The Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland (FICQ) has launched its own Toastmasters Club, offering a fresh opportunity for members of the Indian-Australian community to sharpen public speaking and leadership skills in a structured, encouraging setting.
The initiative was formally launched on 3 April 2025, in the presence of distinguished guests including Hon Milton Dick MP, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Senator Paul Scarr, LNP Senator for Queensland and Shadow Assistant Minister for Multicultural Engagement. Their attendance lent weight to an occasion that was built around personal growth, communication, and community strength.
FICQ President Dr Preethi Suraj described the new club as the fulfilment of a long-standing aspiration, aimed squarely at empowering individuals. “The FICQ Toastmasters Club represents a long-cherished aspiration of FICQ, which has now been realised,” she said. “This club is designed to assist individuals in developing confidence, enhancing their public speaking capabilities, and cultivating influential leadership skills.”
At its heart, the club reflects FICQ’s continued investment in community development. While the organisation has been active across various multicultural, civic, and advocacy spaces, this initiative focuses on the individual. Rather than aiming for numbers or fanfare, the emphasis is on building up people, slowly and steadily, in a supportive environment.
The launch included a demonstration by Toastmasters from Brisbane Division and District 69. The interactive session gave attendees a glimpse of the Toastmasters model in action, showing how even seasoned professionals can continue refining how they present, persuade, and lead.
The event would not have taken shape without the steady work of FICQ’s committee and its volunteers. Their efforts behind the scenes ensured that the launch wasn’t just ceremonial, but actually paved the way for immediate involvement from those in attendance.
Membership is now open to individuals who are part of the FICQ network. Whether you’re someone who freezes at the thought of speaking to a crowd, or someone looking to sharpen their leadership approach in professional settings, the club aims to offer something tangible. This isn’t about lofty ideals—it’s about giving people the tools to find their voice and use it with confidence.
For those interested in being part of the club or finding out more, the FICQ committee is inviting expressions of interest and is ready to welcome a new wave of members keen to take on the challenge.
The tagline says it best: Let’s grow together—one speech at a time.
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