Learn more about one of our organisational members, Queensland Kannadigas Cultural & Sports Society Inc. (QKCSS). What is Queensland Kannadigas Cultural & Sports Society's purpose? Promote and preserve Kannada language, culture, arts and traditions: QKCSS frequently organises and supports cultural events and celebrations that highlight Kannada heritage and foster pride in cultural identity. Support community connection and unity: The Society brings together people of Kannada-speaking and broader Indian backgrounds in Queensland through social, cultural and sporting programs, strengthening friendships, networking and mutual support within the multicultural environment. Celebrate multiculturalism and diversity: QKCSS has been recognised as part of Queensland's multicultural community and actively contributes to multicultural events and activities that celebrate diversity and inclusion. Organise cultural, artistic and sporting events: Examples include dance performances, cultural festivals and activities that engage both Kannada speakers and the wider community in cultural exchange and sport-related events. QKCSS exists to celebrate, preserve and promote Kannada culture and language while building community cohesion and multicultural participation in Queensland. When was the organisation established? QKCSS was incorporated and officially became an active legal entity on 17 October 2022 under the Australian Business Register. How does the organisation support the community? QKCSS supports the community in Queensland through: Cultural Preservation & Celebration: QKCSS organises and hosts cultural events that celebrate Kannada language, heritage, traditions and Indian arts — helping community members, especially younger generations and newcomers, stay connected to their roots and cultural identity. These events include festivals, performances, concerts and traditional celebrations which often attract both Kannadigas and the wider multicultural community. Arts & Performing Arts Programs: Through activities such as Naatyotsava – a classical dance and arts showcase - QKCSS provides a platform for Indian classical and cultural artistic expression. These events bring together artists and audiences from diverse backgrounds, fostering cultural exchange and appreciation. Sports & Healthy Living: The society supports sports events and programs (e.g., friendly cricket matches and multicultural sporting activities) that build community spirit, encourage teamwork, inclusion, and physical wellbeing across ages and backgrounds. Community Unity & Multicultural Engagement: QKCSS helps build unity and social cohesion by bringing people together for multicultural celebrations and community gatherings. These activities help foster mutual understanding and respect among different cultural groups in Queensland. Support for Newcomers & Students (Humanitarian Focus): Beyond cultural events, the society has a track record of participating in humanitarian efforts, such as supporting international students and engaging in service-oriented activities like blood donation drives — helping individuals adjust and feel supported in their new community. (ficq.org.au) Leadership & Representation: QKCSS acts as a community voice and cultural representative group for Kannadigas in Queensland, helping strengthen the presence and contribution of the Kannada diaspora within the wider Indian and multicultural network. Who do they help? Kannada-speaking community (Kannadigas): QKCSS primarily supports Kannadigas living in Queensland, helping them stay connected to their language, culture, traditions and community networks, especially families living away from their home state of Karnataka. Children & Youth: Young people and children are supported through cultural education, performances, festivals, sports activities and community events. These initiatives help the next generation understand their heritage, build confidence, and develop leadership and teamwork skills. New Migrants, Students & Families: QKCSS assists new arrivals, migrants and international students by creating welcoming social networks, cultural familiarity and community support, helping reduce isolation and improve settlement outcomes Artists, Performers & Sports Enthusiasts: The organisation provides platforms for artists, dancers, musicians and sportspersons to showcase their talents through events, concerts, festivals and sporting activities. Wider Indian & Multicultural Community: While rooted in Kannada culture, QKCSS actively engages with the broader Indian and multicultural communities in Queensland, promoting harmony, inclusion and cross-cultural understanding. Community Members in Need (Humanitarian Support): Through initiatives such as blood donation drives, student support activities and community-led assistance, QKCSS helps individuals and families during times of need. How can people engage with them? The community engage with QKCSS by joining, participating, volunteering, partnering, and staying connected, ensuring an inclusive, active and culturally vibrant community in Queensland. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Queenslandkannadigas More about QKCSS Queensland Kannadigas Cultural & Sports Society Inc. (QKCSS) is a volunteer-driven, not-for-profit community organisation committed to long-term cultural sustainability, inclusion and community wellbeing in Queensland. The Society is managed by a dedicated volunteer committee, ensuring transparency, good governance and strong community representation. QKCSS actively aligns its activities with Queensland’s multicultural values, promoting social cohesion, cultural understanding and active participation across communities. Our programs are designed to be inclusive, family-friendly and intergenerational, encouraging participation from children, youth, adults and seniors. We place strong emphasis on community partnerships, regularly collaborating with multicultural organisations, artists, sporting groups, sponsors and local stakeholders to maximise community benefit. The organisation has demonstrated capacity to successfully plan and deliver large-scale cultural and sporting events, manage grants responsibly, and report outcomes in line with funding requirements. QKCSS is also committed to community service and humanitarian initiatives, supporting activities that contribute to health, wellbeing and social support within the community.

We are excited to introduce the second piece of our My Life, My Story series, a beautiful storytelling initiative that inspires our multicultural communities. In this time, we are highlighting the remarkable journey of Maialu Vidigal da Fonseca, a Brazilian lawyer and content creator, who recounts her inspiring story of migration and resilience. Maialu shares the difficulties of starting a life in Australia, including language barriers and the challenges her family faced. Through her persistence and the support of MCCGC, Maialu found the guidance she needed during a tough time when she felt disoriented through our Community Pathway Connector (CPC) program. Maialu speaks openly about the struggles migrants face and the acts of kindness and support she received while navigating legal services in Australia. Her experience has motivated her to empower the community and share essential resources to ensure they feel supported and recognised during their journey as migrants. If you are a migrant and would like to share your story, we have a platform that gives you a voice and inspires others. Whether you want to share how you created your business, how you overcame challenges, how you got your dream job, or how you support the community, we want to hear from you. Contact our Marketing and Communications team at marketing@mccgc.org.au Join us and discover the realities, challenges, and hopes of so many migrants seeking a better life.

We had an incredible day at our End-of-Year Client Celebration, where we connected with our diverse multicultural communities. It was truly moving to see our clients write beautiful messages of gratitude and home in their own languages.Our commitment to providing essential services and empowering our communities through advocacy and support makes a real difference. Every smile, hug, and word of appreciation reflects our spirit of togetherness, serving as a powerful reminder of our 'WHY'. The video below captures the essence of our vibrant and happy community.   Thank you for an unforgettable year, and here's to many more special ones ahead.