Dr Preethi Suraj has dedicated her career to Queensland’s multicultural community, promoting unity and understanding every step of the way.
In June this year, she was awarded the ‘Community Champion Award’ for the Oxley Ward at the Queensland Day Awards.
“I was deeply honored to be recognized as a multicultural champion,” Ms Suraj said.
“This recognition reflects the collective efforts of the Federation of Indian Communities Queensland in promoting harmony, inclusivity, and unity across Queensland’s multicultural society.”
In 2024, Ms Suraj was appointed president of the Federation of Indian Communities Queensland (FICQ).
She is the first woman to be appointed to the role in the federation’s 26-year history and will serve in the role until 2026.
In her role as president of the federation, Ms Suraj meets members from all over Queensland, working collaboratively with them and other multicultural organisations to achieve common goals like strengthening social cohesion and unity.
“My role is to serve as a bridge between the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural society of Queensland,” Ms Suraj said.
“To promote harmony, inclusivity, and mutual respect among the communities, while ensuring that the voices and contributions of the Indian diaspora are recognized and celebrated.”
Last month (Sunday 21 September), FICQ held a unity soccer cup where 17 teams played across 48 games.
Teams from the Queensland Muslim Association, African and Indian communities formed teams to participate in the tournament.
This month, on 23 October, about 150 people from different multicultural communities will attend a unity dinner FICQ is hosting at the Islamic College Brisbane in Karawatha.
Other events the FICQ attended regularly are citizenship ceremonies, youth and women empowerment programs, mental health programs, and domestic violence awareness events, Ms Suraj said.
