Consul General highlights migrant empowerment at Brisbane Expo

• BY India News Newsdesk
• August 15, 2025
• 0 COMMENTS

Brisbane, August 6 (Australia India News Newsdesk)

Consul General of India in Brisbane, Neetu Bhagotia, underscored the importance of migrant empowerment and multicultural unity while addressing the second edition of the Empowering Migrants Expo 2025 on August 3 at Brisbane City Hall and King George Square. Speaking on behalf of Indian High Commissioner Gopal Baglay, she praised the event’s role in recognising migrant achievements and connecting communities with vital resources.

Organised by Bhartiya Samaj, the expo drew a record crowd of more than 8,000 visitors, making it one of Queensland’s largest multicultural gatherings dedicated to supporting migrants. Representatives from over 25 nations and more than 15 government agencies took part, alongside nearly 30 community stalls offering information and services for migrant families.

The day-long celebration blended cultural vibrancy with practical engagement. The Main Auditorium hosted more than 20 multicultural dance performances, while King George Square became a bustling global food village with over 20 stalls serving authentic international cuisines. In the Ithaca Auditorium, 200 community leaders, government officials, and non-profit representatives gathered for a networking lunch focused on collaboration and inclusion.

A highlight of the program was the 2025 Migrants Awards Ceremony, which honoured 40 finalists, including eight winners and four highly commended recipients across categories such as Multicultural Community Champion, Business Excellence, Youth Leadership, Disability Advocacy, and Creative and Artistic Excellence.

The event attracted dignitaries from all levels of government, including Madonna Jarrett MP representing Prime Minister Anthony Albanese; Senator Paul Scarr; Hon. Fiona Simpson MP representing Queensland Premier David Crisafulli; Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner; MPs Shayne Neumann, Charis Mullen, and Margie Nightingale; and Brisbane City Councillors Vicki Howard, Steven Huang, Emily Kim, and Penny Wolff.

Leaders from major multicultural bodies—Charlie Shandil of the Department of Home Affairs, Lisa Ward of the Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland, and Jo Nelson of Multicultural Australia—commended Bhartiya Samaj’s leadership in hosting the expo.

Described by organisers as both a celebration and a catalyst for empowerment, the expo showcased the contributions of migrant communities while strengthening Brisbane’s reputation as one of Australia’s most inclusive and culturally rich cities.