The vision for a dedicated cultural hub for Queensland’s Indian community has taken a significant step forward, with the official launch of the House of India project in Springfield.
Federal Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs and Multicultural Affairs Julian Hill joined Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann on Sunday to mark the milestone, taking part in a ceremonial sod turn and foundation stone-laying at the site.
The project is backed by a $5.5 million commitment from the Albanese Government, announced as part of its 2025 federal election platform, and will be delivered in partnership with the Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland (FICQ).
Once complete, the House of India will serve as a vibrant cultural and community hub — a place for celebrations, connection, and support. The centre is designed to host community events, provide meeting spaces for Indian associations, and welcome multicultural and faith groups from across the region.
Importantly, the facility will also be open to the broader Ipswich community, offering services such as crisis accommodation, community education programs, language schools, sporting activities, and kitchen facilities to support food relief efforts.
Sunday’s ceremony brought together community and faith leaders, who offered prayers and blessed the foundation stone before it was laid. A commemorative plaque was then unveiled to mark the occasion.
Among those in attendance were State Member for Jordan and Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs Charis Mullen, Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding, representatives from Springfield City Group, and members of Queensland’s Indian community.
Assistant Minister Hill said the project reflects the growing importance of multicultural communities in Australia.
“The Indian diaspora is one of the fastest growing communities in Australia and plays an important role in the modern Australia we live in today,” he said.
“The Albanese Labor Government is committed to ensuring multicultural communities in Queensland get the support they need and the community infrastructure they deserve.”
Mr Neumann praised the work behind the project and its significance for the region.
“I want to thank the FICQ and President Dr Preethi Suraj for their hard work to progress the project, and Springfield City Group and Chairman Dr Maha Sinnathamby for their vision,” he said.
“With around 10,000 people of Indian heritage now living in Ipswich and Greater Springfield, this community makes a huge contribution to the region — and it’s time they had a place to call their own.”
