On Saturday, 22 February, the Hazara Association of Queensland (HAQ) hosted an exceptional Gala Dinner & Fundraising Event at the Jindalee Bowls Club from 6:00 PM to 10:30 PM. The evening aimed to strengthen unity within the Hazara community, celebrate cultural heritage, and raise funds for the future HAQ Cultural Community Centre. The event was meticulously organized and executed by Suhayla Asghari and Eqleema Pannah, alongside a dedicated team of HAQ members whose unwavering commitment and passion turned the evening into a vibrant celebration of culture, unity, and shared purpose. Mahnaz Abbasi and Hasib Bakhsi served as the dynamic announcers, infusing the program with their lively energy and warmth, ensuring that the night was not only memorable but deeply engaging for all attendees.
The ceremony began with a warm welcome from Elias Karimi, the President of the Hazara Association of Queensland, who delivered the first speech and set a friendly atmosphere for the guests with his heartfelt words. Following that, the presence of distinguished speakers such as Senator Paul Scarr Shadow Assistant Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Sahba Hamid representing SSI, Fahima Ahmadi as the Youth Leader of the Queensland Labour Party, Dr. Tahir Forotan, and Engineer Ali Karimi, the founders and prominent members of the association, added a special touch to the event. Each of these speakers highlighted the importance of preserving cultural identity and collective participation.
The event featured a delicious dinner that provided a space for meaningful conversations, strengthening bonds within the community. One of the evening’s memorable moments was the cutting of the 20th anniversary cake by the founders, followed by a team photo capturing the occasion. In the artistic section, a video created by Ali Reza Hosseini was shown, and Khadija Adeli, the Association’s Secretary, eloquently read a thought-provoking article that added an emotional touch to the event.
The auction, led by Dr Rahela Waseeq and Ali Kakaei, was the highlight of the evening. Items generously donated by community members, including Arif Kohi (Bastan Bookstore), Dr Rahela Waseeq, Khadija Adeli, Suhayla Asghari, Razia Ghazal, Elias Karimi, and Arfan Hussaini, were auctioned off, raising funds in support of the Hazara Association’s Cultural Centre. This was followed by a video explaining how to purchase commemorative bricks, marking the start of the fundraising campaign for the Cultural Centre, a symbol of unity and progress for the community.
The night concluded with Murtaza Hemmati’s traditional Hazaragi Damboora music, adding cultural authenticity and enriching the event. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all those who supported the event, whether financially or through their presence and collaboration. Your contributions were key to making this evening a milestone in the Hazara Association of Queensland’s journey.