June 2026 Desi Australia Digital Magazine

06. Crafting Passion Through Dance: A Legacy in Print On the morning of 19 June 2026, ...

08. Youngest-Ever F of the 134 year old In a moment of immense pride f 55.

Mela Teeyan Da: Celebrating Punjabi Culture and Mela Teeyan Da was a beautiful ...

Women in Leadership S - Leadership in E

Echoes of a Legend Rafi Forever in S Lindsay McQuattie, Deput A fortnight ago, on a rain

AFL Victoria And Sikh Community Build Stronger Sport and culture came together in ...

50.

53. 18. 26. 34. 30.

38. University Of Queensland Deepens India Engagement

The University of Queensland (UQ) ...

44. When Bad Behaviour Travels: The Cost The rise in international travel among ...

48. Melbourne Hosts Inaugural Miss India South Pacific A celebration of heritage, ambition ...

PUBLISHER

Desi Australia Pty Ltd

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Arti Banga

CAMPAIGN DIRECTOR

Dimple Banga

NSW EDITOR:

Sukruti Narayanan

VICTORIA EDITOR:

Satinder Chawla Pooja Prem

QUEENSLAND

EDITOR:

Rajni Ghai Malhotra

ACT EDITOR:

Rajni Ghai Malhotra

DESIGNER

Ðevender Kumar

ARTI BANGA

Editor-in-Chief

Hello Everyone,

EDITOR'S

LETTER

thejoyandcolourofTeeyancelebrationsto Melbourne’sinauguralMissIndiaSouthPacific, sports,travel,entertainment,arts,andculture eachstoryreflectsthestrength,spirit,and diversityofourcommunity

Email : info@DesiAustralia.com

AswebringyoutheJuneeditionof Desi Australia Magazine, wearereminded onceagainthatcommunityisnotbuiltin oneplace,throughoneevent,orbyone voice.Itisbuiltthroughstories:storiesof creativity,service,culture,achievement, andpublicdebate.Ourstoriescontinueto showthatmulticulturalAustraliaisnot onthemarginsinsteaditisattheheartof thenation’sidentity

Thismonth’seditioncapturesthemany layersofourvibrantmulticultural Australia.Fromthelaunchofalocal booktothewarmthofAustralia’sBiggest MorningTea,from

Wethankourreaders,contributors,community organisations,andsupportersforcontinuingto sharetheseimportantstorieswithus.Asalways, DesiAustraliaremainscommittedtocelebrating ourcommunity,amplifyingdiversevoices,and buildingbridgesacrosscultures.

AtDesiAustralia,wearealwaysinspiredbythe peopleandstoriesthatshapeourcollective journey.Ifyouhaveastory,event,or achievementyouwouldliketoshare,wewarmly inviteyoutoconnectwithusat info@DesiAustralia.com.

Happy reading!

DesiAustralia.com

“Keeping you connected”

ODesiAustralia

nthemorningof19June

2026,Parramatta’s CommunityMigrant ResourceCentrewasmorethana venue.Itwasastage.

There,HarmohanSinghWalia launchedhis4thcoffeetablebook, CraftingPassionThroughDance, beforearoomofdignitaries, educators,dancers,andstorytellers. ThebookwasunveiledbyDr.S. Janakiraman,ConsulGeneralofIndia, Sydney;TheHon.AndrewCharlton MP,CabinetSecretaryandAssistant MinisterforScience,Technologyand theDigitalEconomy;Cr.Sameer Pandey;MsMelissaMonteiro,CEOof

CMRC;Dr.ShanRuprai,CEOofthe AustralianInstituteofBusiness ImprovementandJurorforthePrime Minister’sOffice,Dubai;Harinder KaurOAM&ManinderSinghofthe HarmanFoundation;andAnuj KulshresthaofHindiGaurav&Opera Events.VeteranbroadcasterKumud

MeraniheldtheroomtogetherasMC.

Inhiswelcomeaddress,Mr.Waliasaid eachofhisbookshadbeenajourney Thisone,however,“hitdifferent” “Danceisn’tjuststepsandmusic,”he toldtheaudience.“It’sdiscipline.It’s expression.It’sastorytoldwithout words.”

CraftingPassionThroughDanceis Mr.Walia’scuratedportraitofIndian danceschoolsandacademiesacross Australia.Throughintricatefootwork, gracefullines,andexpressive gesture,thebooktraceshow studentstraininmultiplestyleswhile

quietlyshapingAustralianculture. Thoughtherearehundredsof academiesnationwide,thisvolume bringstogetherarepresentative samplefromeverystate-a deliberatecross-section,notan exhaustivelist

Acrossitspagesare30+schools,500+ dancers,andonesharedobsession:the craft.Thebooklingersonwhatusually goesunseen:teachersworkingbeyond hours,studentsrehearsinguntiltheirfeet ache,studiosthatbecomeasecond home.

Itcapturesthesweat,thegrace,the backstagechaos,andtheexactmomenta childlandstheirfirstspin.“Seeing studentsandtheirteamsinprintisto honourthededicationtheybringevery day,”Mr.Waliasaid.“Forayoungdancer, holdingthisbookisalifelongmemory-to seeyourself,yourteacher,andthepassion yousharewithfamilyandfriends.”

Beyondthe30schoolfeatures,thebook closeswitha24-pagegalleryofselected performancesfromeventswhereMr Waliawasinvitedasguest.Ifyour organisationhostedhim,yourdancers mayalreadybeinit.

Thelaunchitselfreflectedthatspirit.A teaserbyHarjotSinghofKHBrothers Filmsopenedthemorning,followedbya BollywoodfusionperformancebyDr. TanimaBanerjeeareminderthatdancelivesbetween traditionandreinvention.

Mr.Walia’spurposeisarchivalasmuchas artistic.“Thesebookscreateawareness forfuturegenerations,”hesaid.“To understandoursociety,theirplacewithin it,andtodevelopasenseofculture,skill, contribution,andachievement.”

Ifdancehasevermovedyou-evenoncethisbookisaninvitation.You’llfindyour teacherinthemargins,yourstudiointhe light,andthatfamiliarliftyoufeelwhen themusicbegins.

Mayitinspiremorestudentstobegin, moreteacherstopersist,andallofusto noticetheartbehindeverymove.

Youngest-EverFellowofthe 134yearoldTeacher’sguildofNSW: SukrutiNarayananCreatesHistory withPrestigiousNSWEducationHonour

IDesiAustralia

namomentofimmensepridefor

theIndian-Australiancommunity, educator,youthadvocate,and globalchangemakerSukruti Narayananhasbeenconferredthe prestigiousFellowshipofThe Teachers’GuildofNewSouthWales (FTGN)–becomingtheyoungest recipientinthehistoryoftheGuild andtheonlypersonofIndianheritage amongthisyear’sFellowship recipients.

TherecognitionplacesSuk amongadistinguishedgroupof educationalleaders,university academics,schoolprincipals,and innovatorswhohavemade exceptionalcontributionsto educationacrossAustralia.

Foundedin1892,the Teachers’ GuildofNewSouthWalesisone ofAustralia’soldestandmost respectededucational institutions.Formorethan130 years,theGuildhaschampioned educationalexcellence, professionalleadership, innovation,lifelonglearning,and theadvancementofteaching acrossNewSouthWales.The Fellowship(FTGN)isregardedas oneoftheGuild’shighesthonours andisawardedtoindividualswho

ForSukNarayanan,thehonour representsnotmerelypersonal achievementbutrecognitionofa broadermissiontodemocratise accesstoeducationandopportunity

AsGlobalHeadofPartnershipsfor MissionShakthiSATandtheFounder andPresidentofAIMERSFoundation, Sukhasbeeninstrumentalincreating pathwaysforyoungpeople–particularlygirls–toaccessSTEM education,leadershipopportunities, internationalcollaboration,andspace scienceinitiatives.Herworkalso including:

–BeinganExpertreviewerfor UNESCO8thSciencereport,

–NSWeditorforDesiAustralia

–ContributortoSpecialBroadcasting Service(SBS)Tamil.

–MentorforMacquarieUniversity–LucyMentorshipprogram

hasconnectedstudents,educators, scientists,policymakers,andindustry leadersacrosscontinents,inspiring thousandsofyoungmindstodream beyondgeographicalandsocial boundaries.

TheFellowshipacknowledgesa journeybuiltonservice,inclusion, andthebeliefthateducationhasthe powertotransformlives.

Initsofficialannouncement,the GuildnotedthattheFellowshipis awardedtoindividualsfortheir “exceptionalimpactandleadershipin education.”

TheGuild’sPresident,DrFrederick Osman,highlightedthesignificance oftheawards,stating:

“Theseawardsprovideapublic platformtoacknowledgeandthank educatorswhoembodyexcellencein teaching.Theyareshapingan informed,cohesive,and compassionatesocietythroughtheir tirelesscommitmenttostudent growth,wellbeing,andlearning.”

Distinguished2026 FellowshipRecipients

The2026FellowshipofTheTeachers’ GuildofNewSouthWaleshasbeen awardedto:

• DrNicoleArchard–LoretoKirribilli

• DrMojganMokhatebiArdakani–StIvesHighSchool

• AmyAyres–StAugustine’sCollege Sydney

• DrJamesBarkell–Universityof Sydney

• ProfessorPhilCummins–Universityof Sydney

• AndreDe-Villiers–SCEGGSRedlands JuniorSchool

• SuzanneFloro–RavenswoodSchool forGirls

• DrChristineFurner–HillsGrammar School

• PeterGibson–BarkerCollege

• DrGavinHays–ParramattaMarist HighSchool

• DrBrittaJensen–NewingtonCollege

• DrAnneJohnstone–CranbrookSchool

• DrMariaLaPietra–Specialised AssistanceSchoolforYouth& WellbeingAustraliaNetwork

• TimLloyd–PlumptonHighSchool

• SukNarayanan–AIMERSFoundation

• DrKimberleyPressick-Kilborn–Trinity GrammarSchool

• StephanieSalazar–Founder, InstructionalLeadershipConsultant &Coach

• CherineSpirou–TheLakesChristian College

• DrPeterStiles–ExcelsiaUniversity College

• DrIanWalker–AustralianNational University

ExcellenceinEducation AwardRecipients

TheGuildalsoannouncedtherecipients ofits2026ExcellenceinEducation Awards:

• DavidButler–MarsdenParkAnglican College

• JohnDennison–BarkerCollege

• ProfessorRayEaton–Macquarie University

• GeoffreyLancaster–StLuke’s GrammarSchool

• BronwynLobsey–PacificHillsHigh School

• KalanneMoore–SydneyCatholic Schools

AMilestonefortheIndian-Australian Community

SukNarayanan’srecognitioncarries significancefarbeyondanindividual award.

Atatimewheneducationis increasinglyglobal,collaborative, andtechnology-driven,her Fellowship

reflectsthegrowingcontributionof Indian-Australiansinshapingthe futureoflearning,innovation,and youthdevelopment

FormanyyoungAustralians–particularlygirlsaspiringtocareersin science,technology,leadership, media,andpublicservice—her journeydemonstratesthat meaningfulimpactcanbeginearly andextendacrossborders.

AstheyoungestFelloweveradmitted intooneofAustralia’smostrespected educationalinstitutions,Sukruti Narayanan’sachievementservesasa reminderthatageisnobarrierto influence,andthateducation remainsoneofthemostpowerful forcesforbuildingabetterfuture.

FortheIndiandiasporainAustralia,it isamomentofcelebration.Forthe educationsector,itisrecognitionofa leaderdedicatedtocreating opportunitiesforothers.Andfor thousandsofstudentswhoselives havebeentouchedbyherwork,itis furtherproofthatdreamsbackedby purposecanleavealastinglegacy.

TofollowtheworkofAIMERS Foundation,hereisthelinktothe

LinkedInpage–https://www.linkedin.com/company /aimers-foundation

Linktowebsite–https://aimersfoundation.org& https://shakthisat.org

Canberra Exit Trafficking Case Sparks Conversation Around

Migrant Women’s Safety

Canberra Exit Trafficking Case Sparks Conversation Around Migrant Women’s Safety

Arecentcasereportedin

Canberrahasdrawnnational attentiontoconcerns surroundingcoercivecontrol, migration-relatedabuseandmodern slaverylawsinAustralia.Authorities havechargeda35-year-oldACTman withalleged“exittrafficking,”marking thefirstknownchargeofitskindinthe territory

Accordingtoreports,policeallegethe man’swifetravelledtoIndiatogive birthbeforeherAustralianvisa applicationwaslatercancelledwithout herknowledge.Investigatorsalsoallege communicationwithherwasblocked whilesheremainedstrandedoverseas foranextendedperiod.

