TAAQ IN FOCUS
In 2017, the 8 year old association namely Thai Australian in Queensland Association changed its committee. Tina Rattanavaraha, the president, formed a new team of old and new TAAQ members and they have been active in their missions since taken up their roles. Each member of the committee was asked to share their brief stories, to provide some insight of what they have learnt from working in their respective role in TAAQ and the impact it has had on their life.
Sawasdee Australia is honoured to present their stories to the public for the first time. Stay tune for the full interview of each committee member.
Interview with the President of TAAQ
Chearanai Rattanavaraha (Tina )
Being a part of the Thai Australian Association in Queensland (TAAQ) came from my willingness and aspiration to work to give back to the community. As this position is volunteer work, it is very rewarding to give and be part of an organization that works to support the community wherever we can. I believe that learning in this position is endless and so is the work of TAAQ which is a not for profit organization.
The association provides support and assistance to many community members and projects. The work of each project that we do is different and as the president of the Association, there are new things for me to learn every day, which I find interesting and enjoyable.
The first and most important thing I learnt from this position is that the key of volunteer work is to give without expecting to receive, to think of the collective team effort for the benefit of community and our members. It is a sacrifice of your time and personal commitments for the community.
The second important thing is that our committee members also have their own professional work responsibilities and family duties. As the president the management of human resources, budget and office work is key. I have learned to work hard, to be strong and patient, and most importantly be impartial.
What this community work has given me is the joy to see others happy due of the work we do and the support we give them. It is fulfilling to know that our work helps the community grow and thrive.
I have learnt that there are many Thai people who live abroad who need help and support in many ways such as living conditions and family related issues. The TAAQ association is like a linkage or medium for our community. It helps bring members of the community together, to talk to each other and support each other. I get to see through my work with the association that Thai people love each other, enjoy each other’s friendship and have compassion towards each other. It is very rewarding.