Irish Australian Support Association of Queensland in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia | Community centre

Irish Australian Support Association of Queensland

Locality: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Phone: +61 432 087 328

Address: 5 Abingdon Street 4102 Brisbane, QLD, Australia

Website: http://www.iasaq.com.au/

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25.01.2022 An Important Message from Home Affairs for those on temp Visa's: Visa Status is not a barrier to coronavirus (COVID-19) testing To support Queenslands response to COVID-19, people who do not have adequate insurance coverage and are not eligible for Medicare will not be charged out of pocket expenses if they present to any Queensland Health facility for assessment in relation to COVID-19 infection. More information is available from Queensland Health below: https://www.qld.gov.au//stay-inf/testing-and-fever-clinics

25.01.2022 This weeks Irish Program from radio 4EB in Brisbane. Starts 12 noon

24.01.2022 Our AGM was held last Friday night at the IASAQ office and we're proud to present you to our incoming Board of Directors for 2020/21. Full of dedicated, professional and inspiring people, the Board are keen to get to work! Together with our co-ordinator Paddy, we're committed to the values of IASAQ; those being respect, compassion and a belief that all people, irrespective of their backgrounds, faith, gender, or orientation should be receiving support when theyre at their mo...st vulnerable. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Irish community in Queensland for your support over the past year, we will continue to help and assist people where needed. We're all stronger if we work together and we see it as a true honour to be part of this community. Ní neart go cur le chéile - there is no strength without unity.

24.01.2022 From 1 August 2020, all travellers entering or transferring through the UAE will require a negative COVID-19 PCD test certificate. This will apply to anyone flying via Abu Dhabi & Dubai. The test must be taken a maximum of 96 hours before departure. For more info, please check with your airline.

24.01.2022 We were delighted to welcome some members of our Seniors Group back to the IASAQ office today for the first time since February! There was plenty of catching up, craic and a delicious Irish stew cooked by our coordinator Paddy. As part of our ongoing engagement to ensure the health and wellbeing of our seniors though this difficult time, IASAQ will be launching a project called Stay Connected. This initiative will provide digital literacy training to our seniors so they... can develop the skills and confidence to access information and services online. The program provides training in computers, tablets and smart phones to help seniors to stay connected with their families, friends and communities. Isolation for elderly people in our communities is a major concern at the moment so if you are an elderly person or know someone who would like to join the group, contact us on 0432 087 328 or email [email protected]. Wed love you to take part!

24.01.2022 We had to share this incredible artwork by Jenny Jessop Artist, Jenny is an Irish artist living in Melbourne. This piece is her submission to this year's Sulman Prize at the Art Gallery of NSW. Take a moment to read the description. This painting is for everyone who is perhaps feeling homesick at the moment or has had difficulty settling. Ireland has such a strong history of visual artists, art has the power to get us through tough times. Good luck Jenny! The Leaving, An ode... to Tír na nÓg Oil On Canvas, 120cm X 90cm "In Irish mythology, Tír na nÓg (Land of the Eternal Youth) was a magical place across the seas where time stood still, nothing ever aged and sadness was never known. One of its most well know tales is the love story of Oisín and Niamh. They go to Tír na nÓg on a magical white horse that can travel over water. After some years, Oisín becomes homesick and wants to return to his homeland. Niamh lets him return on the magical horse, but warns him never to touch the ground. When he returns, he finds that 300 years have passed in Ireland. Oisín falls from the horse. He discovered that time did not stand still here, his family have died and life continued without him. My painting is a homage to the traveller, their joys and sorrows. And when the biggest journey is settling." *Not shown in this picture, I completed this piece with some wattle which is a symbol of resilience and fortitude and an emblem of Australia.*

23.01.2022 Happy Friday everyone. For those of you who are actually members of IASAQ, we wish to advise that the AGM of the Irish Australian Support Association of Qld Inc will take place at the Associations office at Justice Place, 5 Abingdon Street, Woolloongabba on Friday 21 August 2020 at 6.00pm. If you have not received an e mail from us, or a letter in your mailbox to that effect, by Monday afternoon next, then drop me an email to [email protected] with either your correct email address, or actual mailing address, and I'll get the various documents regarding the AGM out to you directly. Have a great weekend everyone and stay safe, Here if you need us.

