About Indian Cultural Society of Tasmania
We are a volunteer-led not-for-profit organisation bringing people together through Indian culture, community support, connection, and celebration in Tasmania.
Since 1972, we have supported Tasmania’s Indian community by creating opportunities for people to connect with their heritage, celebrate cultural traditions, build meaningful relationships, and feel a stronger sense of belonging.
Whether you are new to Tasmania, part of an Indian family, an international student, a long-term community member, or someone interested in Indian culture, we welcome you.
Celebrating Indian Culture in Tasmania Since 1972
Established in 1972, the Indian Cultural Society of Tasmania, also known as ICST, is one of Tasmania’s long-standing Indian community organisations.
We were founded by early members of Tasmania’s Indian community who wanted to create a place for cultural connection, community engagement, and the celebration of Indian heritage.
Over the years, our community has grown, changed, and become more diverse. Through that growth, our purpose has remained strong, to preserve Indian culture, support our people, and contribute positively to Tasmania’s multicultural society.
Today, we continue to bring people together through cultural festivals, community events, educational initiatives, social gatherings, and volunteer-led programmes.
Our Purpose
Our purpose is to create a welcoming space where Indian culture, community wellbeing, and multicultural connection can thrive.
We believe culture is not only something we celebrate during festivals. It is something we live through language, music, dance, food, stories, values, family, friendship, and shared experiences.
Through our work, we help people stay connected to their roots while also building meaningful connections within Tasmania’s wider community.
OUR proud sponsorS
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Our Trustees provide leadership, guidance, and governance to support the vision, values, and long-term objectives of ICST.
Presidents and Secretaries Through the Years
historic board members
historic board members
Presidents and Secretaries Through the Years
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Our Mission
Our mission is to promote, preserve, and share Indian culture in Tasmania while supporting community connection, welfare, and belonging.
We work to:
Promote Indian culture, traditions, arts, music, dance, languages, and festivals
Support Indian migrants, new arrivals, students, families, and visitors
Create cultural, educational, and multicultural events
Provide community welfare and charitable support where possible
Encourage harmony between Indian and other cultural communities
Maintain Bharat Bhavan, India House, as a cultural and community hub
Build stronger connections between generations, cultures, and communities
Our Vision
Our vision is to be the leading cultural and community organisation representing and empowering the Indian community in Tasmania.
We want to create a future where Indian culture is celebrated proudly, new arrivals feel supported, families feel connected, young people stay close to their heritage, and the wider Tasmanian community continues to experience the richness of Indian traditions.
Our long-term goal is simple, to build a stronger, more connected, and more inclusive community for future generations.
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Who We Serve
We serve people across Hobart and Tasmania who are looking for cultural connection, community support, meaningful relationships, and opportunities to participate in Indian cultural life.
Our community includes:
Indian migrants and families living in Tasmania
International students from India
New arrivals seeking community connections
Seniors, young families, youth, and visitors
People interested in Indian culture, arts, music, dance, and traditions
Multicultural organisations and community groups
Government bodies and local stakeholders seeking community engagement
We understand that moving to a new place can sometimes feel lonely or overwhelming. Many migrants and students look for familiar culture, trusted support, and people who understand their background. We help create those connections.
What We Do
Cultural Festivals and Celebrations
We celebrate Indian festivals and cultural traditions that bring families, friends, and the wider community together. Our celebrations help people stay connected to Indian heritage while sharing the beauty of Indian culture with Tasmania’s multicultural community.
Arts, Music, Dance, and Cultural Programmes
We support Indian arts, music, dance, performance, and creative expression. These programmes give people of all ages the opportunity to participate, learn, perform, and celebrate the richness of Indian culture.
Community Events and Social Gatherings
We organise community events that help people meet, reconnect, and build friendships. These gatherings are especially important for new arrivals, students, families, and seniors who want to feel more connected and supported.
Settlement and Community Support
We support Indian migrants, international students, new arrivals, and visitors by helping them connect with local networks and community activities. Our aim is to make people feel welcomed, included, and less isolated as they settle into life in Tasmania.
Cultural Education and Awareness
We promote learning and awareness around Indian languages, traditions, values, culture, and philosophy. Through cultural education, we help strengthen identity within the Indian community while encouraging greater understanding across different cultures.
Community Welfare and Charitable Activities
We care about the well-being of our community. Where possible, we support people who may be elderly, disadvantaged, isolated, or in need of community connection. Our work is guided by compassion, inclusion, and service.
Volunteer Opportunities
We are powered by volunteers who generously give their time, energy, and skills. Volunteers help us organise events, support programmes, welcome new people, manage activities, and strengthen community life.
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Bharat Bhavan, Our Cultural Home
Bharat Bhavan, also known as India House, is an important part of our community identity.
It serves as a cultural and community hub where people can gather, learn, celebrate, connect, and participate in Indian cultural life. It is more than a building, it is a shared home for community connection, cultural preservation, and future growth.
Through Bharat Bhavan, we continue to support cultural activities, community programmes, educational initiatives, and gatherings that bring people together.
What Makes Us Different
We are proud to be one of Tasmania’s oldest and most established Indian community organisations.
Our strength comes from our history, our people, our volunteers, and our commitment to both cultural preservation and community wellbeing.
Why people connect with us:
We have served the community since 1972
We have deep roots within Tasmania’s Indian community
We are volunteer-led and community-driven
We welcome people from all backgrounds
We support both culture and community welfare
We provide a dedicated cultural hub through Bharat Bhavan
We create opportunities for cultural exchange, not just cultural celebration
We are trusted by generations of Tasmanians
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Our Values
Inclusive
We welcome people from all backgrounds and believe community is stronger when everyone feels respected and included.
Cultural
We are committed to preserving, celebrating, and sharing Indian culture, traditions, arts, languages, and festivals.
Belonging
We help people feel connected, supported, and part of a meaningful community in Tasmania.
Building Connections Across Tasmania
We believe Indian culture has an important place in Tasmania’s multicultural story.
Through our events, partnerships, and community activities, we encourage understanding, respect, and interaction between Indian and other cultural groups.
We work with community organisations, local stakeholders, multicultural groups, and government bodies to support a more connected and inclusive Tasmania.
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Join Our Community
Whether you are looking to reconnect with your culture, meet new people, attend cultural events, volunteer, support Bharat Bhavan, or find a stronger sense of belonging, we would love to welcome you.
By becoming a member, you can stay connected with our events, support our cultural mission, and be part of a community that has been serving Tasmania for more than five decades.
Be Part of Our Story
Our story began in 1972 with a simple purpose, to bring people together through Indian culture and community.
Today, that purpose continues through every festival, every gathering, every volunteer effort, every cultural programme, and every person who finds connection through our community.
We invite you to be part of that story.
