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Content. Igniting The Diaspora’s Flame: Haut Monde ...

Teej Mahotsav Brings Thousands Together ...

The Queen of Baluchari: Weaving ...

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04. 22. 40. 54. 60. 70. 82.

Seven Federal And State Parliamentary Leaders ... Bandana Cultural School Brings Science, Art And ... Sarees, Songs And SisterHood: Sydney Women ... Haryana And Australia Seek New Partnerships ... South Asian-Australian Students Sweep First ... High Commissioner Nagesh Singh Strengthens ... UWA Mumbai Campus Cleared to Open, ...

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PUBLISHER Desi Australia Pty Ltd

EDITOR'S LETTER

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Arti Banga CAMPAIGN DIRECTOR Hartaj Singh Banga NSW EDITOR: Sukruti Narayanan VICTORIA EDITOR: Satinder Chawla Pooja Prem

ARTI BANGA

Editor-in-Chief

QUEENSLAND EDITOR: Rajni Ghai Malhotra ACT EDITOR: Rajni Ghai Malhotra DESIGNER Ðevender Kumar Email : info@DesiAustralia.com

Disclaimer: All rights reserved. Do not re-use any content and photo from Desi Australia without the prior written permission from the editor. All the material published in Desi Australia, including articles, features, ﬁllers, advertisements, and all other contents, are published in good faith, and the editor or the Desi Australia magazine cannot be held liable for any errors or omissions. All material is published on the understanding that it is copyright free, and Desi Australia accepts no liability for any subsequent copyright issues. We also cannot accept responsibility for and do not endorse views expressed by the contributors.

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Hello Everyone, Welcome to another exciting edition of Desi Australia Digital Magazine! In this edition, we celebrate the incredible talent, inspiring stories and community spirit that continue to shape the Australian Desi experience. From recognising beauty and creativity to shining a spotlight on local heroes who are making a meaningful diﬀerence in their communities, this issue brings together stories that reﬂect the diversity, resilience and achievements of Australians of South Asian heritage.

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At Desi Australia, we believe our communities are strengthened when we share our stories, celebrate one another and recognise the people who make a diﬀerence. We hope you enjoy reading this edition as much as we have enjoyed bringing these stories to you. Have a story to share? We would love to hear from you. If you have a community story, achievement, event or inspiring individual you would like us to feature, please get in touch with us at info@DesiAustralia.com.Thank you for being part of the Desi Australia community. Happy reading!

DesiAustralia.com “Keeping you connected”

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SEVEN FEDERAL AND ST LEADERS STAND TOG AUSTRALIAN SIKH AWA

Desi Australia

ight Australians were honoured for leadership, professional achievement and selﬂess service as more than 300 guests celebrated a community contributing an estimated $15.5 billion annually to Australia’s economy. Seven prominent federal and state parliamentary representatives from across the political spectrum gathered at Shangri-La Sydney on Saturday, 29 August, for the sold-out third Australian Sikh Awards for Excellence. More than 300 guests attended the national celebration, where eight awards recognised Australians whose achievements span community service,

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healthcare, sport, agriculture, arts and culture, industrial design and youth leadership. The awards are an initiative of Sikh Youth Australia and are supported by the Young Sikh Professionals Network. Founded in 2023 and held every two years, they seek to bring national attention to Australians whose professional achievements and longstanding service have strengthened their communities, often without widespread recognition. The 2026 recipients were selected from 20 ﬁnalists across seven categories following more than 100 nominations from across Australia. A separate Lifetime Achievement Award was also presented posthumously.

The parliamentary representatives attending the ceremony were: • The Hon Michelle Rowland MP, Attorney-General of Australia and Member for Greenway • The Hon Dr Andrew Charlton MP, Cabinet Secretary and Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital Economy • The Hon Stephen Kamper MP, NSW Minister for Lands and Property, Multiculturalism, Sport, Jobs and Tourism • Senator Dave Sharma, Shadow Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Aﬀairs

Bipartisan recognition of Sikh Australian achievement

• Kellie Sloane MP, NSW Leader of the Opposition and NSW Liberal Party Leader

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TATE PARLIAMENTARY GETHER AT SOLD-OUT ARDS FOR EXCELLENCE

• Gurmesh Singh MP, NSW Nationals Leader • Mark Coure MP, Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism Attorney-General Michelle Rowland said the achievements recognised at the ceremony reﬂected the Sikh principles of equality, compassion and selﬂess service.

your remarkable charitable work, Sikh Australians have contributed to every aspect of modern Australia,” Ms Rowland said. “The achievements on display tonight reﬂect the Sikh values of equality, compassion and selﬂess service.”

“Whether it’s in business, the arts or

In a further statement provided for the article, Ms Rowland highlighted the contribution she witnesses through her work as the Federal Member for

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Greenway. “As the Federal Member for one of Australia’s most diverse communities, I see ﬁrsthand the enormous contribution Sikh Australians make to our nation,” she said. “The awards are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the many achievements of those Sikh Australians who help make our country an even better place to live.”