23.01.2022 Well now, haven’t we seen it all

23.01.2022 Anyone for creamy mash, Irish sausages and thick mushroom gravy? Our coordinator and chef extraordinaire Patrick Farrelly whipping up a delicious lunch for our Seniors Group! If youd like to join the group, or know someone who may be interested email [email protected] or ring 0432 087 328.

22.01.2022 Bit of a laugh on a Sunday Evening Irish Mammies Talking About Anything Killian Sundermann. We hope everyone had an enjoyable, safe and restful weekend. Bring on the week ahead !

22.01.2022 Did you catch this wonderful story yesterday? Well it turns out that Aishling is from Castlebar, Co. Mayo! A little Irish baby born in the South Brisbane bike lane Comhghairdeas agus Sláinte to the family on their new (and very quick!) arrival

22.01.2022 The duo we didnt know we needed! Brilliant performance that shows how valuable the arts are during this time Wishing everyone a happy & safe weekend, please continue to maintain social distancing and stay at home if youre feeling unwell. Sláinte

22.01.2022 DRESS CODE: The dress code for the Brisbane Irish Festival Charity Ball 2021 in aid of IASAQ is formal to cocktail. That includes tux, suit, full length dress, cocktail dress, whatever floats your boat and will ensure that you will have the most fun for the evening No thongs or GAA jerseys permitted (we're looking at you Kerry people ) Purchase tickets by clicking here: https://www.trybooking.com/BOAOR

21.01.2022 SAVE THE DATE! Remember your last proper night out before the world changed? Was it this year's Charity Ball? Good news, we're back and even better next year! Keep Saturday, 6th March 2021 free as we gear up to celebrate our Irish culture and heritage. Always a highlight on the Patrick's Day event calendar, our Charity Ball is a major fundraiser for IASAQ. So grab a babysitter, get a table together and come join the Irish community in Brisbane for an excellent night. Music and entertainment by Sásta. More details to follow...

21.01.2022 Our co-ordinator Paddy celebrated a milestone birthday over the weekend! Paddy routinely goes out of his way to support people in distress and is a huge asset to the Irish community in Queensland Lá breithe shona duit from all of us here at IASAQ. Thanks for all you do you don’t look a day over 21!

21.01.2022 Good news! From September 29th An Post will resume sending post and packages from Ireland to Australia (once they're under 10kg) We can see the influx of care packages from home already

20.01.2022 On the 11th Hour, of the 11th Day, of the 11th Month, the Guns fell silent, and thus ended the greatest slaughter up to that time, of Human Beings in War. "They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning ... We will remember them." See more

20.01.2022 5 weeks today is Christmas Eve so we've put together 5 handy tips to deal with spending Christmas in Australia. Please share or tag anyone that you feel would benefit from this post or add your own tips below. Even though we're abroad we're still together.

20.01.2022 Always a highlight on the event calendar, we invite you to join us for the Brisbane Irish Festival Charity Ball 2021 in aid of IASAQ, on Saturday, 6th March from 6pm. The night will consist of a two course meal and a three hour drinks package with traditional Irish music by Sásta. This is always a fantastic night of entertainment and cultural connection. All proceeds go towards towards IASAQ, so we can continue to assist the Irish and Irish Australian community. Please consi...der coming along to support a good cause whilst celebrating our unique culture Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.trybooking.com/BOAOR Please note that while you will be asked to submit a name for each ticket you can easily change this leading up to the event. Guests are also asked to submit their dietary requirements and if you would like to be seated next to or near some friends :)

