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FICQ — Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland

Membership

Last updated on 26 October 2020

Who can become a member?

Membership of FICQ is open to incorporated and constitutionally structured organisations representing communities of Indian origin or organisations identifying with India in Queensland.

Each member organisation participates in FICQ through its nominated representative, generally the President or another authorised executive committee member.

FICQ does not offer individual membership. Instead, it operates as a federation of community organisations, ensuring that representation is based on established community groups and that the collective voice of Queensland’s Indian community remains strong, accountable and inclusive.

This organisational membership model enables FICQ to bring together a wide range of regional, cultural, linguistic, professional and community organisations under one umbrella.

How does FICQ work?

FICQ operates through a democratic and representative structure in which eligible member organisations participate in the governance and activities of the federation.

Executive Committee

Representatives of member organisations may be elected to the Executive Committee (EC), which is responsible for overseeing the federation’s operational and day-to-day activities.

The Executive Committee works collectively to:

  • Implement FICQ’s strategic priorities.
  • Coordinate community activities and events.
  • Represent FICQ with government and external stakeholders.
  • Support member organisations.
  • Develop partnerships and community initiatives.
  • Promote the interests of Queensland’s Indian community.

Governing Council

The Governing Council (GC) provides broader strategic direction and helps ensure that FICQ remains responsive to the needs and aspirations of its member organisations and the wider community.

The governance structure enables member organisations to contribute to important decisions and ensures that FICQ remains a genuinely representative federation.

Benefits of joining: FICQ creates a platform for all Indian organisations

FICQ provides important networking opportunities with senior Ministers, elected representatives from local, state and federal governments and senior executives of key government departments, members of other community organisations and leaders from the private and non-government sectors.

FICQ also provides a platform to contribute to Government policy debates through supporting eligible individuals from member organisations to nominate for the Multicultural Queensland Advisory Council and take part in other significant discussions with all levels of government and non-government organisations.

FICQ works closely with Indian Government and its representative for the High Commission of India in Australia (HCI) in Canberra and has regular meetings with visiting Indian dignitaries and senior civil servants to discuss ways to strengthen ties between Indians resident in Australia and their country of origin.

Through FICQ members can also participate in important one-off events such as G20, meetings with the HCI in Australia and other officials to voice matters of concern for the Indian communities.

FICQ plays a key role with encouraging all member and key individual and Indian organisations representatives to take part in the annual Premier’s reception in Queensland Parliament.

Showcasing cultural heritage and talent to the broader community

Member organisations can showcase their cultural heritage and talents of members to the wider Australian community through participation in annual FICQ organised events such as:

  • Annual Joint Australia – India Day celebrations in various locations to commemorate Indian Republic Day and Australia Day
  • Annual Diwali Celebrations in King George Square, Brisbane CBD, one of the signature calendar festivals in Queensland.

FICQ also supports showcasing of community heritage through EC members attending events organised by member organisations and other community organisations.

Reducing costs

Members can receive significant cost savings through FICQ’s group public liability insurance cover scheme.

FICQ has the capacity to negotiate with wholesale suppliers and event management companies to supply goods and services for discounted rates for member organisations.

Members can also access FICQ’s Public Address (PA) system for their events and celebrations through a simple registration process and a nominal security deposit.

Spreading the word

Member organisations can publicise their events in FICQ’s web-portal. FICQ also promotes member associations’ events with other organisations through using FICQ web, emails and social media pages.

Support for applications and important initiatives

If requested, FICQ can provide supporting or reference letters for member organisations for their grant applications or important initiatives and events.

THROUGH FICQ THE INDIAN COMMUNITY CAN PRESENT A STRONG AND UNITED FRONT!