Thematteriscurrentlybeforethe courts,andtheallegationshavenotyet beentestedincourt.Australianmedia outletshaveavoidedidentifyingthe accusedduetolegalandprivacy

Legalexpertsandcommunityadvocates saytheincidenthashighlighted growingawarenessaroundmigrationrelatedabuse,particularlywithin vulnerablemigrantcommunities.In somecases,immigrationprocesses, financialdependenceandoverseas travelarrangementscanallegedlybe usedastoolsofcoercivecontrol.

SupportorganisationsacrossAustralia haveincreasinglyraisedconcernsabout modernformsofabusethatextend beyondphysicalviolence.Advocates saysomevictimsmayhesitatetoseek helpbecauseoflanguagebarriers,visa uncertainty,socialpressureorfearof losingcontactwithfamilymembers.

Thecasehasalsosparkedwider discussionsabouttheimportanceof accessiblesupportservicesformigrant families.Communityleadershave encouragedpeopleexperiencing exploitation,domesticabuseorcoercive controltoseeklegaladviceandcontact specialistsupportorganisationswhen needed.

Australianauthoritiescontinue strengtheninglawssurroundinghuman trafficking,modernslaveryand domesticviolence.Underfederal legislation,exittraffickingoffencescan carryseriouspenaltieswhere investigatorsbelievedeception, coercionormanipulationhasbeenused toforceororganiseaperson’s movementoverseas.

Asthelegalprocesscontinues,many communityadvocateshopethecase encouragesgreaterawarenessaround migrantsafety,supportservicesand earlyintervention.Theysayopen conversations,culturallysensitive assistanceandstrongercommunity educationremainessentialinhelping vulnerableindividualsaccessprotection andsupport.

Asthelegalprocesscontinues,many communityadvocateshopethecase encouragesgreaterawarenessaround migrantsafety,supportservicesand earlyintervention.Theysayopen conversations,culturallysensitive assistanceandstrongercommunity educationremainessentialinhelping vulnerableindividualsaccessprotection andsupport.overseasforanextended period.

Thematteriscurrentlybeforethe courts,andtheallegationshavenotyet beentestedincourt.Australianmedia outletshaveavoidedidentifyingthe accusedduetolegalandprivacy considerationsconnectedtothewoman involvedinthecase.

Legalexpertsandcommunityadvocates saytheincidenthashighlighted growingawarenessaroundmigrationrelatedabuse,particularlywithin vulnerablemigrantcommunities.In somecases,immigrationprocesses, financialdependenceandoverseas travelarrangementscanallegedlybe usedastoolsofcoercivecontrol.

ReflectionsFollowinga DiscussionwithAngusTaylor onHousing,NegativeGearing andCapitalGainsTax

Australia’shousingdebatehas becomeincreasinglypolarised.

Ononesidearethosewhoarguethat negativegearingandcapitalgainstax concessionsaretheprimarycauses ofhousingunaffordability.Onthe otherarethosewhoinsistthe problemisentirelyoneofsupplyand thattaxreformwouldachievelittle.

Therealityisthatbothsidesareonly partiallycorrect

Housingaffordabilityhasbecome oneofthedefiningsocialand economicchallengesfacingAustralia. Yetthehousingdebateisnot fundamentallyabouttax.

Itisadebateaboutwhatkindof societyAustraliawishestobecome.

Followingarecentdiscussionwith OppositionLeaderAngusTaylor,I foundmyselfreflectingnotmerelyon housingpolicy,butonthebroader questionofwhetherAustralia remainsfaithfultothevisionthat underpinnedmuchofitssuccess throughoutthetwentiethcentury

Atitsheart,housingaffordabilityisa debateaboutthefutureofthe Australianmiddleclass.

Housingandthe AustralianProject

Australia’shousingsystemdidnot emergebyaccident.

Fromtheearliestdaysofcolonial settlement,land,populationgrowth andwealthcreationwereclosely linked.Thenineteenth-century colonialtheoristEdwardGibbon Wakefieldarguedthatimmigration andlanddevelopmentshouldwork together.Populationgrowthwould createdemandforland,rising demandwouldincreaselandvalues, andthosevalueswouldsupport economicdevelopmentandfurther settlement.

Inmanyrespects,elementsofthat modelremainvisibletoday.

opulationgrowthcontinuesto supporthousingdemand.Rising demandcontributestohigherland values.Existingpropertyowners oftencapturemuchoftheresulting increaseinwealth.

YetmodernAustraliawasnever intendedtobemerelyaland appreciationscheme.

TheAustraliathatemergedafterthe SecondWorldWarwasbuiltupona farmoreambitiousvision.

Governmentsencouragedmigration, investedheavilyininfrastructure, expandedsuburbandevelopment, supportedhomeownershipandbuilt theinstitutionsrequiredtoabsorba growingpopulation.Housingwasnot viewedsimplyasshelter.Norwasit viewedmerelyasaninvestment.

Itwasviewedasapathwayto stability,familyformation,wealth creationandsocialcohesion.

Thearchitectsofpost-warAustralia understoodthatasuccessfulnation requiresmorethaneconomicgrowth. Itrequirescitizenswhohavea tangiblestakeinsociety.

Homeownershipbecameoneofthe primarymechanismsthroughwhich

Australiansacquiredthatstake.

Menziesandthe ForgottenPeople

RobertMenziesfamouslyspokeof Australia’s“forgottenpeople”—the broadmiddleclassofworking families,smallbusinessowners, professionalsandtradespeoplewho formedthebackboneofthenation.

Centraltothatvisionwasthebelief thatordinaryAustraliansshouldbe abletoacquireskills,buildcareers, ownhomes,raisefamiliesand accumulateassetsovertime.

Yetitisimportanttounderstandwhat homeownershipmeantinthatvision.

Homeownershipwasnotsimply accesstoamortgage.

Norwasitalifetimecommitmentto servicingdebt

Theaspirationwasownershipitself.

Theobjectivewasthatordinary Australianswouldeventuallyown theirhomesoutrightandenjoythe security,dignityandindependence thataccompaniedthatachievement.

Ahomewasnotmerelyafinancial asset

Itwasasourceoffreedom.

Itrepresentedapointinlifewherea familycouldmovebeyondeconomic survivalandbeginbuildingeconomic opportunity.

Thisdistinctionisincreasingly importanttoday

Australiarisksmeasuringhousing successbyrisingpropertyvalues ratherthanbythenumberof Australianswhocanrealistically achievesecureownership

Asocietywherehouseholdsspend thirtyorfortyyearsservicingeverlargermortgagesisnotnecessarily becomingmoreprosperous.Itmay simplybetransferringagrowing shareofnationalincomeintohousing costs.

Thequestionisnotwhether Australianscanobtainamortgage.

ThequestioniswhetherAustralians canrealisticallyaspiretoowntheir homesoutrightwithinareasonable portionoftheirworkinglives.

Thatwasfarclosertothepost-war aspiration.

Theeconomicsignificanceofthis extendswellbeyondhousing.

Asecurehomeownerpossesses somethingprofoundlyvaluable:the capacitytotakerisks.

Thefreedomtochangecareers.

Thefreedomtoretrain.

Thefreedomtostartabusiness.

Thefreedomtorelocatefor opportunity

Thefreedomtoinvestinnewskills.

Thefreedomtowithstandtemporary setbacks.

Economicdynamismdoesnot emergefrominsecurity

Itemergesfromconfidence.

Historically,someoftheworld’smost successfulmiddleclasseshavebeen builtuponafoundationofsecurity thatenabledindividualstotake productiverisks.

Whenpeopleareconsumedby concernsabouthousing,healthcare andbasiceconomicsecurity,they naturallybecomemorecautious.

Whenthosefoundationsaresecure, peoplebecomemorewillingto innovate,investandpursue opportunity.

Thisisparticularlyimportantin modernAustralia.

Ourmedianageisapproachingforty yearsandcontinuestorise.Future prosperitywilldependlessupon simplyaddingworkersandmore uponincreasingtheproductivity, skillsandadaptabilityofthose alreadyparticipatinginthe workforce.

Thatrequirescontinuousreinvention. Workerswillneedtoreskill throughouttheircareers.

Professionalswillneedtoadaptto newtechnologies.

Businesseswillneedtoinnovate.

Entrepreneurswillneedtotakerisks.

Anationseekingtobuildadynamic, high-productivity,high-wage economymustthereforeprovidethe foundationsthatmakeproductive risk-takingpossible.

Thosefoundationsarenotlimitedto housing.

Theyconsistofthreepillars.

Securehomeownership.

Accessibleandaffordablehealthcare.

High-qualityeducationandlifelong learning.

Theseshouldnotbeviewedmerelyas socialpolicies.

Theyareeconomicpolicies.

Theyareinvestmentsinhuman capability.

Theyprovidethepsychologicaland financialsecuritythatenables individualstotakerisks,pursue opportunitiesandcontributeto economicgrowth.

ThiswasimplicitinmuchofthepostwarAustraliansettlement

Theobjectivewasnotsimply economicgrowth.

Theobjectivewastobuildasocietyin whichordinarypeoplepossessed sufficientsecuritytoparticipate confidentlyinthatgrowth.

HomeOwnership, FamilyFormationand DemographicRenewal

Thereisanotherconsequenceof housingaffordabilitythatreceivesfar lessattentionthanitdeserves.

Housingshapesdemographics.

Historically,thejourneyfrom educationtoemployment,home ownership,marriageandfamily

formationformedabroadlyattainable pathwayformanyAustralians.

Todaythatpathwayisbecoming increasinglydifficult.

YoungAustraliansareenteringthe housingmarketlaterinlife.Deposits takelongertosave.First-home buyersareassuminglargerdebts. Increasingly,homeownership dependsupontwofull-timeincomes formuchofahousehold’sworking life.

Thesepressuresinevitablyshape familydecisions.

Couplespostponehavingchildren.

Manyhavefewerchildrenthanthey originallyintended.

Othersconcludethatthefinancial burdenofraisingafamilyis incompatiblewiththeeconomic realitiestheyface.

Theresultisvisibleacrossmuchof thedevelopedworld.

Fertilityrateshavefallenbelow replacementlevelsthroughoutmost advancedeconomies.Populationsare ageing.Governmentsincreasingly relyuponimmigrationtomaintain workforcegrowthandoffset demographicdecline.

Immigrationwillremainanimportant partofAustralia’sfuture,justasithas beenanimportantpartofAustralia’s past.Yetthereisadeeperquestion thatdeservesattention.

Whyaresomanyyoungpeopleacross advancedeconomiesdelayingfamily formation,postponinghome ownershipandchoosingtohave fewerchildrenthantheydesire?

Theanswerisrarelyculturalalone.

Itisofteneconomic.

Housinghasbecomemoreexpensive.

Educationtakeslonger

Careerpathwayshavebecomemore uncertain.

Householdformationoccurslaterin life.

Economicsecuritytakeslongerto achieve.

Inmanycountries,thetransitioninto adulthooditselfhasbecomedelayed.

Australiashouldaspiretoaddress theseunderlyingcausesratherthan merelytheirsymptoms.

Anationthatenablesyoungpeopleto acquireskills,establishcareers,own homesandformfamilieswith confidencewillenjoyadvantages thatextendfarbeyondthehousing market.

Itwillenjoystrongersocialcohesion, healthierdemographicsandamore resilienteconomy

Thisshouldnotbeviewedasan argumentagainstimmigration.

Australiahasbenefitedenormously fromsuccessivewavesofmigration andwillcontinuetodoso.Apartfrom IndigenousAustralians,whose connectiontothislandstretches backtensofthousandsofyears, Australiaisfundamentallyanation builtthroughsuccessivewavesof settlementandmigration.

Thechallengeisnotimmigration itself

ThechallengeiswhetherAustralia cancreateasocietycapableof renewingitselfboththrough immigrationandthroughstronger familyformationamongitsown citizens.

Asocietyinwhichfamiliescan realisticallyachievesecurehome ownership,manageablelivingcosts andeconomicstabilityismorelikely toexperiencestrongerfamily formationandhealthierdemographic outcomesthanonewherehousing insecuritybecomesapermanent featureofadultlife.