20.01.2022 Happy Hump Day! Anyone fancy a cuppa and a Tayto sandwich? Did you know that most of your favourite Irish food items are now stocked in Australian supermarkets? Youd be surprised how much having something from home will ease homesickness. Its the small things in life that help us through these times. Between the two big supermarkets you will find KerryGold Butter, Barrys & Lyons Tea, McDonalds Curry Sauce, Mushy Peas, Fig Rolls, Bisto, Club Orange and much more. (Taytos are currently on offer in Woolworths this week for $2!) If youre looking for proper Irish sausages and black pudding, call into Paul in Annerley Meats. We hope this information helps, any connection to home is useful. Stay Safe and Sláinte!

19.01.2022 A lovely good news story of a reunited family. Wishing the Kelly family the very best, they must be delighted to be back together. Go n-éirí an t-ádh leat!

19.01.2022 Anyone else a touch homesick this morning after seeing the hauntingly beautiful fog around Brisbane? With more restrictions set to ease in Queensland today, we wish everyone a happy & safe weekend. Remember to keep up the social distancing when you're out and about :)

19.01.2022 Sport is back! Brisbane Souths GFC are commencing training tomorrow night Wednesday, 29th July at 7.30pm in Carindale. On Saturday, 1st August from 3pm, the Brisbane Hurling and Camogie Club resume training over in Cannon Hill. All players, new and existing, and of all skills levels are welcome. Hit up the clubs if you want to play, it's a great way to meet people and get fit!

19.01.2022 IASAQ IN THE MEDIA: - Our President Nicola featured in the Irish Daily Mail speaking about the unlikelihood that people will be able to travel home for Christmas. We know a lot of you are worried about having to spend Christmas in Australia and not seeing family, its a daunting thought. However we're all in the same boat and can come together. Irish expats are really going to depend on one another this year which will really make you appreciate the support networks we have... in Australia. The Irish-Australian community will rally together to make Christmas special. I would urge anyone who is feeling down about the holidays to get in touch with the many Support Agencies. - Our co-ordinator Paddy is radio this evening on ABC Brisbane from 7pm with Kelly Higgins-Devine. Make sure to tune in, its always a great show!

19.01.2022 RIDE FOR LEO: A couple in Brisbane recently heard the words that no parent should hear, their 15 mth old baby boy Leo has cancer. The community has rallied together to support them and on 31st January 2021, they will be hosting a 100km charity ride with some friends in a fundraising effort for Simon and Mel so they can spend the next 5 months fighting by Leo’s side, not having to worry about their mortgage or bills. IASAQ are delighted to be able to support the Ride for Leo w...ith their marketing and awareness. If you would like to get involved please message their page directly. Let’s get together, sponsor people for this gruelling 100km ride in the middle of summer and raise some funds to help these guys out. Covid-pending their may be an event on the Sunday to celebrate everyone who has completed the ride. We wish Mel, Simon, baby Leo and their families all the best for the recovery. Ye can do this!! Ní neart go cur le chéile. There is no strength without unity.

18.01.2022 An Irish passport found on the beach at Moore Park on Sunday, July 5. Contact Police at Crime Watch Logan to retrieve it folks! Logan Central Station Phone Number (07) 3826 1888

18.01.2022 Today we launched our Stay Connected Project for our Seniors Group. Were using iPads and a tech-savvy teacher to bring our seniors closer together with their family, friends and local community. Over the next few weeks were going to be learning about FaceTime, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram and other widely utilised communication platforms so that they can easily keep in contact with family back home.

18.01.2022 ANNOUNCEMENT! Join on Friday, 30th October at The Tivoli Brisbane to celebrate the Celtic roots of Halloween with live music from Sásta, Irish dancers and stories from the IASAQ Shanachie The Festival of Samhain marked the end of the Celtic year and the beginning of the new one and as such can be seen to the equivalent of New Year's Eve. With this in mind, Samhain is a night of celebration as we look towards the final part of 2020. ... Fancy dress is encouraged, with prizes for best dressed. Doors are at 6pm with the show kicking off at 7pm. This is a seated event with a cash bar & food - all ages welcome. Tickets are only $20 plus booking fee and are available here: https://moshtix.com.au//samhain-featuring-sasta-ias/122866 Grab your friends and family, get dressed up and celebrate the Samhain. We cannot wait!

