the future to raise funds for other community projects. The synergy effect of joint efforts will be enormous’.
Queensland Premier hold reception for International Women’s Day
Queensland premier Hon Annastacia Palaszczuk on Wednesday 4th March held a high-level reception marking International Women’s Day. The reception was held at the 41st level of 1 William Street in the multipurpose rooms with panoramic view of Southbank. Kay McGrath, former weekend presenter at Seven News, and co-chair of Queensland Governments domestic and family violence prevention Council as the host welcomed everyone to the reception and Maroochy Barambah gave a wonderful ‘Welcome to Country’ followed. Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk welcomed everyone to the reception and thanked everyone for the contribution they are making in empowering women. She said she was proud to lead a government that had gender equality, sitting at 52%. She reiterated that women today are free to decidetheir future and their careers, no longer are they subject to laws made by men 48 — THE BRISBANE INDIAN TIMES, March, 2020
Kay McGrath, former weekend presenter at Seven News, and co-chair of Queensland Governments domestic and family violence prevention Council as the host welcomed everyone to the reception and Maroochy Barambah gave a wonderful ‘Welcome to Country’ followed. for them. She emphasised the need to address domestic violence which Queensland Government delivers via domestic and family violence prevention engagement and communication strategy. Minister the Honourable Di Palmer, minister for Child safety, Youth and Women and Minister for prevention of Domestic and Family Violence elaborated on this topic. The cocktail reception was attended by a large number of cabinet members , past and present commissioners , key community leadersand supporting organisations