Thisisanotherreasonwhythe distinctionbetweenhomeownership andmortgageindebtednessmatters.

Thegoalshouldnotmerelybe helpingpeopleenterthehousing market.

Thegoalshouldbehelpingpeople achievegenuinehousingsecurity

Anationwhereordinaryhouseholds

canrealisticallyacquireahome,payit offwithinareasonableperiodoftheir workinglivesandenjoythesecurity thatfollowsismorelikelyto experiencestrongerfamilyformation, greatersocialstabilityandhealthier demographicoutcomes.

Thisisnotsimplysocialpolicy

Itislong-termeconomicpolicy.

Mostadvancedeconomiesarenow grapplingwithageingpopulations, decliningfertilityandslowing workforcegrowth.

Australiahasanopportunitytochart adifferentpath.

Byrestoringapathwaytogenuine homeownership,maintaining affordablehealthcare,investingin lifelongeducationandfostering productiveeconomicgrowth, Australiacanpositionitselfasa modelforbotheconomicand demographicrenewal.

Weshouldaspiretobecomeanation capableofrenewingitself economicallyanddemographically

Weshouldnotmerelyseekto managethesechallenges.

Weshouldseektolead.

TheRoleofNegative GearingandCapital GainsTax

ThereislittledoubtthatAustralia’s taxsystemencouragesinvestmentin residentialproperty

Negativegearingallowsinvestorsto deductlossesagainstotherincome, whilethecapitalgainstaxdiscount rewardslong-termcapital appreciation.Combinedwithahighly leveragedbankingsystemand decadesofdeclininginterestrates, thesesettingshavehelpedmake residentialpropertyoneofAustralia’s preferredinvestmentvehicles.

Criticsarguethatthesepolicies distortcapitalallocation,direct savingstowardexistinghousing stockratherthanproductivebusiness investmentandcontributetorising houseprices.

Supporterscounterthatremoving theseconcessionswouldreduce rentalsupply,undermineinvestor confidenceandcreateinstability withinthehousingmarket

Bothargumentscontainelementsof truth.

Taxsettingsundoubtedlyinfluence investorbehaviour.

However,itisequallydifficultto arguethatabolishingnegative gearingorsignificantlyreducing capitalgainstaxconcessionswould, bythemselves,restorehousing affordability.

Thehousingchallengerunsfar deeperthantaxpolicyalone.

Taxreformmayinfluencedemandat themargin,butaffordability ultimatelydependsuponthe relationshipbetweenhousingsupply, populationgrowth,infrastructure capacityandproductivity.

ImmigrationandHousing MustWorkTogether

Australia’simmigrationprogramhas contributedenormouslytothe country’ssuccess,apointthatLiberal leaderAngusTaylorrightlyendorsed duringourconversation.

Newarrivals,likegenerationsbefore them,havehelpedaddresslabour shortages,expandthetaxbase, strengthenentrepreneurship,enrich Australiansocietyandsupportlongtermeconomicgrowth.

Historically,Australia’smigration successwasaccompaniedbynationbuilding.

Populationgrowthwasmatchedby housingconstruction,transport infrastructure,schools,hospitalsand utilities.Immigrationpolicyand housingpolicyoperatedtogether

ThechallengefacingAustraliatoday isnotimmigrationitself.

Thechallengeisensuringthat populationgrowthremainsaligned withthenation’scapacitytoprovide housingandsupporting infrastructure.

Populationgrowthisnotthesame thingasprosperity.

Aneconomycanbecomelarger withoutnecessarilybecoming wealthieronaper-personbasis.

Ifhousingsupply,infrastructureand publicservicesfailtokeeppacewith populationgrowth,livingstandards inevitablycomeunderpressureeven whileheadlineeconomicgrowth remainspositive.

Immigrationpolicy,housingpolicy andinfrastructurepolicymustonce againbecomecomponentsofa coherentnationalstrategy.Liberal leaderAngusTaylorappearedto recognisethischallengewhenhe pointedtoCanada’sadoptionof similarmeasurestoaddresshousing affordability.Wearehopefulthathe willcontinuetodevelopthis philosophyanduseittosharpenhis policyagenda,linkingpopulation growth,housingsupplyand infrastructureinvestmentwithina clearframeworkforsustainable prosperity.

Populationgrowthshouldsupport economicgrowth,notoverwhelmit

TheBiggerChallenge: Productivity

Housingaffordabilityultimately reflectsadeeperchallenge confrontingAustralia.

Thecountry’sproductivitygrowth hasslowedmateriallyoverthepast twodecades.

Productivityisnotanabstract economicconcept.

Itistheprimarysourceofrisingreal wagesand,byimplication,greater purchasingpowerandhigherliving standards.

Overlongperiods,realwagesrise becauseworkersbecomemore productive.Businessesinvestmore. Innovationexpands.Newindustries emerge.Livingstandardsimprove.

Thisiswherethehousingdebate oftenmissesthelargerpicture.

Australianeedsmorehomesthat Australianscanrealisticallyown

outrightwithinareasonableportion oftheirworkinglives,ratherthana systemthatdefinessuccessas accesstoevermoreexpensive housingfinancedbyeverlarger mortgages.

ButAustraliaalsoneedsmore productivebusinesses,stronger investment,betterinfrastructure, highereducationalattainment, greaterinnovationandaworkforce equippedforthetechnological changesahead.

Anationcannotrelyindefinitelyon risingpropertypricesasitsprimary sourceofwealthcreation.

Long-termprosperitycomesfrom creatingmorevalue,notmerely biddingupthepriceofexisting assets.

AChallengeforthe LiberalParty

ThisiswhereIbelievethedebate becomesparticularlyimportantfor theLiberalParty.

Thechallengeisnotsimplytodefend existinghousingtaxarrangements.

Norisittoengageinanarrowdebate aboutnegativegearingorcapital gainstaxconcessions.

Thechallengeistorediscoverand modernisethedeepervisionthatsat behindMenzies’philosophy.

Avisioncentredonopportunity ratherthanentitlement

Avisioncentredonownershiprather thandependency

Avisioncentredonproductive enterpriseratherthanassetinflation.

Avisionthatseekstoexpandthe middleclassratherthanmerely protectexistingwealth.

AmodernMenzianagendawouldnot measuresuccessbythemedian houseprice.

Itwouldmeasuresuccessbythe proportionofAustralianswhocan realisticallyowntheirhomesoutright, raisefamilieswithconfidence, continuouslyupgradetheirskillsand

participateinadynamic,high-wage economy.

Thepurposeofeconomicpolicy shouldnotsimplybetoincrease nationalwealth.

Itshouldbetobroadenownershipof thatwealthandcreatetheconditions underwhichfuturegenerationscan flourish.

Australiashouldaspiretobecomea nationofhigh-valuebusinesses, highlyskilledworkersandglobally competitiveindustries.

Thenextgenerationofprosperitywill notcomefromever-higherland values.

Itwillcomefromworld-class companies.

Fromadvancedmanufacturing.

Fromartificialintelligence.

Fromhealthcareinnovation.

Fromtechnology.

Fromresearchanddevelopment

Fromworkerscontinuallyupgrading theircapabilitiesthroughouttheir careers.

Mostimportantly,itwillcomefrom peoplehavingtheconfidencetotake risks.

Thatconfidenceisbuiltupon security.

Asecurehome.

Affordablehealthcare.

Accesstolifelonglearning.

Thesearenotcompetingprioritiesto economicgrowth.

Theyareamongitsmostimportant foundations.

Populationgrowthshouldsupport economicgrowth.

Economicgrowthshoulddrive productivity.

Productivityshouldsupportrising wages.

Risingwagesshouldsupporthome ownership.

Thatwasbroadlythepost-war Australiancompact

Itremainsaworthyambitiontoday.

Rebuildingthe AustralianDream

Australia’shousingchallengedidnot emergeovernightanditwillnotbe solvedovernight

Thesolutionisunlikelytobefoundin anysinglepolicyannouncement.

Itrequiresincreasinghousingsupply, investingininfrastructure,aligning immigrationwithcapacity,improving productivity,encouragingbusiness investmentandstrengthening educationandskills.

Aboveall,itrequiresarenewed nationalvision.

Therealquestionisnotwhether negativegearingshouldstayorgo

TherealquestioniswhetherAustralia canonceagainbecomeasocietyin whichordinaryfamiliescan realisticallyacquireskills,find meaningfulandhigh-valuework,own ahomeoutright,raiseafamilyand participateinagrowingeconomy.

Asuccessfulnationcannotrely indefinitelyonrisingassetvaluesto createprosperity,norindefinitelyon importingyoungerpopulationsto offsetdemographicdecline.

Thestrongerpathistobuildasociety inwhichordinaryfamiliescanafford toownhomes,raisechildrenwith confidence,accessquality healthcare,continuallyupgradetheir skillsandparticipateinadynamic economy.

Suchasocietygeneratesboth economicgrowthanddemographic renewalfromwithin.

Becausethetruemeasureofa housingsystemisnothowexpensive housesbecome.

ItishowmanyAustralianscan achievethesecurityofownership.

Ownershipisnotmerelyabout property

Itisaboutfreedom.

Freedomtotakerisks.

Freedomtoinnovate.

Freedomtobuildbusinesses.

Freedomtopursueopportunity.

Freedomtocontributetoagrowing nation.

TheAustraliandreamwasnever meanttobeamortgage.

Itwasmeanttobeownership

Ownershipthatprovidessecurity.

Securitythatencouragesrisk-taking.

Risk-takingthatcreatesinnovation, enterpriseandproductivity.

Productivitythatsupportsrising wages,strongerfamiliesandlongtermprosperity.

Thatwasthepromisethatsat beneathmuchofAustralia’spost-war success.

Inanageingworldgrapplingwith housingstress,decliningfertilityand weakersocialmobility,Australiahas theopportunitynotmerelyto preservethatpromise,buttorenew it.

Weshouldnotmerelyseektoremain prosperous.

Weshouldseektolead.

MelaTeeyanDa: CelebratingPunjabi CultureandWomanhood

MelaTeeyanDawasa beautifulcelebrationof Punjabiculture,bringing togethermusic,food,traditions, colourandcommunityspiritinone joyfulgathering.

Theeventbroughttogetherwomen fromdifferentwalksoflifeto celebratetheirrootswithpride,joy andtogetherness.Fromvibrant culturalexpressionstothewarmthof sharedtraditions,thegathering highlightedtherichnessofPunjabi heritageandthedeepconnection womencontinuetoholdwiththeir culture.

Morethanjustaculturalcelebration, MelaTeeyanDawasareminderofthe importanceofidentity,belongingand community.Theeventcreateda warmandwelcomingspacewhere womencouldcometogether,share

CULTURE

theirstories,enjoytraditionalmusic anddance,andcelebratethevalues thatcontinuetoconnectgenerations.

Attheheartoftheeventwasastrong messageofhonouringPunjabi traditionswhilerecognisingthe importantrolewomenplayinfamilies andcommunities.Itwasacelebration notonlyofculture,butalsoofunity, strengthandthewomenwho continuetokeeptraditionsalivefor futuregenerations.

Heartiestcongratulationsto KamaldeepKaurandVarunTiwarifor organisingyetanothersuccessful eventandforbringingthecommunity togetherinsuchameaningfuland memorableway.

On the Most Enchanting Affair Hosted by Saree Club: “Beyond Motherhood – Rediscovering Yourself”

FromLadyWhistledown’s SocietyPapers

DearestGentleReader,

Itappearsthatwhilstsocietyconcerns itselfwithtrivialpursuits,amost extraordinarygatheringunfolded recently–onewhereelegancemet introspection,andmerrimentdanced gracefullyalongsidemeaningful discourse.

Underthethoughtfulthemeof “BeyondMotherhood–Rediscovering Yourself,”theladiesoftheSareeClub assembledinmagnificentBridgerton-

inspiredattire,provingonce morethatstyleand substanceneednotexist separately.Thepromenadeof theseexquisitelyadorned ladieswasindeedaspectacle worthyofthehighest admiration,withseven fortunatewinnersreceiving recognitionfortheirgrace andpresentation.Threesuch honoursweregenerously sponsoredbytheesteemed PoojaShah,onebySonali Saxenaandanotherthreeby ananonymousladyofthe ton.Theprizesforoneofthe gameswerebeautifully crochetedfigurinesby12 yearoldAisha,Yamini Hemanth’sdaughter.

