In the heart of Springfield, a long-awaited dream is moving closer to reality for Queensland’s Indian community with a $5.5 million commitment to build their first cultural centre.
The announcement, made in April 2025, promise to fund the long-anticipated “House of India” project led by the Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland (FICQ). The initiative aims to create a permanent community space in the region that reflects the contribution and growing population of Indian Australians.
A Shared Space for Culture and Community
The House of India is proposed to be built in Springfield, an area that has seen rapid development and an increasing number of families of Indian heritage. According to recent census data, Queensland’s Indian-born population grew by nearly 60 per cent between 2016 and 2021, with suburbs like Springfield and Ipswich becoming strong community centres.
The facility is expected to serve not only as a cultural venue for events and performances but also as a meeting space for Indian associations and multicultural groups. Proposed features include areas for language classes, sporting and youth activities, food relief operations like Meals on Wheels, and education programs. Community leaders describe it as a practical investment to support heritage and provide resources for daily needs.
FICQ, which has campaigned for the House of India for more than a decade, has welcomed the funding pledges and emphasised that the centre will benefit all members of the local community, not just those of Indian heritage. President Dr Preethi Suraj said the vision includes a space that brings generations together and provides a platform for storytelling, cultural exchange and connection.
Support for the project has come from multiple levels and across party lines. Local stakeholders, including the Springfield City Group, have also offered strong backing for the centre, aligning it with broader goals to build inclusive infrastructure in the area.
A Step Forward for Multicultural Queensland
While some residents have raised questions about long-term maintenance and operational funding, FICQ has said future planning will focus on sustainability and partnerships. The next phase will involve community consultation, design planning and collaboration with local groups to ensure the space meets broad and inclusive needs.
For the Indian-Australian community, the project marks a meaningful step in their journey to create spaces that reflect both their identity and their ongoing role in shaping modern Australia.
Published 24-April-2025