18.01.2022 "It’s possible to appreciate your good fortune while at the same time live with the very real grief that a part of you is missing. In some ways, this is the migrant experience your heart forever torn between two countries. A longing for home when you’re already home." A very real and powerful article from Jill Stark that speaks about peculiar experience of living in Australia where we’re told is the envy of the world" when reality, all you want is to see your family. ... This piece may be upsetting to people, but we're sending love to anyone who is missing home right now

18.01.2022 Today we launched our ‘Stay Connected’ Project for our Seniors Group. We’re using iPads and a tech-savvy teacher to bring our seniors closer together with their family, friends and local community. Over the next few weeks we’re going to be learning about FaceTime, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram and other widely utilised communication platforms so that they can easily keep in contact with family back home.

17.01.2022 Some Tuscan Chicken with a Locally inspired Greek salad & garlic bread for our Gold Crew luncheon today. Two weeks from today is our Christmas lunch for the gang and the last one before Christmas break, so if you or someone you know would like to join the gang? Give Paddy a shout and we’ll be happy to welcome them along. Advance notice will be appreciated

17.01.2022 We've had lots of enquiries from people in the process of getting their crew together to book a table. If you're still confirming whether your family/friends are attending, (there's always one ) please send us a message on social media or email [email protected] and we can temporarily hold a table for you and work out an agreed date for you to book by. The Ball is guaranteed to sell out again this year, so if you know for sure that you're coming along, we would encourage you to book early to avoid disappointment. Click here for tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/BOAOR P.S How gorgeous does the Ballroom look from last years event?

16.01.2022 Bit of nostalgia for a rainy Brisbane evening. You know you went to school in Ireland if you recognise any of these images...

16.01.2022 Oh! ma ma ma, oh! ma ma ma, oh! ma ma ma..my July! While it would be an understatement to say the first half of 2020 was difficult for us all, we look towards the next 6 months with hope, positivity and confidence. If you find yourself in distress or require help, you can always contact IASAQ on 0432 087 328, email [email protected] or direct message our social media channels. ... Our mission remains the same as on day one; to provide support, care, assistance and consideration, where needed for the Irish Australian community in Queensland. Here's to the rest of 2020, the best is yet to come!

16.01.2022 HOMESICKNESS/CUMHACH: We know that there are a lot of you in Australia feeling homesick at the moment. A comfort to living on the other side of the world is knowing that you can jump on a plane home if anything ever happened. Now that this lifeline has been taken away, its only natural to miss loved ones in Ireland. We want to know that we hear you, and are going through the same thing. People separated by distance have long found ways to maintain connections and the lessons... we have learned from this are especially important during these difficult times. Its about changing your frame of mind to focus on the bond that you have with family and friends at home, rather than focusing on the physical distance. Regular contact through video, phone calls, messages, and even post will all help. Its also important to concentrate on the friendships and connections that you have forged here in Australia, reach out to the people present with you here. Remember that even though were physically separated for the time being, it wont last forever. Time doesnt take away from family and friendship neither does distance. Its ok to be scared, but well get through this collectively. The Irish have a longstanding history of coming together when times are tough and this is no different. IASAQ are always here to help. - Ní neart go cur le chéile. There is no strength without unity.

16.01.2022 Anyone else finding this week tough? Hitting the wall is real. Were still in the middle of a global pandemic. Its ok to be extra tired, drained or disillusioned with things. If youre feeling overwhelmed or stressed by it all, be reassured that this is a very normal response. However, its important to go easy on yourself and to take time for self-care. Some ideas include: - Staying active - Chatting to your friends (either here or in Ireland)... - Practising mindfulness or meditation - Listening to your favourite music - Giving yourself a good nights sleep Hard days are real because this is hard Were all feeling the same thing right now and youre allowed be out of sorts. Be kind to yourself, look after yourself and one another. IASAQ are always here to help.