Yetthisaffairwasnotmerely aboutappearances,for beneaththesilks,lace,and splendiddraperylay conversationsoffargreater consequence.

Theladiesexchangedreflectionson motherhood,identity,andtheoftenoverlookedjourneyofrediscoveringoneself beyondnurturingothers.Suchcandid sharingtransformedtheafternooninto somethingfarricherthanasocial engagement–itbecameaspaceof encouragement,solidarity,andrenewal.

Naturally,nosocietygatheringiscomplete withoutspiritedamusement.Tambola inspiredbothexcitementandcelebration,

whileanabundanceofraffleprizes, kindlysponsoredbyaltruistic membersofthecommunity, ensureddelightwasneverfaraway.

Onehearsthattheculinary offeringsatChaskainSevenHills weremetwithuniversalapproval, whilstthecharmingphotoboothby ‘StrikeandSnapBooth’sponsored byYojanaParekofSterling MigrationandEducation Consultantsaffordedattendeesthe opportunitytoimmortalise momentsoflaughterand companionship.

Furtherenrichingtheproceedings wasanenlighteningaddressby PadmaJainonthecareand maintenanceofsarees–wisdom bothpracticalandculturally treasured.

Perhapsthegreatesttriumphofthe occasion,however,was

witnessingnewcomersandlongstandingmembersminglewith effortlesswarmth,provingthat truecommunityisbuiltnotmerely throughgatherings,butthrough sharedexperiencesandsincere connection.

Andso,dearreader,thelatest SareeClubaffairleavesbehind morethanphotographsand prizes;itleavescherished memoriesandeageranticipation forthenextinvitation.

Forinaworlddemandingmuchof women,oneoccasionallyrequires areminderthatbeyondeveryrole shefulfils,sheremains wonderfullyherself.

Yourstruly,

LadyWhistledown

Sydney’sAmitGuptaCompletesIronman 70.3JustMonthsAfterLearningtoSwim

SDesiAustralia

ydneyresidentAmitGuptahas

achievedanextraordinary personalmilestoneafter successfullycompletingtheIronman 70.3WesternSydneyonlysixmonths afterlearninghowtoswim.His achievementhasinspiredmanyacross Australia’sfitnessandmulticultural communities.

TheIronman70.3WesternSydney eventisregardedasoneofthecountry’s toughestenduranceraces,combininga 1.9-kilometreswim,a90-kilometre cyclingcourseanda21.1-kilometrehalf marathon.Completingtheevent requiresmonthsofphysicalpreparation, disciplineandmentalresilience.

ForAmit,thebiggestchallengecame beforetraininghadevenfullybegun. Untilrecently,hedidnotknowhowto swimandinitiallystruggledwith confidenceinopenwater.Determined tochallengehimself,hecommittedto learningtheskillfromscratchwhile simultaneouslypreparingforoneofthe world’smostdemandingtriathlon formats.

Oversixmonths,Amitbalancedintense trainingscheduleswithworkand personalcommitments,gradually buildinghisenduranceacross swimming,cyclingandrunning. Friendsandsupportersdescribedhis journeyasaremarkableexampleof persistence,consistencyandself-belief.

Theraceitselftestedcompetitorswith difficultphysicalconditionsandlong endurancesegments,butAmitcrossed thefinishlineaftercompletingallthree disciplines,markingamajor achievementinhispersonalfitness journey.Hisstoryhasresonated stronglywithmanyfirst-timeathletes consideringendurancesportslaterin life.

Amitsaidtheexperiencetaughthimthe importanceofdiscipline,patienceand steppingoutsideone’scomfortzone.

Healsoencouragedothersnottobe limitedbyfearorinexperiencewhen pursuingpersonalgoalsandfitness challenges.

TheIronman70.3seriesattractsathletes fromaroundtheworldandis consideredamajormilestonewithin endurancesport.Participantsoften spendyearspreparingfortheeventdue tothephysicalandmentaldemands involvedincompletingthecourse successfully

AmitGupta’sachievementisnowbeing celebratedasaninspiringreminderthat determinationandconsistenteffortcan helpovercomeeventhemostdifficult obstacles.Hisstorycontinues motivatingaspiringathletes, particularlywithinAustralia’sIndian community,topursueambitiousfitness goalsregardlessofwheretheybegin.

Lindsay McQuattie Deputy Principal and Head Women in Leadership Series

RajniGhai Malhotra

LindsayMcQuattie,Deputy PrincipalandHeadofPrimary atJohnPaulCollege(JPC), Queensland,isahighlyrespected educationalleaderwithmorethan20 yearsofexperienceinteachingand schoolleadership.JPCisalarge, independentcoeducationalcollege renownedforitsdiversecommunity andinnovativeapproachtolearning. Besidesotherachievements,Lindayhas mostrecentlybeenrecognisedasoneof TheEducator’s2025MostInfluential Educators.Lindsayhasplayedapivotal roleinadvancingacademicexcellence, studentwellbeingandinnovationacross JPC.Avisionaryleader,Lindsayfirmly believesthatleadershipisabout creatingtheconditionsforothersto growandthrive.

Tellusabitaboutyour roleandyourjourneyto gethere.

Myrolespanscurriculumdirection, staffdevelopment,community engagement,andstrategicleadership, andIlovethatnotwodayslookthe same.

Aftergraduating,Ifollowedtwo passionsthathaveneverreallyleftme, teachingandtravel.Myfirstteaching roletookmetoLondon,whereIbegan asagraduateteacherinawonderfully diverseschoolenvironment.Coming fromBrisbane,itwasasteeplearning curve,butitgavemeastrong foundationthatIstilldrawontoday. Outsidetheclassroom,exploring countriesacrossEuropeandAfricagave meadeepappreciationforpeople, cultureandtherichnessthatdiversity brings.

FromLondon,Ispentfiveyearsatthe AustralianInternationalSchoolin Singapore,whereIsteppedinto leadershipforthefirsttimewithina

largeinternationalsetting,travelling extensivelyacrossAsiaandembracing everylearningopportunitythatcame withit.

ReturningtoQueensland,I’vemoved progressivelythroughlearning leadershipandintoexecutive leadership.TheachievementsI’mmost proudofarerarelythestructuralones. They’rethequietermoments,astaff memberwhogrowsintoaconfident teacher,astudentwhofeelsseen,a teamwheregenuinetrustcreatesthe spacetolearnfromoneanother.

Whathasbeenthemost rewardingpartofyour leadershipjourney?

Themostrewardingpartiswatching peoplegrowintothemselves,and

- Leadership in Education

d of Primary at John Paul College Queensland John

realisingthatcreatingtheconditionsfor thattohappenisactuallytheimportant partofmyrole.EarlyinmycareerI thoughtleadershipwasabouthavingthe answers.NowIunderstandit’sabout askingbetterquestions.

Igenuinelyenjoythecomplexityofthis

role.Igettoworkattheintersection ofcurriculum,culture,operations,and community Thatbreadthkeepsme curious.Butwhatsustainsmemostis therelationaldimension,sittingwitha teacherwhoisworkingthrougha difficultmomentandhelpingthem findtheirway,orwalkingthroughthe

primaryprecinctandstoppingto talkwithstudentsaboutwhat they'relearning.

Whatadvicewouldyou givetoyoungteachers beginningtheircareers orlookingtoward leadership?

Stayclosetoyour‘why.’The complexitiesofteachingcanpull youawayfromthereasonyou cameintothisprofession,so protectyourconnectiontostudents andtolearningbecausethat'swhat willanchoryou whenthingsbecomechallenging.

Onleadership,leadfromwhere youarerightnow.Lookforthose smallmomentstoputyourhand up,sayyestoopportunitiesthat stretchyou,andtrustthat discomfortisusuallyasignyou’re growing.Seekoutmentorswho willbehonestwithyou,notjust encouraging,andpayattentionto thepeoplearoundyouwhoare doingitwell.Knowthatthose smallactsofleadership,theones thatmightfeelinsignificantinthe moment,theydon’tgounnoticed.

Educationisrarelystraightforward. Theleaderswhothrivearethose whocansitcomfortablywith competingpriorities,knowingthat noteverythingneedstoberesolved immediately

Intoday'sfastchangingworld,what qualitiesdoyoubelieve aremostimportantto nurtureinstudents?

Resilience,agilityandrelational intelligence.Wecan’tfullypredict theworldourstudentswill

graduateinto,butweknowthey’llneed tonavigateuncertainty,collaborate acrossdifference,andrecoverfrom setbacks.Aboveall,they’llneedtobe deeplyhuman,toleadwithempathy, andtounderstandthathowyoumake peoplefeelmattersjustasmuchaswhat youachieve.Inaworldthatismoving fasterthanever,itisourhumanitythat willholdustogether.

Ialsobelieveweneedtonurturein studentsthecapacitytothinkcritically andactethically.Notjustwhattothink, buthowtothinkandhowtoweigh evidence,considerperspective,and makedecisionstheycanstandbehind. Inaworldsaturatedwithinformation, intellectualhonestyandmoralcourage matterenormously

Wealsoneedtonurtureasenseof agencyinstudents,thebeliefthatthey canmakeadifferenceintheirownlives andintheworldaroundthem.

Beinginasenior leadershiprolecanbe demanding—whatdaily habitsorroutineshelpyou staybalancedand grounded?

IwasdrawntoAdamFraser'sconcept ofTheThirdSpace,exploredinhis bookTheThirdSpace:UsingLife's LittleTransitionstoFindBalanceand Happiness.Theideathatthetransition betweenworkandhomeisactuallyan opportunitytoreset,ratherthanjusta gapbetweentwodemands.Forme, drivingovertheStoreyBridgeatnight isthatmoment.Somethingabout crossingtheriversignalstomybrain thatthedayisdoneandI'mallowedto arrivehomeasmyself.

MydogBuddy,whojustturnedone, hasalsobecomeanunexpected groundingforce.Hedoesn’tcareabout strategydocumentsorstaffing structures.Hejustneedsawalk.Getting outalongtheriveratNewFarm, watchinghimexploretheworldwith completeenthusiasm,isoneofthebest waysI’vefoundtodecompressand reset.

Ialsomakeapointofgettingoutfrom behindmydeskduringtheschoolday Walkingthroughtheprecinct,stopping totalkwithstudentsandstaff,being visibleandpresent.That'snota distractionfromthework,itisthe work.Itkeepsmeconnectedtopurpose andremindsmewhytheadministrative loadisworthcarrying.

AndIread,notjustforwork.Historical fictionismyescape,andKristin Hannahisoneofmyfavouriteauthors.

IrecentlyfinishedhernovelThe Women,apowerfulstoryaboutthe courageandsacrificeofwomenwho servedinVietnam,andthelong struggletohavetheircontributions recognisedandhonoured.Itstayedwith melongafterthelastpage.

Myjourneyhastakenmefromthe classroomsofLondontoschoolsacross Asiaandnowbackhometo Queensland,andthethreadthat connectsallofitispeople.Leadership, atitsheart,isaboutcreatingthe conditionsforotherstogrowandthrive. IfthereisonethingIhopeyoung teachersandaspiringleaderstakefrom mystory,itissimplythis,startwhere youare,stayclosetoyourpurpose,and trustthatthesmallmomentsmatter morethanyouknow.

YouGo Yoga with Rajni –Let's be Mindful Series Sit with it - Let It Settle

Sitwithituntilthenoisesettles andthesilencebecomeslouder thanthenoise.

Weliveinaworldthatencouragesusto reactquickly,staybusy,andfillevery emptymoment.Yetmindfulnessteaches usthatnoteverythingneedstobefixed immediately Sometimes,themosthealingthingwe candoissimplysitwithwhatis.Try givingyourselfthegiftofpresence.

Allowyourselftositwiththehurt,the anger,thediscomfort.Sitwiththe uncertainty,thenotknowing.Sitwith thethoughtsthatkeepcirclingyour mind.Nottodwellonthemordealwith them,buttoobservethemwithpatience andcompassion.

Likewavescrashingagainsttheshore, thenoisewithinuseventuallybeginsto quieten.Theracingthoughtssettle.

Theneedforanswerseases.Theurgeto escapefades.Andthensomething remarkablehappens-thesilence becomeslouderthanthenoise.

