Fiji Senior Citizens Association of Qld Inc, has annually organised Seniors Multicultural Dinner for the last nine years for the young and old to come together and work  in harmony for a better community. Australians from diverse cultures and backgrounds, through songs, music, dance and food come together as one nation to celebrate our diversity and unity. This year it was held on Saturday, 24^th September, 2016 at Greek Orthodox Church, Mt Gravatt, Brisbane.

President, Surendra Prasad said that the annual Seniors Multicultural Dinner on again was a great success and this was due to the support from organisations and individuals from diverse communities. The major sponsors were Lord Mayor’s Suburban Initiative Fund and Brisbane Lifestyle Division and other businesses.

Mr Prasad said there was overwhelming support from the communities and the event was sold out a month prior to the event. Over 400 people from many different communities plus invited guests, Aboriginal Elders, politicians, Commissioner of Police, representatives from Immigration and Border Protection  and Multicultural Affairs, other distinguished guests and  community leaders  attended the function.

Red Carpet Fashion and other entertainment groups from diverse communities came forward whole heartedly to support the event. Twelve different diverse communities performed their traditional  dance  on the night. The Association believes in multiculturalism and sharing with others – one family as Australian.

The association recognised three distinguished person on the night – Police Commissioner, Mr Ian Stewart APM, Mr Lewis Lee OAM and Robert Mukombozi for their contribution and outstanding services to the communities. The awards were presented by the community’s most respected elder Prof Sarva-Daman Singh.

The achievements in Olympic game in Rio, Brazil by Australia and Fiji were acknowledged by the group. Mrs Wendy Drysdale proposed the toast for Australian teams of able- bodied and disabled competitors at their respective games in August and September.

Mr Lote Caqiri ,the rugby Legend (former Fiji resident) proposed toast for Fiji for their first ever Olympic Medal …the gold Medal in the men’s Rugby Sevens.

The Macgregor Lions organised  raffles to raise fund  for Vunivavikaloa Arya primary School , Rakiraki in Fiji and raised $971.00. Fiji Senior Citizens Association made commitment to provide $F20,000 worth of building materials to Vunivavikaloa Arya primary school in Rakiraki to build multi-purpose hall for students to study and use the facility for indoor games and other activities. The school was damaged by recent cyclone, Winston. There are about 120 students  still studying in the tent. Surendra said  the Association has successfully raised $F21,000 with the donation from Macgregor Lions – $5000, Brisbane Chinese – $2537, Brisbane United Asian Lions – $1000, Paul Scarr – $1000, Peter Russo MP  – $1000, Ra Sports & Social Club –  $1000, Mr Max Winder – $500, Alton Singh-  $500 and Macgregor Lions raffle – $971. The Fiji Seniors sincerely thanked the donors for their kind thoughts and  generous contributions.