14.01.2022 The countdown is on! 1 week until the #LateLateToyShow It’ll kick off at 7.35am Brisbane time on Saturday, 28th November. No matter where you are in the world, watch live or on demand on #RTÉPlayer.

14.01.2022 BRISBANE BACKYARD FLEADH CHEOIL 2020: With the cancellation of this year's Fleadh Cheoil Mullingar 2020, TG4 reached out to artists around the world to create a global online event. Last weekend, IASAQ were proud to support a group of talented local musicians to get together and present the Brisbane submission! Enjoy this clip of a fantastic afternoon celebrating Irish music and culture right here on our doorstep - keep an eye out for the televisied version later this year. A huge thank you to Deirdre Hurley Angelos, all our brilliant musicians, Tyrone Ryan from Cinder Studios, Paddy Farrelly & Nicola Holly from the Irish Australian Support Association of Queensland and the Embassy of Ireland, Canberra for their support.

13.01.2022 Some thoughts as we come to the end of the week here at IASAQ. In the past year, we have seen a huge surge in cases, many of these related to distressing issues such as mental health, domestic violence, emotional abuse and financial abuse. Firstly, if you find yourself in any of these situations or similar, know that *it is not your fault.* Living on the other side of the world from your support connections can put even the most stable of people in difficult and dangerous sit...uations. With that in mind, we want to make note of three crucial things. - Please be kind. Even the strongest of people are able to hide things. You have absolutely no idea what people are going through and the only way to combat this is with kindness. Gestures or acts of kindness when people are in a vulnerable state can make a huge difference, and we have seen this first hand. - Reach out to your friends and family. This goes two ways, if someone is behaving differently check in with them to see if they’re ok. Perhaps take them out for a coffee to catch up. If you have a gut feeling about something, it’s usually right. If you need help, speak to your friends/family/support networks you have in place here. - You can always contact IASAQ. We will endeavour to do our best to help and assist you, and if we can’t, you better believe that we know the people that can. Even if it feels like it, you are never alone in Australia. There is always support. So please, be kind and look after one another. Kindness changes everything

13.01.2022 BREAKING NEWS: Greater Brisbane will be entering a three day lockdown. From 6pm tonight until 6pm Monday, residents in the local government areas of Brisbane, Ipswich, Moreton Bay, Logan and Redlands can only leave home for one of these four reasons: 1. To buy essentials like groceries or medications 2. Work or study if you can’t do either from home... 3. Exercise 4. Healthcare or to provide help, care or support Residents of these areas must also wear masks everywhere except at home. IASAQ encourages residents of these areas to stay at home for the next three days, wear masks and practise social distancing. Please stay safe. More information can be found at: https://www.health.qld.gov.au/

13.01.2022 6 weeks today is Christmas Eve. There are so many amazing small businesses that need our help. Support local artists and artisans. Let’s pledge to change the way we do our Christmas shopping this year and give our local economy some love!

12.01.2022 HAPPY WOMEN'S CHRISTMAS! The twelfth and final day of Christmas, January 6th, is known in Ireland as Nollaig na mBan or Women’s Christmas. As a reward for their hard work over the Christmas season, it was a day off from all house work for women and traditional roles were supposed to be reversed in the home: men did the women’s work in the house while women rested and gathered together informally. It is considered unlucky in Ireland to take down the Christmas tree and decorati...ons before the twelfth day of Christmas, a custom which is still recognised and practised by many. Women’s Christmas was well known in some areas, such as in Cork and Kerry, with some in other regions professing to have never heard of it. By the mid 20th century, the tradition of Nollaig na mBan had largely died out, but is slowly undergoing a revival. It is a tradition worth reviving as, in the past, the fact that women did the majority of work in the home was acknowledged by Women’s Christmas. We hope all women in Ireland and Australia are celebrating and enjoying a well deserved day off