Inthatsilence,wefindtheanswersthat werealwaystherebeneaththesurface, muffledinthenoise.Wereconnectwith ourbreath,ourintuition,andourinner calm.Justliketheoceandoesnotforce itselftobestillbutsettlesnaturally,so dowe,whenweallowourselvesthe timeandspacetositwithourselves.

Today,resisttheurgetorunfromthe moment.Instead,sitwithit. Sitwithituntilthenoisesettlesandthe silencebecomeslouderthanthenoise.

Yoursmindfully, Rajni

FollowRajnionFacebook @YogaWithRajni

Echoes of a Legend Rafi Forever in Sydney..

ADesiAustralia

fortnightago,onarainy, cloudyevening,Sydney witnessedanunforgettable musicalextravaganzaon14Junewhen SCREANAustraliaProductions presentedRafiForeverattheRegency FunctionCentreinAuburn.Although thelegendaryplaybacksinger MohammadRafipassedawaydecades ago,hisspiritcamealivethroughthe mesmerisingvoiceofPrasanRao.The songsandmusicarestillechoinginthe heartsoftheaudiences.

TheconcertfeaturedIndia'srenowned "VoiceofRafi,"PrasanRao,alongside thetalentedDhwaniMuleyRaoand theacclaimedIndiansaxophonist

VikasGautam.Sydney’sownmusical gems,ShirleyAngelaD’Souza,Sadiq Rehmani,andHeenaSachdevajoined themtocreateatrulymemorable experience.

Theeveningwaselevatedbythe exceptionalartistryofSydney’sJazba Band,whoseseamlessaccompaniment addeddepthandenergytoeverytrack. PristinesoundengineeringbyAbdul Sajwaniensuredanoutstandingaudio experiencefortheentirevenue.

MusicallydirectedbyAvijitSarkarand hostedbyIndrajSinha’ssuccinctand dignifiedemceeing,theevening commencedonadevotionalnote. StudentsfromtheHeritageHarmony Academy,ledbySrijaaniGhosh, delivereda beautiful rendition of the prayer Humko Mann Ki Shakti Dena. Fromthere,PrasanRao’ssoulful vocalsechoedthroughthehall,leaving theaudiencespellbound.Attendees weretreatedtotimelessclassics,

including: Madhuban Mein Radhika, O Duniya Ke Rakhwale, Likhe Jo Khat Tujhe, Khoya Khoya Chand, Abhi Na Jao Chhod Kar and many more.

Auniquehighlightofthenight occurredduringPrasanandDhwani's performanceofKuhuKuhuBole Koyaliya.ArtistMurthyAnjanappaji createdastunninglivesandportraitof RafiSaabinjustsixminutes,addinga breathtakingvisualelementtothe music.Needlesstosay,Murthyhasa God-sentgift.

Asonehitfollowedanother,the magicaleveningshowednosignsof slowingdown,evenastheclockticked towardsmidnight.Someaudiences weretired,butnotthesingerorthe band.

PresenterManjuMittalexpressedher delightattheoverwhelmingcrowd response.“BringingPrasanRaoto SydneywasadreamofourownKen Singhji’sdream,“Hewhohaslistened tohimforaverylongtime,"she shared."HerequestedthatIbringhim toSydneyundertheSCREAN AustraliaProductionsbanner,andI washonouredtofulfilhiswish.”

Rafilovedusthroughhissongs,and Sydneyprovedthattheworldstill loveshimbackwiththesameintensity. Thepackedhousecelebratedthe memoryandmusicallegacyofthe maestro.Asthecurtainsfell,thecrowd wasleftaskingjustonerepeated question: “When are you bringing him back to Sydney?”

WHYILLUMINATEADELAIDE DESERVESASPOTONYOUR WINTERBUCKETLIST

AnshiAgarwal

Ifyou’reanythinglikeme,winter

usuallymeansconvincingyourself toleavethehouse.ButIlluminate Adelaideisoneofthoseeventsthat makesitcompletelyworthit

Everyyear,Adelaidelightsupwith immersiveart,music,technology,and experiencesthatmakethecityfeel brandnew.Fromglowing installationstointeractivegamesand incrediblelightshows,it’sthekindof festivalthatremindsyouthere’s alwayssomethingexciting happening,eveninthemiddleof winter

Runningfrom1to19July(withsome experiencesstartingfrom26June), IlluminateAdelaidetakesoversome ofthecity’smosticoniclocations. Insteadofsittinginonevenue,the festivalspreadsacrossAdelaide, turningfamiliarstreets,gardens,and buildingsintosomethingmagical.

Ifyou’reaninternationalstudent,this isoneofthebestwaystoexperience Adelaidebeyondlectures,work,and yourusualweekendplans.It’salso perfectforfamilies,couples,or anyonelookingforsomethingalittle differenttodowithfriends.

Ifyou’reaninternationalstudent,this isoneofthebestwaystoexperience Adelaidebeyondlectures,work,and yourusualweekendplans.It’salso perfectforfamilies,couples,or anyonelookingforsomethingalittle differenttodowithfriends.

OneexperienceI’mespeciallyexcited aboutisAugmentedGames.Thinkof itassteppinginsideareal-lifevideo gamewhereyourbodybecomesthe controller.Youjump,dodge,compete, andmovethroughdifferent challenges,makingitjustas entertainingtowatchasitistoplay.

Anothermust-seeisNightVisionsat theAdelaideBotanicGarden.Picture walkingthroughgardensfilledwith lights,projections,music,and immersivestorytelling.It’soneof thoseexperienceswhereyou constantlystoptotakephotos becauseeverycornerlooksdifferent fromthelast.Familieswillalsolove UniversalKingdom:IceAgeat AdelaideZoo,whereprehistoric

creaturescometolifethrough incredibleilluminateddisplays.It’s fun,interactive,andjustasexciting foradultsasitisforkids.

Oneofthebestthingsabout IlluminateAdelaideisthatyoudon’t havetospendafortunetoenjoyit ThefreeCityLightstrailtransforms theCBDintoagiantoutdoorgallery, makingiteasytowanderthroughthe city,discovernewinstallations,graba bitetoeat,andmakeaneveningout ofit.

WhatIlovemostaboutthisfestivalis thatitgivesyouareasontoslow downandactuallyexploreAdelaide. Wegetsocaughtupinuni,work,and everydayroutinesthatwesometimes forgethowmuchthecityhastooffer Illuminatechangesthat.Itmakesyou seefamiliarplacesinacompletely differentway.

Soifyou’vebeenlookingforasignto getoutofthehousethiswinter,this isit.Rugup,grabyourfriends,charge yourphonebecauseyou’lldefinitely betakingphotos,andgoexperience oneofAdelaide’sbiggestandmost uniquefestivals.

Trustme,it’soneofthoseevents you’llbetalkingaboutlongafterthe lightsgoout.

AFLVICTORIAANDSIKH COMMUNITYBUILDSTRONGER CONNECTIONSTHROUGH WHITEHORSEINITIATIVE

Sportandculturecametogether

inMelbourne’seasternsuburbs asAFLVictoriaandmembersof theSikhcommunityjoinedforces throughanewWhitehorseinitiative aimedatstrengtheningcommunity connectionsandincreasing participationinAustralianRules football.Theprogramhighlightshow sportcanserveasapowerfulbridge betweenculturesinmulticultural Australia.

Theinitiativebroughttogether communityleaders,families,young participantsandAFLrepresentatives tocreategreaterawarenessofthe gamewhilefosteringmeaningful engagementwithoneofVictoria’s fastest-growingcommunities. Organiserssaytheprogramfocuses oninclusion,participationand creatingopportunitiesforpeople fromdiversebackgroundstoconnect

throughsport

Victoriaishometoalargeandvibrant Sikhpopulation,manyofwhomhave madesignificantcontributionsacross business,education,healthcare, communityserviceandsport.As communitiescontinuetogrow, sportingorganisationsare increasinglylookingforwaysto ensureallAustraliansfeel

representedandwelcomedinlocal sportingenvironments.

AFLVictoriahasbeenactively workingtoexpandparticipation amongmulticulturalcommunities, recognisingthatAustralianRules footballcanplayanimportantrole inbringingpeopletogether Communityengagementprograms havebecomeakeypartofefforts tointroducethesporttonew audiencesandencouragebroader participation.

FormanySikhfamilies,community sportoffersmorethanphysical activity.Itprovidesopportunities foryoungpeopletobuild confidence,developleadership skillsandestablishfriendships acrossculturalbackgrounds. ProgramsliketheWhitehorse initiativehelpcreatepathwaysfor greaterinvolvementinlocalclubs andcommunityorganisations.

Thepartnershipalsobuildsona longhistoryofengagement betweenAustralianfootballand theSikhcommunity.AFL organisationshavepreviously collaboratedwithSikhsporting eventsandcommunitygroups, recognisingtheimportantrole sportplayswithinSikh-Australian communitiesacrossthecountry.

Communityleadershave welcomedtheinitiative,describing itasanexampleofhowcultural understandingcanbe strengthenedthroughshared experiences.Bycombiningsport

withcommunityengagement, theprogramaimstocreatea strongersenseofbelonging whilecelebratingthediversity thatdefinesmodernAustralia.

AsAustralia’smulticultural populationcontinuestogrow, initiativessuchasthis demonstratethepositiverole sportingorganisationscan playinfosteringinclusionand socialcohesion.Organisers hopetheWhitehorseprogram willencourageevenmore youngpeopleandfamiliesto exploreopportunitieswithin AustralianRulesfootballwhile buildinglastingcommunity connections.

Gold Coast Hindu Community Secures Major Grant For Long-Awaited Cultural Precinct

TDesiAustralia

heGoldCoastHindu communityiscelebratinga significantmilestoneafter securingfundingthroughthe QueenslandGovernment’s MulticulturalConnectInfrastructure Program,pavingthewayforalongawaitedculturalprecinctthatwill servegenerationstocome.The projectisexpectedtobecomean importanthubforcultural,

educationalandcommunityactivities ontheGoldCoast.

Thefundingannouncementmarks yearsofplanningandadvocacyby communityleaderswhohaveworked toestablishadedicatedspacewhere peoplecangather,celebratecultural traditionsandstrengthencommunity connections.Theprecinctis expectedtosupportawiderangeof activitieswhilepromoting multiculturalengagementacrossthe region.

Communityrepresentativessaythe projectwillprovideaninclusivevenue forculturalfestivals,language classes,youthprograms,senior activitiesandcommunityevents.

BeyondservingtheHindu community,thefacilityisexpectedto welcomepeoplefromdiverse backgroundsandcontributetothe GoldCoast’smulticulturalidentity.

Thedevelopmentcomesas Australia’sIndian-originpopulation continuestogrow,particularlyin Queensland,wherecommunities havebecomeincreasinglyactivein business,education,healthcareand publiclife.Manycommunity organisationshavehighlightedthe needfordedicatedinfrastructureto supportculturalpreservationand communitywellbeing.

Culturalprecinctsplayanimportant roleinhelpingyoungergenerations stayconnectedtotheirheritage whilealsocreatingopportunitiesfor cross-culturallearning.Community leadersbelievethenewfacilitywill strengthensocialcohesionand provideaplatformforsharing traditions,valuesandcultural experienceswiththewiderAustralian community.

Theannouncementalsoreflects growingrecognitionofthe contributionmulticultural communitiesmaketoQueensland’s socialandeconomiclandscape. Governmentsupportforcommunity infrastructureprojectsaimstoensure organisationshavetheresources neededtomeettheevolvingneedsof rapidlygrowingpopulations.

Formanylocalfamilies,theproject representsmorethanjustabuilding. Itisseenasalastinginvestmentin

communityidentity,cultural continuityandfuturegenerations. Supporterssaytheprecinctwill becomeaplacewheretraditions canbecelebratedwhilefosteringa strongsenseofbelongingamong residents.

TheGoldCoasthasbecomehome toavibrantanddiverseIndianAustraliancommunityoverrecent years.FestivalssuchasDiwali,Holi andculturalcelebrationscontinue attractingincreasingparticipation, highlightingthecommunity’s growingpresenceandcontribution totheregion’smulticulturalfabric.

Communityleadershavewelcomed thefundingasanimportantstep towardsturningalong-heldvision

intoreality.Theysaytheprecinctwill notonlybenefitcurrentresidentsbut willalsocreateopportunitiesfor futuregenerationstoconnectwith theirheritagewhileembracing Australia’smulticulturalvalues.

