The Tibetan Community Queensland Inc. (TCQ) was established in 2006 and registered on 18^th August 2006 under the Associations Incorporations Act 1981. The TCQ  is a local community organisation representing the interests of Tibetans residing in Queensland, Australia.

Our aims and objectives are to:

• Work for the preservation of the unique spiritual and cultural heritage of Tibet
•  Work for the happiness, freedom and equality of the 6 million Tibetans living in Tibet
• Provide support for Tibetans living in Queensland
• Promote an understanding of Tibet’s cultural traditions within the Australian community
• Provide support, information and services to Tibetan refugees arriving in Queensland
• Raise awareness of and educate the Australian public about the situation in Tibet

What the Tibetan Community Queensland does:

• Provides facilities for Community members, including recreational and other activities consistent with the aims and objectives of the Community
• Provides members and others with the opportunity to learn about Tibetan culture, custom and language
• Provides regular Tibetan language classes for Tibetan children in our Community
• Participates in the annual March 10 Vigil to raise awareness of the political situation in occupied Tibet
• Supports and participates in activities and events organized by Tibet Support Groups in Australia

A Brief Background

In 1949, Tibet was  invaded by the People’s Republic of China in violation of all norms of international treaties. The Tibetan people rose up against China’s illegal occupation and systematic oppression which led to the Tibetan National Uprising on 10^th March 1959 against Chinese rule in Tibet.  The People’s Liberation Army of Communist China ruthlessly crushed this uprising. Tibet’s head of state and spiritual leader, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, together with some 80,000 Tibetans fled Tibet and sought political asylum in India, Nepal and Bhutan. Over 1.2 million Tibetans have died as a direct result of China’s illegal invasion and occupation. Over six thousand monasteries and nunneries (University) were destroyed and looted.

Thousands of Tibetan refugees continue to escape from Tibet every year to avoid Chinese persecution. In their efforts to escape, many die on the way, while others suffer untold hardship.

In Exile, under the dynamic leadership of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan Government-In-Exile was established in India to continue our struggle for Tibet’s freedom and has established education institutions providing education for Tibetans in exile, as well as re-establishing monasteries to preserve our religion and culture. In the 1960s Tibetans began migrating to Switzerland and Western countries, including USA and Canada. Today Tibetans are living in most part of the world. In 1972 the first Tibetan arrived in Australia and today there are over 2500 Tibetans living in this country, establishing several communities and preserving our rich cultural heritage and identity.

There are about 150 Tibetans in Queensland according our latest census.