The Indian Council of Australia, Queensland Inc. has marked a milestone in community leadership after its co-founder and secretary, Ganesh Deshpande, received the 2026 Lord Mayor’s Australia Day Achievement Award.
The award recognises sustained contributions to Queensland’s multicultural sector, citing Deshpande’s work across governance, cultural programming and community development aimed at strengthening inclusion and civic participation.
Within Indian Council of Australia, Queensland Inc., Deshpande has been credited with helping shape the organisation’s growth and public presence. His leadership has supported a wide range of initiatives, including Indian Traditional New Year celebrations, International Women’s Day events, mental health symposiums and Australian citizenship ceremonies. Together, these programs have focused on cultural continuity while encouraging grassroots engagement and social wellbeing.
While accepting the award on 22 January 2026, Deshpande placed the recognition in a broader national context, referring to the observance of the National Day of Mourning for victims of the Bondi Beach attack and reflecting on the need for cohesion during difficult moments.
“Let our unity in diversity prevail over extreme thoughts. Our multicultural bonds are strong—and elastic enough—to accommodate everyone’s beliefs, thoughts, and, most importantly, their presence,” he said.
The organisation echoed that message, reaffirming its commitment to harmony, mutual respect and intercultural dialogue across Queensland. ICAQ said its ongoing work sits at the meeting point of cultural identity, civic responsibility and social inclusion.
Deshpande’s recognition points to the expanding role of multicultural community organisations in shaping civic life and supporting shared progress across the state.
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