Asplanningprogresses,many residentsarelookingforwardto seeingtheculturalprecinctbecomea landmarkcommunityasset.The projectisexpectedtostrengthen culturalengagement,encourage communityparticipationandfurther enrichtheGoldCoast’sreputationas oneofAustralia’smostdiverseand welcomingregions.

University Of Queensland Deepens India Engagement With New Research Partnerships And Student Exchange Opportunities

TDesiAustralia

heUniversityofQueensland (UQ)hastakenanother significantstepin strengtheningAustralia–India educationties,announcingaseriesof newresearchcollaborationsand studentexchangeagreementswith leadingIndianinstitutions.Themove reflectsthegrowingimportanceof academicpartnershipsinsupporting innovation,skillsdevelopmentand people-to-peopleconnections betweenthetwocountries.

Theagreementswereformalised duringarecentUniversityof QueenslanddelegationvisittoIndia, whereuniversityleadersmetwith academicinstitutions,researchers andindustryrepresentativesto explorenewopportunitiesfor collaboration.Thediscussions focusedonexpandingjointresearch, increasingstudentmobilityand fosteringlong-termacademic engagement.

IndiahasbecomeoneofAustralia’s mostimportanteducationpartners, withIndianstudentsrepresenting oneofthelargestinternational studentcohortsinthecountry. UniversitiesacrossAustraliaare increasinglyworkingwithIndian institutionstocreatepathwaysthat supportlearning,researchand

workforcedevelopmentinboth nations.

Underthenewarrangements, studentsfromAustraliaandIndiawill havegreateropportunitiesto participateinexchangeprograms, studyabroadexperiencesand collaborativeacademicinitiatives. Universityleadersbelievethese experienceshelpstudentsgain globalperspectiveswhiledeveloping valuableprofessionalandcultural skills.

Researchcooperationisalso expectedtoexpandsignificantly throughthenewpartnerships. Academicsfrombothcountrieswill worktogetheronprojectsaddressing majorglobalchallenges,including sustainability,renewableenergy,

healthsciences,agriculture,artificial intelligenceandclimateresilience.

Universityofficialssaycombining AustralianandIndianexpertisecan accelerateinnovationandproduce solutionswithreal-worldimpact.As bothcountriescontinueinvestingin researchandtechnology, collaborativeprojectsare increasinglyviewedasaneffective waytotacklecomplexinternational challenges.

TheUniversityofQueenslandalready maintainsstronglinkswithIndia throughresearchcentres,industry partnershipsandalumninetworks. ThousandsofIndianstudentshave studiedatUQovertheyears, contributingtotheuniversity’s diversecampuscommunitywhile strengtheningeducationallinks betweenthetwonations.

Theannouncementcomesatatime whenAustraliaandIndiaare expandingcooperationacross multiplesectors,includingeducation, trade,technology,defenceand criticalminerals.Governmentsfrom bothcountrieshaverepeatedly highlightededucationasakeypillar

ofthebroaderbilateralrelationship. Educationexpertssaystronger universitypartnershipshelpbuild futureleadershipnetworkswhile encouraginginnovation, entrepreneurshipandcross-cultural understanding.Studentexchanges alsocreatelastingconnectionsthat oftencontinuelongaftergraduation, benefitingbothcountriessociallyand economically.

ForIndianstudents,Australiaremains oneofthemostattractive destinationsforinternational educationduetoitsglobally recogniseduniversities,research opportunitiesandcareerpathways. Meanwhile,Australianstudentsare increasinglylookingtowardsIndiaas animportantdestinationforstudy, researchandprofessional engagement

Thelatestagreementsdemonstrate howuniversitiesarehelpingshape thenextchapterofAustralia–India relations.Byexpandingopportunities forstudentsandresearcherstowork together,theUniversityof Queenslandiscontributingtoa partnershipthatcontinuestogrowin importanceacrosstheIndo-Pacific region.

Aseducationalcollaboration deepens,bothcountriesstandto benefitfromsharedknowledge, innovationandtalentdevelopment Thenewpartnershipsnotonly strengthenacademictiesbutalso reinforcetheenduringpeople-topeopleconnectionsthatformthe foundationoftheAustralia–India relationship.

Happy Place: Two Days of Books, Ideas and Conversations at the Sydney Writers’ Festival

PoornimaMenon

TheSydneyWriters’Festivalwas

myhappy,happyplacefortwo days.Iwasridingadopamine highandmygreycellsseemedtobein constantcartwheelsmode.Thereis somethingdeeplyenergisingabout beinginspacesfilledwithbooks, ideas,curiosityandpeoplewho dedicatethemselvestothecraftof storytelling.

Whilebeingsurroundedbybookswas ajoyinitself,therealhighlightforme waslisteningtowritersspeakcandidly abouttheirwork–notjusttheprocess ofwriting,butalsothenoprocess:the rejections,abandoneddrafts,rewrites andresiliencethatsitquietlybehind everypublishedpiece.

Asareader,Ihaveoftenwondered whatunfoldsbehindthesceneswhen awriterispiecingwordstogether, stringingphrases,creatingworlds,

developingcharactersandshaping narrativesthatmoveus.Hearing authorsunpacktheirjourneysmade meappreciatethatwritingisrarely linear.Itispersistence,vulnerability andoftenanactofcourage.

Memoirsparticularlyfascinateme becausetheyinviteanotherquestion: iswritingtherapeuticbecauseofthe destination– finallytellingthestory–orbecauseofthejourneyitself,of revisiting,processingandmaking senseoflivedexperiences?

‘Silenced’thefirstsessionmyfriend SonaliSaxenaandIattendedon23 Maylingeredlongafteritended. ListeningtovoicessuchasAntoinette Lattouf,RandaAbdel-Fattahand MichaelMohammedAhmad,mademe reflectonwhogetstotellstories, whosevoicesareamplifiedandwhose experiencesremainmarginalisedor unheard.Thesessiontraversed identity,censorship,truth-tellingand thecostofspeakingout–reminding usthatsilenceisnotalwaysabsence; sometimesitisimposed.

Ourdaytwobeganwith‘WhenWe WriteAboutMen’,featuringRobbie Arnott,BrandonJack,DanielNourand MichaelPederseninconversationwith BenjaminLaw.Thesessionwaxnot whatIexpectedittobeandImustsay Iwasalittledisappointed.However, thesessionwasareminderthatsome ofthemostcompellingstoriesemerge whenwritersresist,embrace contradiction,tendernessand imperfection.

‘Dunnit’exploredmysterywriting,the

anatomyofsuspenseandourenduring fascinationwithsecrets.Beyondcrime fictionitself,HayleyScrivenorinwith discussionMichaelBennet,S.A.Cosby andChrisHammerunpackedhowwriters buildsuspensewhilerevealing uncomfortabletruthsabouthuman behaviour.Itwasareminderthatsomeof themostcompellingstorieslieinthe tensionbetweenwhatisknownandwhat remainshidden.

Ourlastsessionforthedaywas‘Family Secrets’,asessionthatfeltdeeply personalinplaces.Theconversations SisonkeMsimanghadwithSusanChoi,S. ShakthidharanandOmarMusa,traversed memory,migration,intergenerational experiences,thehiddeninheritancesand

secretsfamiliescarry.It underscoredhowfamiliesare oftenshapedasmuchbywhat remainsunsaidasbywhatis openlyspoken.Theconfusion,the painandtheadjustmentsthatare oftenrequiredtomanoeuvre throughthequagmireofemotions andtheemotionalbaggagethat weunwittinglycarry,isnotjust draining, butoftenlifechanging too.

SonaliandIleftthefestivalnotjust withanswers,butmanyquestions andpointsofdiscussions.This perhapsisthebeautyofliterary spaces.Theychallengeyouto thinkdifferently,lookinwardand returntoeverydaylifewithyour mindalittlefullerandyour perspectiveslightlyaltered.

Twodaysofideas,storiesand conversations–andIwalkedaway remindedbywhatIhavealways believed,thatbooksdomuchmore thanentertain.Theyexpandus. Andperhapsthatiswhatwriters dobest……illuminatethethings weavoidsayingaloud.

ADesiAustralia

youngSydneystudenthas

earnedrecognitionfor presentingresearchonthe SanskritlanguageatAristotle Showcase2026,highlightingthe growinginterestinancientlanguages andculturalstudiesamongAustralian students.Theachievementhas drawnattentionfromeducatorsand communityleaderswhoseeitasa positiveexampleofacademic curiosityandmulticulturallearning.

Thestudent’sprojectexploredthe significanceofSanskrit,oneofthe world’soldestrecordedlanguages, andexamineditsinfluenceon linguistics,philosophyandcultural traditions.Theresearchpresentation stoodoutforitsdepth,originalityand abilitytoconnectancientknowledge withcontemporarylearning.

Young Sydney Student Showcases Sanskrit Research At Prestigious Aristotle Showcase 2026

AristotleShowcase2026brought togethertalentedstudentsfrom acrossSydneytopresentprojects spanningscience,technology, humanitiesandinnovation.Theevent providedyoungresearcherswithan opportunitytodemonstratecritical thinkingskillswhileengagingwith complexsubjectsbeyondthe standardclassroomcurriculum.

Sanskritcontinuestoattractgrowing interestinAustralia,withseveral schoolsandcommunity organisationspromotingthe languageaspartofbroader educationalandculturalprograms. EducatorssaystudyingSanskritcan strengthenanalyticalthinking, languageskillsandanappreciationof worldhistoryandliterature.

Thestudent’sworkalsohighlighted howancientlanguagesremain relevantinmoderneducation. Sanskrithasinfluencednumerous Indo-Europeanlanguagesandis hometoavastcollectionofliterature, philosophy,mathematicsand scientificthoughtthatcontinuesto bestudiedaroundtheworld.

Australia’smulticulturaleducation landscapehasincreasinglyembraced communitylanguagesandcultural learning.FromHindiandPunjabi programstoGreek,Chineseand Sanskritstudies,schoolsare expandingopportunitiesforstudents toconnectwithdiverselinguistic traditionsandglobalperspectives.

Communityleadershavewelcomed therecognition,sayingit demonstrateshowyoungAustralians areexploringbothinnovationand culturalheritagethroughacademic research.Theybelievesuchprojects encouragestudentstothinkbroadly whiledevelopingrespectfordifferent traditionsandknowledgesystems.

Theachievementalsoreflectsthe growingcontributionofIndianAustralianstudentsandfamiliesto Australia’seducationallandscape.As interestinlanguagestudies continuestoexpand,initiativeslike AristotleShowcaseprovidevaluable opportunitiesforyoungresearchers toshareideas,celebratelearningand inspirefuturegenerations.

Young Indian Innovators Develop Eco-Friendly Solution To Fight Growing Microplastic Pollution

Agroupofaward-winning

youngIndianinnovatorshas gainedinternationalattention afterdevelopinganeco-friendly solutionaimedattacklingthe growingproblemofmicroplastic pollution.Theirinnovationisbeing recognisedasapromisingstep towardsreducingenvironmental damagecausedbyplasticwaste acrosswaterwaysandecosystems.

Theteamcreatedabiodegradable absorbentmaterialdesignedto capturemicroplasticparticlesbefore theyspreadthroughrivers,lakesand oceans.Researchersinvolvedinthe projectsaythesolutionfocuseson preventingpollutionatanearlystage ratherthanattemptinglarge-scale cleanupaftercontaminationoccurs.

Microplasticshavebecomeoneof theworld’sfastest-growing environmentalconcerns,withtiny

plasticfragmentsnowbeing detectedinoceans,soil,food systemsandeventhehumanbody. Scientistscontinuewarningabout thelong-termecologicalandhealth impactsassociatedwithrising plasticcontamination.

Accordingtoreports,theyoung innovatorsspentseveralyears refiningtheirprojectthrough research,testingand experimentation.Theirwork eventuallygainedrecognitionat internationalscienceandinnovation competitions,wherejudgespraised theproject’spracticalenvironmental applications.

Oneofthemajoradvantagesofthe newmaterialisitsbiodegradable nature,helpingreducetheriskof creatingadditionalwasteduring pollutionmanagementprocesses. Theinnovatorssaidsustainability remainedakeyfocuswhiledesigning asolutionthatcouldbeadaptedfor broaderenvironmentaluse.