12.01.2022 KIND JULY: If every person in Australia did one act of kindness a day for the month of July, that would be 775 million acts of kindness in Kind July (and 9.3 billion acts of kindness every year). The Irish are know for their welcoming, kind spirit. This July we ask you to make a pledge of kindness by visiting https://www.staykind.org/make-a-kindness-pledge/

12.01.2022 Cineáltas | Kindness A little reminder as we approach the weekendkindness has no bounds. You have absolutely no idea what people are going through. On the surface, they may be the life and soul of the (socially distanced) party but inside they may be facing a personal battle. Kindness is more than a marketing ploy on a t-shirt or a water bottle, it needs to be acted upon. Us Irish arent always the best at dealing with things but this post asks you to be aware that other p...eople struggle, not always visibly, just as you do, and to extend them some compassion. Its also a good time to remember to be kind to yourself :) Wishing everyone a happy, safe and restful weekend from all of us here at IASAQ.

12.01.2022 Too good not to share again We hope everyone was well wrapped up this morning, she’s getting fierce ‘cold’

11.01.2022 According to Australia Post, standard international mail to Ireland can take up to 25 days. That's not leaving a lot of time for Christmas packages! Not a bad idea to think about posting items home sooner rather than later to ensure they arrive in time!

11.01.2022 A bit homesick now after this, Mark McBride getting the best out of the last of the long evenings before winter settles in.

10.01.2022 Anois teacht an tEarraigh - Spring is now coming... Antaine Ó Reachtaire (17841835) was better known as Raifteirí an file (the poet). Blind since early childhood he was one of the last generation of traditional wandering Gaelic bards playing the fiddle, singing and also composing. It was only after his death that his work was written down. The poem Cill Aodáin celebrates the Irish tradition of welcoming spring on St Brigid's Day, the first of February. The poet yearns to... return to his home village, in a certain place and time. Whilst we do things slightly different down under and we might all be yearning for our home town at the moment, it is an absolutely stunning time of year to be in Queensland. Bring on the beauty of Spring!

10.01.2022 In Memoriam of John Hume and his contribution to peace in Northern Ireland

09.01.2022 WOW, what a response! The Brisbane Irish Festival Charity Ball 2021 will take place on Saturday, 6th March from 6pm at the Victoria Park Golf Complex. Tickets will be refunded incase the event cannot go ahead due to Covid restrictions. You can change the names on your ticket You can book seperate tickets and still sit next to your family or friends ... Craic guaranteed The night will consist of a two course meal and a three hour drinks package with traditional Irish music by Sásta. This is always a fantastic night of entertainment and cultural connection. All proceeds go towards towards IASAQ, so we can continue to assist the Irish and Irish Australian community. Please consider coming along to support a good cause whilst celebrating our unique culture Purchase your tickets here: https://www.trybooking.com/BOAOR

09.01.2022 Covid-safe but make it fashun The IASAQ Board and volunteers will be keeping an eye on the things this week while Paddy takes some well deserved time off. We can be reached on 0432 087 328, [email protected] or on social media

08.01.2022 We were delighted to be a part of the Brisbane Backyard Fleadh! Huge thanks to Deirdre Hurley for organising the event, all our talented musicians and the Embassy of Ireland, Canberra for their support. It's great to see our Irish community in Brisbane represented in the #Fleadh2020. Tune into the TG4 Player to watch all the craic - Hup!