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Dr Andrew Charlton said the awards recognised people who consistently contributed to their communities, professions and country. “The Australian Sikh Awards for Excellence are now in their third year, recognising people who show up for their communities, their professions, and their country,” Dr Charlton said. “It was a privilege to celebrate this year’s recipients alongside the wider Sikh community – a community that gives so much of itself and asks for so little in return. “That spirit reflects seva, the Sikh tradition of selfless service to others, and this year’s recipients showed it in fields from healthcare and aged care to sport and the arts. “Australia is built by neighbours looking out for each other, and these awards are an important opportunity to say thank you.” NSW Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper congratulated everyone recognised at the ceremony. “It was a privilege to be at the Australian Sikh Awards for Excellence again this year,” Mr Kamper said. “The Sikh community’s contribution to this state is significant. Congratulations to all winners and finalists on what they’ve achieved for NSW.” Senator Dave Sharma, Shadow Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, described attending the awards and celebrating the Sikh community’s achievements as a privilege.

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“It was a privilege to join the Sikh community at the Australian Sikh Awards for Excellence and join with them in celebrating the achievements and contributions made by Sikh Australians across so many ﬁelds of endeavour,” Senator Sharma said. “The Sikh community is strong, vibrant and valued, and their contributions to Australia over many decades are signiﬁcant and appreciated. “I extend my thanks and appreciation to Sikh Youth Australia and the organisers for such a meaningful evening of celebration.” NSW Leader of the Opposition Kellie Sloane described the event as a celebration of the success, ingenuity and resilience of Sikh Australians. “It was a fantastic evening at the Australian Sikh Awards, joining with the community to celebrate the remarkable achievements of Sikh Australians from across the country,” Ms Sloane said. “The story of the Australian Sikh community is a story of success, ingenuity and resilience. The Sikh community has a proud history in Australia and continues to make an NSW Leader of the Opposition Kellie Sloane described the event as a celebration of the success, ingenuity and resilience of Sikh Australians. “It was a fantastic evening at the Australian Sikh Awards, joining with the community to celebrate the remarkable achievements of Sikh Australians from across the country,” Ms Sloane said.

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“The story of the Australian Sikh community is a story of success, ingenuity and resilience. The Sikh community has a proud history in Australia and continues to make an enormous contribution to our state, from local businesses and entrepreneurs to volunteers and those simply looking out for others in their community. “I want to congratulate all of this year’s award winners and nominees, and Sikh Youth Australia for bringing everyone together for such a special night.” NSW Nationals Leader Gurmesh Singh reflected on the opportunities Australia has provided to Sikh Australians and the community’s strong commitment to giving back. “Australia has given many of us so much. A career, a home, friends, and a place where we belong. But we give back too,” Mr Singh said. “It’s great to be part of an awards night that celebrates the very best of the Sikh community across Australia. From fields as diverse as agriculture, sport, media and the arts, so many talented Sikhs were recognised for excellence in their chosen field, and I congratulate them all for the work they do and for being ambassadors for the Sikh community in Australia.” The presence of representatives from government and opposition at both federal and state levels reflected broad recognition of the Sikh community’s contribution to Australian life.

A young and growing Australian community

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According to the Young Sikh Professionals Network’s 2023 economic study, Australia’s Sikh population exceeds 210,000 and grew by 92 per cent during the ﬁve years to 2021. The study estimates that Sikh Australians contribute approximately $15.5 billion annually to Australia’s gross domestic product, close to twice the estimated contribution recorded in 2016. The community also sustains a skilled workforce of more than 113,000 people. With 82 per cent of Sikh Australians aged under 40, the community’s future contribution across business, the professions, public service, sport, culture and community life is expected to continue growing.

The 2026 award recipients Bijinder Dugal OAM – Australian Sikh Woman of the Year Bijinder Dugal OAM was recognised for her longstanding commitment to improving the wellbeing of older Australians. As co-founding Director of AASHA Australia Foundation, she has helped develop initiatives supporting active ageing, dementia awareness, elder rights and social inclusion, while working to protect older people from abuse and ﬁnancial exploitation. Her contribution to aged welfare was also recognised through the Medal of the Order of Australia in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours. Hasrat Kaur Gill – Excellence in Sports

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Hasrat Kaur Gill was honoured for her achievements in cricket and her growing inﬂuence as a young Australian athlete. Born in Amritsar and raised in Melbourne, she has represented Victoria in the Women’s National Cricket League, played for Sydney Thunder in the Women’s Big Bash League and represented Australia at Under-19 level. Her achievements are also creating greater visibility for young Sikh Australians aspiring to participate in elite sport. Associate Professor Dr Narinder Pal Singh – Excellence in a Professional Field Associate Professor Dr Narinder Pal Singh received recognition for his contribution to medicine, research and technology-driven healthcare. He serves as Head of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery at Westmead Hospital and is an Associate Professor at the University of Sydney. His research includes the use of artiﬁcial intelligence and computational methods in healthcare, with work focused on improving diagnosis and treatment, including for underserved communities.