Environmentalexpertshave welcomedinitiativesthatcombine

scientificinnovationwithpractical climateaction.Asgovernmentsand industriessearchforwaystoreduce pollution,projectsdevelopedby studentsandyoungresearchersare increasinglybeingrecognisedas valuablecontributorstofuture sustainabilityefforts.

ThesuccessoftheIndianteamhas alsohighlightedthegrowingrole younginnovatorsareplayingin addressingglobalenvironmental challenges.AcrossIndia,student-led projectsincleanenergy,waste managementandsustainability continuereceivingrecognitionon internationalplatforms.

Asconcernsaroundplasticpollution continuerisingworldwide,the innovationoffershopethat affordableandenvironmentally responsiblesolutionscanemerge fromthenextgenerationof researchers.Manyobserversbelieve suchprojectsdemonstratehow youth-ledinnovationcanhelpshape acleanerandmoresustainable future.

When Bad Behaviour Travels: The Cost of Being an Unwelcome Tourist

Theriseininternationaltravel

amongIndiansisundoubtedlya successstory.Asincomeshave grownandtheworldhasbecome increasinglyaccessible,millionsof Indiansnowexploredestinationsthat previousgenerationscouldonlydream ofvisiting.Travelbroadenshorizons, buildsunderstandingandcreates lastingmemories.Yetalongsidethis welcometrendisalessflattering realitythatdeservesdiscussion.

Socialmediaisincreasinglyfilledwith videosandreportsofIndiantourists behavingbadlyoverseas.Insome destinations,businesseshave introducedspecialrulesforIndian visitors.Inafewcases,Indianshave reportedlybeendeniedentry altogether.Whethersuchmeasures arejustifiedornot,theyaredeeply embarrassingforthosewhovalue responsibletravelandunderstandthe damagesuchbehaviourdoestoIndia’s globalreputation.

Atatimewhenstereotypingand prejudiceareontheriseacrossthe world,theactionsofafewprovide ammunitionforthoseeagertopaint entirecommunitieswiththesame brush.Thequestionisnotwhether theseincidentsrepresentallIndians–theyclearlydonot.Thequestionis whysomeindividualscontinueto

behaveinwaysthatinvitecriticism andreinforcenegativeperceptions.

Theexcuseof“differentcultures”does notholdwater.Humanbeingsare socialcreatures,andeverysociety operatesaccordingtocertainnorms ofcourtesyandmutualrespect.When wevisitanothercountry,weare guests.Respectinglocalcustoms, publicspacesandfellowtravellersis notanoptionalextra;itisthebasic responsibilityofanyvisitor.

Manyofusgrewupwithparentswho taughtushowtobehaveinpublic.We wereexpectedtowaitourturn, respectsharedspacesandconsider thecomfortofothers.Publictantrums werediscouraged,andcreatinga disturbanceoftenresultedin immediatecorrection.Somewhere alongtheway,itappearsthatthese

lessonshavebecomelesscommon–orlesseffective.

DuringarecentvisittoTamilNadu,I touredtherenownedSriLakshmi NarayaniGoldenTempleinVellore. Whatstruckmemostwasnotjustthe grandeurofthetemplebutthe immaculatecleanlinessoftheentire complex,includingthepublicfacilities. Thetempleismaintainedbyatrust thatclearlytakesenormousprideinits work.

Onthewalkbackfromthetemple,I stoppedatoneofthetrust-operated cafés.Nearbysatafamilyoffour. Despitebinsbeingreadilyavailable, thechildrencasuallythrewtheir rubbishontoabeautifullymaintained patchofgreenery.Iwasaboutto intervenewhenInoticedthatthe parentsweredoingexactlythesame thing.Afterthefamilyleft,amember ofthetrustquietlycleanedupthe messtheyhadcreated.

Thatsmallincidentperfectly illustratestheproblem.Childrenlearn fromwhattheysee.Whenadults disregardbasiccivicresponsibility, theyteachthenextgenerationthat someoneelsewillalwayscleanup afterthem.

Theissueisnotconfinedtopublic spaces.Itisequallyvisibleinhotels andresorts.Toooften,sometravellers seemtobelievethatpayingforluxury accommodationexemptsthemfrom commoncourtesy.Staffaretreatedas servantsratherthanprofessionals. Hotelcorridorsbecomeextensionsof privatelivingrooms.Loud conversations,blaringtelevisionsand musicspillingfrombalconiesdisrupt thecomfortofotherguests.

Buffetbreakfastsprovideanother familiarspectacle.Guestsarrivein sleepwearandhotelslippers, behavingasthoughtheyarestillin theirbedrooms.Othershelp themselvestomorefoodthanthey canpossiblyconsume,sometimes evenattemptingtotakefoodaway fromthediningarea.Suchbehaviour mayseemtrivialtothoseengagingin it,butitleavesalastingimpressionon fellowguestsandstaffalike.

Thenthereisanotherphenomenon: thetravellerwhobelievesthatliving overseasconfersasuperiorstatus. SomemembersoftheIndiandiaspora returntoIndiaexpectingdeference ratherthanservice.Theirinteractions

withhospitalitystaffareoftenmarked byimpatienceandentitlement

Duringonehotelstay,Iwatcheda guestberateawaiterbecausehis coffeewasnotsufficientlyhot.The waiterremainedpoliteand professionalthroughoutthe exchange.Thenextday,Inoticedthat thestaffdiscreetlyavoidedserving thatparticulartablewhenever possible.Respect,afterall,isatwowaystreet.

MostIndians,whetherathomeor abroad,areconsiderateandrespectful. Unfortunately,ittakesonly

afewinconsiderateindividualsto createanegativeimpressionthat lingersfarlongerthanitshould.

Goodtourismisremarkablysimple. Respectpersonalspace.Queue patiently.Disposeofrubbish responsibly.Useheadphonesinsteadof forcingotherstolistentoyourmusic. Speakatareasonablevolume.Treat servicestaffwithdignity.Followlocal customsandrules.Aboveall,remember thatpublicspacesaresharedspaces.

Travelisaprivilege,notanentitlement Everytravellerbecomesaninformal ambassadorfortheircountry.The impressionsweleavebehindshapehow othersperceivenotjustusas individuals,butthecommunitieswe represent.

ThevastmajorityofIndianstravelwith graceandcourtesy.Itistimeforthe minoritywhodonottorecognisethat theirbehaviourcarriesconsequences farbeyondthemselves.Inan increasinglyinterconnectedworld, reputationtravelsjustasfaraspeople do

CULTURE AND TRADITION

Ioftenhearwomensaytheylove

sareesbuthatemakingpleats. Increasingly,theanswerseemsto bethepre-stitchedsaree-agarment thatpromisestheappearanceofa sareewithouttheeffortofdraping one.

Ioftenhearwomensaytheylove sareesbuthatemakingpleats. Increasingly,theanswerseemstobe thepre-stitchedsaree-agarmentthat promisestheappearanceofasaree withouttheeffortofdrapingone.

YetIfindmyselfasking:whatisthe pointofasareeifwenolongerdrape her?

Thesareeisnotmerelyapieceof clothing.Sheisanexperience.Sheis sixyardsoffabricthatcomesalive throughtouch,movementand personalexpression.Whenyoudrape asaree,youengagewithher.Youfeel hertexturebeneathyourfingers.You shapeher,foldher,pleatherandallow hertosettlearoundyourbody.Inthat process,arelationshipisformed betweenthewearerandthegarment

Apre-stitchedsareeremovesthat relationship.Insteadofthesaree flowingoveryou,youfitintoa predeterminedshape.Insteadof adaptingtoyourbody,yourbodyis askedtobemeasuredtoadapttoher Tome,thatfeelslikewatertrapped

Thebeautyofasareeliesinher freedom.Shehasnofixedformand canbedrapedincountlessways adaptingstylesacrossregions,culture andgenerations.Thesareeevolves withthewomanwhowears her.Every pleattellsastory,everydrapereflects apersonality,andeverystylecarriesa history.Thepleatsaremeanttobe madebythehandthattucksthemin assheisbeingdraped.Toconfinesuch agarmentwithpermanentstitches, buckles,andzippersistodenyher veryessence.

Thereare,afterall,countlessgarments designedtobezipped,buttoned, buckledorfastenedintoshape. Gowns,dresses,jumpsuits,andskirts alreadyservethatpurposebeautifully Thesareeoccupiesadifferentspace altogether.Heruniquenesslies preciselyinthefactthatsheis unstructured.Sheisoneofthefew garmentsintheworldthatbeginsasa lengthoffabricandbecomes whateverthewearerwisheshertobe.

Whatmakesthesareeextraordinaryis thatshebelongstoeverywoman.She transcendsage,size,heightandbody type.Sheisperhapsthemost democraticgarmentevercreated.A sareedoesnotdiscriminate–she flattersthepetiteandthetall,the youngandtheold,thecurvyandthe slenderalike.Ratherthanforcing womenintoaprescribedsilhouette, shecelebratesthebodyasitis.

Thereisalsosomethingwonderfully mysteriousaboutasaree.Her eleganceliesinsuggestionratherthan revelation.Shecarriesgraceinher foldsandconfidenceinherdrape.She revealsandconcealsinequalmeasure, creatingatimelessallurethatno stitchedgarmentcantrulyreplicate.

Thesaree’sgreateststrengthisher versatility.Thereisnosinglecorrect waytodrapeher.AcrossIndiaandthe world,womenhavecreatedhundreds ofdrapingstyles,eachreflectinglocal traditions,practicalneeds,and personalidentities.Thesareehas survivedforcenturiesprecisely becauseshehasremainedfree.

Thatiswhyitsaddensmetoseeher increasinglytrappedinstitchesand reducedtoafixedform.Whenwe buckleher,zipherandpre-shapeher, wemaypreserveherappearance,but werisklosingherspirit

Thesareeisnotsimplysomethingto beworn.Sheissomethingtobe experienced.Andperhapsthat experience-theritualofpleating, draping,adjusting,andmakingit uniquelyyourown-istheverysoulof thesareeherself.

Melbourne Hosts Inaugural Miss India South Pacific Australia 2026

ADesiAustralia

celebrationofheritage,

ambitionandtheevolving identityofyoungIndian womenacrosstheSouthPacific

Melbourne,Australia–Melbourne playedhosttoalandmarkcelebration ofIndiancultureandidentityasthe inauguralMissIndiaSouthPacific Australia2026tookcentrestageat TheNationalTheatreonSunday,31 May

Bringingtogethercontestants, families,communityleaders, performersandsupportersfrom acrossAustralia,theeventmarked theAustraliandebutofanew pageantplatformdesignedto connectandempoweryoungwomen ofIndianoriginacrossAustralia,New ZealandandFiji.

Morethanatraditionalbeauty pageant,MissIndiaSouthPacific seekstoprovideaplatformwhere culture,confidence,leadershipand communityengagementare celebratedalongsidefashionand talent.Theinitiativereflectsthe growingpresenceandcontributionof Indiancommunitiesthroughoutthe SouthPacificregionandaimsto createopportunitiesforyoung

womentoproudlyrepresenttheir heritagewhiledevelopingpersonal andprofessionalskills.

Attheconclusionofavibrantevening ofcompetitionandentertainment, DeviDivakalawascrownedMiss IndiaSouthPacificAustralia2026, withBhavyaKurellinamed1st Runner-UpandSanaBhaskar awardedthetitleof2ndRunner-Up.

Theeventshowcasednotonlythe contestants'poiseandconfidence butalsothediversityandcreativityof Australia'sIndiancommunitythrough arichprogrammeofcultural performances.Audienceswere treatedtoenergeticperformancesby

ABCDDanceCompany,FusionBeats bySaishaSethi,NBDance,and vocalistArpitaChanda,whose performancesaddedcolour,

excitementandculturaldepthtothe evening.

ThelaunchoftheAustralianedition representsthefirstchapterofthe broaderMissIndiaSouthPacific initiative,whichaimstouniteIndian communitiesacrossAustralia,Fijiand NewZealandthroughashared celebrationofcultureandidentity FinalistsselectedfromtheAustralian competitionwillnowgoonto representTeamAustraliaattheMiss IndiaSouthPacificGrandFinalein Aucklandlaterthisyear.

Speakingaftertheevent,Founder andProducerDharmeshParikh describedthesuccessfulAustralian launchasanimportantmilestonefor theplatform'slong-termvision.

"Thisplatformisaboutmorethana crown.Itisaboutgivingyoung womenofIndianoriginthe opportunitytosharetheirstory, celebratetheirheritage,growin confidenceandrepresenttheir communitiesonaninternational stage,"hesaid.

