Dr Preethi Suraj has been awarded the Queensland Day Award in recognition of her tireless commitment to community service, cultural inclusion, and grassroots leadership. The accolade was presented during a ceremony attended by The Honourable Milton Dick MP, Margie Nightingale MP and Councillor Charles Strunk, marking an emotional and proud moment for Queensland’s Indian-Australian community.
Speaking after receiving the award, Dr Suraj said, “This award is not just for me—it represents the strength, spirit, and unity of the communities I have had the privilege to serve.”
A respected biomedical researcher by profession and a civic leader by calling, Dr Suraj has long been an advocate for multicultural harmony. Her work as President of the Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland (FICQ) has focused on building bridges between cultures, promoting inclusive representation, and encouraging civic engagement. Under her stewardship, the Federation has led a variety of initiatives celebrating festivals, supporting migrant families, and engaging with policy makers on issues affecting diverse communities.
She described the award as “a humbling reminder of the values we share—community, compassion, and contribution,” and reaffirmed her belief in the power of listening and connecting as the core of leadership. “Community leadership, to me, is about standing together—especially in times of challenge and change,” she said.
The Indian Sun has reached out to Milton Dick MP and Councillor Charles Strunk for their reflections on the award presentation and Dr Suraj’s contribution to Queensland’s social fabric. Their offices are expected to provide comments shortly.
The award comes at a time when ethnic representation in civic life is more visible than ever, with grassroots leaders like Dr Suraj playing a key role in shaping inclusive policy conversations and celebrating cultural richness. Her recognition is viewed as an affirmation of years of behind-the-scenes work—much of it voluntary—towards building a stronger, more cohesive society.
As Queensland prepares for major community events including India’s Independence Day in August and Diwali in October, Dr Suraj’s story is expected to inspire many younger community members to engage more actively in local affairs.
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