08.01.2022 Happy Pride Day to our friends at Brisbane Pride Festival! The Irish word for pride is 'bród' and should be celebrated with love, kindness & compassion IASAQ supports all Irish & Irish Australians, without exception and we are against discrimination of any kind. Image credit: the gorgeously talented Irish illustrator Nine Arrow #bród #loveislove

08.01.2022 Today is International Friendship Day! Its a day where people come together with their friends to celebrate each other and the relationship that exists between them. Living on the other side of the world from close friends can be difficult, especially at the moment when we're unsure when we'll see loved ones again. But long-distance friendships are those that can get stronger from the miles that they are apart because there is never anything that can prevent you from being friends. Today we celebrate our close friends, new friends that weve made in Australia, old friends, best friends, work friends, and all types of friendship in between. Tag your long-distance friend to show them that youre thinking about them today. Cairdeas go deo

08.01.2022 Looking for a night out to celebrate the Irish culture and heritage? Perhaps you’re missing home and need a connection to Ireland. Well IASAQ and Sásta have got you covered! SAMHAIN is the ancient Irish Celtic festival, dating back several thousand years, which is the root of what is now celebrated around the world as Halloween. Keep Friday, 30th October free. Full details will drop tomorrow, tickets will be limited so get in quick. We can’t wait to celebrate Samhain with you!

07.01.2022 It felt like he was Irelands dad in the 90s ... made us all feel like our little country had a rightful place on the world stage of football. Jack Charlton was a true giant of Irish sport. Our sincere condolences to his family. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

07.01.2022 Missing loved ones in Ireland? The Irish Examiner want to help you to connect with the people you love, but may not see, this Christmas. Every Saturday, in the weeks leading up to Christmas, they will publish as many messages as they can in print and online, starting this week, November 28. Whatever you want to say to those you love this at home this Christmas, you can say it through our national newspaper - a sweet idea for those we miss in Ireland Simply go to www.irish...examiner.com/homeatheart and upload your message. #HomeatHeart See more

06.01.2022 Are you planning to stay in Brisbane this Christmas? Would you be interested in a sit-down dinner during Christmas week, perhaps with a bit of live music? IASAQ are in the process of putting together a Christmas initiative to improve the emotional wellbeing and connectedness of our Irish and Irish Australian community. Please comment below with your interest or any other ideas as to how we can all stay connected this year. Because even though we're abroad, we can still be together

06.01.2022 Chippies required for shuttering work around Brisbane & Gold Coast areas. If you are looking for work, PM me your details and I'll pass them on for you.

06.01.2022 This promises to be a great event, and as its online, you can Stream it and enjoy from the comfort of your own couch ..!!

05.01.2022 Happy 80th Birthday to Uachtarán na hÉireann, Michael D. Higgins! A passionate political voice, a poet and writer, academic and statesman, human rights advocate, promoter of inclusive citizenship and champion of creativity within Irish society. Michael D. Higgins has, like many in Ireland, seen generations of his family emigrate. He has a strong interest and solidarity with the Irish abroad. IASAQ Staff & Board Members were honoured to meet the President and his wide Sabine when he visited Brisbane in 2017. Go mairfidh tú an chéad!

05.01.2022 Happy Fathers Day! Today we celebrate dads and all that they bring to our lives Lá na nAithreacha sona doibh to all the dads, step-dads, grandfathers, dads in heaven, soon-to-be dads, those who act as father figures, those lucky enough to have two dads & those who never got to be dads

05.01.2022 We were lucky enough to celebrate Cecil and Carmel Halpins Diamond Wedding Anniversary at the IASAQ office today. Originally from Dublin, the couple have been in Brisbane since the 60s. Carmel is also celebrating her 80th birthday at the weekend. After 60 years, they are still in love and the mutual admiration and respect they have for each other is beautiful to witness. Comhghairdeas ar lá comórtha bhur diamaint bpósta!