Parikhpraisedthecontestantsfor settingastrongfoundationforfuture editionsofthecompetition.

"WeareincrediblyproudofTeam Australia.Thetalent,eleganceand culturalprideshownbythe contestantshassetabeautiful benchmarkforMissIndiaSouth Pacific.Wenowlookforwardto welcomingFijiandNewZealandinto thisjourney."

TheconceptbehindMissIndiaSouth Pacificbuildsuponalongtraditionof community-ledculturaleventsthat celebrateIndianheritagewhile encouragingleadership,self-

developmentandcommunity participation.Organisersbelievethe platformoffersyoungwomenan opportunitytostrengthentheir connectiontotheirculturalroots whilebuildingconfidence, communicationskillsandstage presenceinasupportive environment.

Theinitiativeisproducedby Rhythm HouseEventsandFilms,an Auckland-basedproductioncompany establishedin2002andwellknown

fororganisingMissIndiaNZ,oneof NewZealand'slongest-running Indianculturalpageants.Drawingon morethantwodecadesof experience,theorganisationhas expandeditsvisiontocreatea regionalplatformthatbrings togetherparticipantsfromacrossthe SouthPacific.

Thenextchapterofthatjourneywill takeplaceinFiji,withMissIndia SouthPacificFiji2026scheduledfor 1August2026attheCivicCentrein Suva.Applicationsarecurrentlyopen forwomenofIndianoriginlivingin Fiji,withentriesclosingon30June.

AsIndiancommunitiescontinueto growandthrivethroughoutAustralia andthewiderSouthPacific, initiativessuchasMissIndiaSouth Pacifichighlighttheimportanceof preservingculturalheritagewhile

creatingnewopportunitiesforfuture generations.Thesuccessfullaunchin Melbournesignalsthebeginningof whatorganisershopewillbecomea significantannualcelebrationof culture,identity,talentand leadershipacrosstheregion.

EventResults

MissIndiaSouthPacificAustralia 2026:DeviDivakala

1stRunner-Up:BhavyaKurelli

2ndRunner-Up:SanaBhaskar

EntertainmentHighlights

ABCDDanceCompany

FusionBeatsbySaishaSethi

NBDance

ArpitaChanda

AboutMissIndiaSouthPacific

MissIndiaSouthPacificisan internationalpageantplatform celebratingculture,confidence, fashion,talentandleadershipacross Australia,FijiandNewZealand.The platformprovidesyoungwomenof Indianoriginwithopportunitiesto buildconfidence,developstage presence,expresstheircultural identityandrepresenttheir communitiesacrossborders.

Saree Club Community Raises Over $3,500 at Australia’s

Biggest Morning Tea

Saree Club Community Raises Over $3,500 at Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea

hespiritofsisterhood, Tcommunity,andcompassionwas onfulldisplayasmembersand friendsoftheSareeClubhelpedraise morethan$3,500insupportofcancer research,prevention,andsupport services.TheSareeClubhosted Australia’sBiggestMorningTeaforthe fifthtime.Ourmorningteaalways hostedbyamemberandthisyearour hostesswasJignaShah.Ahomeis alwaysseenasasafespace,exudinga warmththatmakestheflowof difficultconversationseasy.

Morethanjustafundraiser,theevent becameapowerfulplatformfor connection,awarenessand meaningfulconversationsabout healthandwellbeing.Womenfrom diversebackgroundscametogether, unitedbyasharedcommitmentto

makingadifferencewhilecelebrating culture,friendship,andtheenduring strengthofcommunity

Auniquehighlightofthisyear’s gatheringwasahomemadelunchbox exchange,whichbroughtanadded layerofcreativityandcultural storytellingtotheevent.Participants preparedthoughtfullycuratedlunch boxesthatreflectedfamilytraditions, regionalflavoursandpersonal memories.Theconcepttransformeda simplemealintoacelebrationof heritageandcommunity,sparking conversationsandconnectionsaround everytable.

Addingtotheexcitementwasthe auctionoftwobeautifulsarees,each carryingitsownstoryand significance.Members enthusiasticallybidforthegarments, recognisingthattheyrepresented morethanfabricandcraftsmanshiptheysymbolisedmemories, milestones,andtherichcultural tapestrythatbindsthecommunity together.ThankyouCharuKoteraand SonaliSaxenaforyourgenerousbids. Aspeciallycuratedteahamperwas alsoauctioned,contributingtothe

fundraisingeffortsandthebidwas wonbyArunaTirunagari.

Throughoutthemorning,attendees reflectedontheimportanceof preventivehealthcareandearly detection.Openandhonest discussionshighlightedtheneedfor womentoprioritisetheirown wellbeing,listentothesignalstheir bodiesprovide,andseekmedical advicewhensomethingfeelsamiss. Thegatheringalsoservedasatimely reminderoftheimportanceofregular mammograms,cervicalscreening,and bowelcancerscreening.DipikaGandhi curatedquotesfromcelebritieswho hadgonethroughthejourney, highlightedthefactthatcancerdoes notdiscriminate.Eachattendeeread outaquote.Thewholeexercisewas notjustpowerfulbutdeeplythoughtprovokingtoo

Importantly,theconversationsalso extendedbeyondwomen’shealth. Participantsemphasisedtheneedto encouragethemenintheirfamilies andcommunitiestoundertakeregular healthchecksandtobeproactivein managingtheirphysicalwellbeing. Themessagewasclear:prevention,

awareness,andearlyinterventionsave lives.

Oneofthemostmovingmomentsof themorningcamethroughthesharing ofNikhil’sstory.Throughtheheartfelt reflectionsofhismother,Nivedita Autar,attendeeslearnedabouta remarkableyoungmanwhose courage,resilience,andpositive outlookleftalastingimpressiononall whoknewhim.Whilecancer ultimatelyclaimedhislife,hislegacy continuestoinspireotherstolivewith purpose,gratitude,anddetermination.

Nikhil’sjourneyservedasapoignant reminderofwhyeventssuchas Australia’sBiggestMorningTearemain soimportant.Behindevery fundraisingeffortarerealpeople,real familiesandrealstoriesofcourage, loss,hopeandperseverance.Hisstory

touchedmanyheartsintheroomand reinforcedthesignificanceof supportingcancerresearchand patientcare.

Themorningalsohighlightedthe uniquerolecommunityorganisations playinfosteringconnectionand creatingspaceswheredifficult conversationscantakeplace.By sharingexperiences,offeringsupport andraisingawareness,attendees demonstratedthepowerofcollective actionandthestrengththatemerges whenpeoplecometogetherfora commoncause.

Astheafternoonconcluded,therewas asharedsensethateachoneofushad achievedfarmorethanbeingpartof thefundraisingventure.Ithad strengthenedfriendshipsfurther,

honouredpersonaljourneys, encouragedimportanthealth conversationsandinspiredattendees tocontinuesupportingoneanother beyondtheeventitself

Inraisingover$3,500,theSareeClub andhersupportershavemadea tangiblecontributiontothefight againstcancer.Equallyimportant, theyhavehelpedcreategreater awareness,fosteredmeaningful dialogueandremindedeveryone presentthatcommunity,compassion, andconnectionremainamongthe mostpowerfultoolswehaveinfacing life’schallenges.

MembersoftheIndianAustraliancommunity gatheredinSydneyrecently asPraharhostedoneofitslargest fundraisingeventsinsupportofthe CancerCouncil’sAustralia’sBiggest MorningTeainitiative.Theevent broughttogethercommunityleaders, supportersandvolunteerstoraise fundsandawarenessforcancer researchandsupportservices.

Knownforitscommunityworkand charitableinitiatives,Praharhas continuedtostrengthenitsroleasa platformforsocialimpactand communityengagement.Thisyear’s BiggestMorningTeaonceagain highlightedtheorganisation’s commitmenttosupportingcauses thataffectfamiliesacrossAustralia.

Theeventattractedstrong participationfrompeopleofdiverse backgrounds,reflectingthe multiculturalspiritthatcharacterises SydneyandthewiderAustralian community.Guestscametogether notonlytocontributefinanciallybut alsotoshowsolidaritywiththose whoseliveshavebeentouchedby cancer.

Cancerremainsoneofthecountry’s biggesthealthchallenges,with millionsofAustraliansimpacted directlyorindirectly.Fundsraised throughAustralia’sBiggestMorning Teahelpsupportlife-savingresearch, preventionprogramsandservicesfor patientsandtheirfamilies.

Throughoutthegathering,attendees sharedstories,enjoyedrefreshments anddiscussedtheimportanceof earlydetectionandongoingsupport forthosefacingcancer.Theevent alsoprovidedanopportunityfor communitymemberstoconnect whilecontributingtoameaningful cause.

Organisersacknowledgedtheefforts ofvolunteers,sponsorsand supporterswhosecontributions helpedmakethefundraisera success.Theircommitment demonstratedhowgrassroots communityinitiativescancreatea lastingimpactandsupportnational healthpriorities.

Formanyparticipants,thecauseheld personalsignificance.Whether throughfamily,friendsorcolleagues, cancerhastouchedcountlesslives, makingtheopportunitytosupport theCancerCouncilespecially meaningful.

Communityleaderspraisedthe Indian-Australiancommunity’s willingnesstorallybehindimportant causesandnotedthateventslike thesehelpstrengthensocialbonds whilepromotingawarenessand compassion.

ThesuccessofPrahar’sBiggest MorningTeaalsohighlightsthe growingcontributionmulticultural organisationsaremakingto charitablecausesacrossAustralia. Theireffortscontinuetobuild bridgesbetweencommunitieswhile encouragingaspiritofgivingand volunteerism.

AsAustralianscontinuetosupport theCancerCouncil’smission, Prahar’sSydneyeventstandsasa powerfulreminderthatcommunity spirit,compassionandcollective actioncanmakearealdifferencein thefightagainstcancer

Australia Partners With Cricket Legend Kapil Dev To Launch Mental Health Initiative

Australiahasjoinedforceswith

IndiancricketiconKapilDevto launchanewmentalhealth initiativeaimedatencouragingopen conversationsaroundwellbeing, resilienceandemotionalhealth.The partnershiphighlightsthegrowing recognitionofmentalhealthasan importantissueacrossmulticultural communities,includingtheIndian diasporainAustralia.

Theinitiativeseekstousetheinfluence ofsporttobreakdownstigma surroundingmentalhealthchallenges. Organisersbelieverespectedsporting figurescanplayapowerfulrolein encouragingpeopletoseeksupport, sharetheirexperiencesandprioritise theirwellbeingwithoutfearof judgment.

KapilDevremainsoneofthemost respectedfiguresininternational cricket.BestknownforleadingIndiato itshistoric1983CricketWorldCup triumph,hecontinuestoinspire generationsoffansbothinIndiaand aroundtheworld.Hisinvolvementis expectedtohelpthecampaignconnect withdiversecommunitiesacross Australiaandbeyond.

Mentalhealthadvocateshave increasinglyhighlightedtheimportance ofculturallysensitivesupportservices, particularlyformigrantcommunities. Factorssuchassocialisolation,family pressures,workplacestressand adjustingtolifeinanewcountrycan sometimescreateadditionalchallenges forindividualsandfamilies.

Australiahasinvestedheavilyinmental healthawarenessoverrecentyears,with governments,healthorganisationsand communitygroupsworkingtogetherto improveaccesstosupportservices.The newinitiativeaimstocomplement thoseeffortsbyusingsportasa platformforeducation,awarenessand communityengagement.

Organiserssaytheprogramwillfocus onpromotingpositivementalhealth habitswhileencouragingpeopleto recogniseearlysignsofemotional distress.Communityevents,awareness campaignsandeducationalactivitiesare expectedtoformpartofthebroader initiative.

Thepartnershipalsoreflectsthestrong people-to-peopleconnectionsbetween AustraliaandIndia.Sport,particularly cricket,haslongservedasabridge betweenthetwonations,helping bringcommunitiestogetherthrough sharedpassionandcultural understanding.

FormanyIndian-Australians,seeinga cricketinglegendlikeKapilDev championmentalhealthawareness sendsanimportantmessage. Communityleadershopetheinitiative willencouragemorepeopletodiscuss wellbeingopenlyandseeksupport whenneeded,helpingcreatestronger andhealthiercommunitiesacross Australia.