04.01.2022 The #LateLateToyShow are looking for international musicians and dancers to take part in this years show Lets see some Irish representation from Australia! Apply here -> www.rte.ie/latelate

03.01.2022 CHRISTMAS IN BRISBANE: We may not be at home, but we have rounded up the best family friendly Christmas events in Brisbane, kicking off tomorrow with The Lighting of the Brisbane Christmas Tree (Virtual Only Event) - THE LORD MAYOR’S CHRISTMAS CAROLS RIVERSTAGE, CITY BOTANIC GARDENS 5 DEC | FROM 4:00pm: Hear your favourite Christmas carols performed by Brisbane’s best at a joyous event at the iconic Riverstage. - BRISBANE CITY HALL LIGHTS KING GEORGE SQUARE 4-24 DEC | 7:...30pm midnight: Watch a playful Christmas tale come to life every 15 minutes via an exciting light and animation show, projected onto Brisbane City Hall. - CHRISTMAS TREE SPECTACULAR SOUTH BANK PIAZZA | 18-23 DEC 5:30pm & 7:30pm nightly: An enthralling Christmas production featuring song, dance and circus acts! This show is guaranteed to ignite excitement for the ‘Most Wonderful Time of the Year’. - FESTIVE BEATS VARIOUS LOCATIONS 18-23 DEC | 4:009:45pm: Delight in the smooth vocals of 30 different local artists across South Bank, as they serenade guests with original tunes and cheerful Christmas covers. - CHRISTMAS CINEMA RIVER QUAY GREEN | 18-23 DEC 6:00PM AND 8:00pm: Pull up a picnic rug on South Bank Parklands’ River Quay Green and delight in a free cinematic experience at the outdoor Christmas Cinema as the sun sets over the Brisbane skyline. - SANTA’S STOPOVER FLOWSTATE | 18-23 DEC 4:009:30pm | 4 SESSIONS NIGHTLY Pay a visit to Mr and Mrs Claus at South Bank Parklands’ Flowstate, set amongst a magnificent towering fig tree and light installation. Please note that this year attendees will be required to take their own photos at Santa’s Stopover and Mr and Mrs Claus will remain socially distanced from patrons throughout. Free tickets are required for this activation and can be secured one hour prior to scheduled sessions at Flowstate. - KIDS CRAFT AND STORYTELLING FLOWSTATE | 18-23 DEC | 4:008:45pm 5 SESSIONS NIGHTLY: Kids Craft and Storytelling will entertain children on Flowstate Lawns with Santa’s elves reciting their favourite storybook tales and the opportunity for littlies to create their very own wombat crowns. Free tickets are required for this activation and can be secured one hour prior to scheduled sessions at Flowstate. Click here for more information and make sure to tag anyone that you think would be interested https://www.familiesmagazine.com.au//Christmas-in-Brisbane

02.01.2022 New week, new us! We decided it was time to update the IASAQ Branding our new design is a contemporary uptake on our current logo. The inclusion of the cultural icons of the shamrock and kangaroo creates a synergy between Ireland and Australia. The four smaller shamrocks are a representation of the four provinces of Ireland Founded in Brisbane over 10 years ago, our mission remains the same as on day one; to provide support, care and assistance and consideration, where needed for the Irish Australian community in Queensland

02.01.2022 Check out the video for this years Charity Ball - what a night! Huge thank you to the Brisbane Irish Festival for capturing the footage. It was an incredible night of Irish cultural celebration & we would like to thank everyone who attended and donated to our organisation, your support is deeply appreciated Big thank you to Sásta, the electric atmosphere your music creates is exceptional. This video sums up the night perfectly; great music, great craic and a great crowd of people. See you all next year! (Just get in early for tickets ) Go raibh míle maith agaibh go léir

01.01.2022 We know how we're spending our Sunday Hope everyone has had a happy, safe and enjoyable long weekend here in Brisbane!

01.01.2022 We were lucky enough to celebrate Cecil and Carmel Halpin’s Diamond Wedding Anniversary at the IASAQ office today. Originally from Dublin, the couple have been in Brisbane since the 60’s. Carmel is also celebrating her 80th birthday at the weekend. After 60 years, they are still in love and the mutual admiration and respect they have for each other is beautiful to witness. Comhghairdeas ar lá comórtha bhur diamaint bpósta!