In 2007, he led the ﬁrst Sikh contingent of 28 participants in Sydney’s Anzac Day march, wearing his father’s wartime medals. The Sikh contingent continues to participate in the march. Mr Gill also opened Sydney’s ﬁrst camp for young Sikhs in 1998, founded the Multicultural Communities Council of NSW, advised the Australian Defence Force on Sikhism and helped establish the Sikh marriage celebrant system in NSW. His decades of work also supported Punjabi language and education, youth participation, interfaith understanding

Late Sardar Ajmer Singh Gill JP – Lifetime Achievement Award The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented posthumously to Sardar Ajmer Singh Gill JP, a founding member of Sikh Youth Australia who died at his Victorian home at the age of 81.

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COMMUNITY NEWS | SYDNEY

and greater recognition of Sikh identity in Australia. Maneet Singh – Young Australian Sikh of the Year Maneet Singh was recognised for his achievements in industrial design and his commitment to creating products that respond to real-world needs. As a lead designer at Australian design company Orbitkey, he has worked on projects including AirLift, which was designed to help healthcare workers reposition patients more safely, and Reverie, a dementia-care system incorporating reminiscence therapy. “What I’m proudest of is being recognised for the impact of my industrial design work, especially Reverie, a dementia-care system,” Mr Singh said. His work has received national design recognition and demonstrates how thoughtful design can improve healthcare and quality of life. Harmohan Singh Walia – Excellence in Community Service Harmohan Singh Walia was recognised for more than three decades of community involvement spanning interfaith engagement, multicultural media, photography and community advocacy. A mechanical and industrial engineer by profession, he has also worked as a Punjabi radio broadcaster and documented thousands of community events. His contribution has focused on strengthening connections between communities, preserving important moments in Australian Sikh history and encouraging younger generations to participate in community life. Amanpreet, Manjinder and Kamaljit Singh Grewal – Excellence in Agriculture Amanpreet, Manjinder and Kamaljit Singh Grewal were recognised for their contribution to Australian agriculture and regional enterprise. Drawing upon their family’s Punjabi farming background, they developed

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Bali Padda – Excellence in Arts, Culture or Music Bali Padda was recognised for his work across Australian theatre, television and film, both as a performer and behind the camera. His screen and stage career has been accompanied by work with organisations including Screen Australia and Screen NSW, supporting greater diversity within Australia’s creative sector. Through Little Goat Arts and Entertainment, he has continued creating opportunities for stories that reflect Australia’s multicultural character. Recognising excellence grounded in Sikh values Australian Sikh Awards for Excellence Patron Harinder Sidhu AM, a former Australian High Commissioner to India and New Zealand, said the finalists reflected the breadth of the Sikh Australian community. “Finalists this year represent the full diversity of Sikhs in Australia. They are of all ages and from all walks of life,” Ms Sidhu said. “But they have in common a deep commitment to Sikh values and to bringing their skills, energy and enterprise to strengthen their communities and make Australia a better place.” Chair of the 2026 Selection Panel Dr Sarvjit Girn FAICD said the recipients’ achievements had created an impact beyond their respective professional fields. “Their work and achievements have not only made a positive impact to the communities around them and contributed to the social and economic development of Australia, but also inspired others to aim for excellence in their own field,” Dr Girn said. The awards reflect the Sikh principle of seva, meaning selfless service to others. Across the eight recipients, that principle could be seen in work supporting older Australians, improving

healthcare, creating employment, advancing design, strengthening cultural representation and serving local communities. Community support behind the celebration Sikh Youth Australia President Satwant Calais thanked the organisations, performers, judges, volunteers and guests who supported the sold-out event. The platinum sponsors were SBS, Sedha Consulting and SOMA Wellness. Silver sponsors included HP Accountants and Associates, Surjit’s Indian Restaurant, Desi Australia and Jindeep Videography. Desi Australia was proud to support the national celebration as a silver sponsor and media partner. Mr Calais also acknowledged performers Ruhani Dhillon and Lashkare Punjab De, whose performances helped set the tone for the evening, along with the judging panel, event volunteers and more than 300 guests. Sikh Youth Australia is a volunteer-run, not-for-proﬁt charitable organisation established in 1999 to serve the social, cultural and spiritual needs of Sikh youth and new migrants. The organisation has chapters across most Australian states, with programs including the Future Leaders Program, Young Sikh Professionals Network, Culture Care, Sikh to Give, Natural Disaster Assistance and participation in Anzac Day parades. According to the organisation, these initiatives reach more than 100,000 people across Australia each year. The 2026 Australian Sikh Awards for Excellence demonstrated that the success of Sikh Australians is not measured solely through individual accomplishments. It can also be seen in the communities they strengthen, the industries they advance and the spirit of service they bring to Australian society. More information about the recipients is available at Australian Sikh Awards for Excellence. Photo Credit: Jindeep Photography

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MAG CORNER

Chris Minns Announces N Inspired by Dehradun’s ‘Ind Desi Australia

remarkable story connecting the Himalayan city of Dehradun with Australia’s country music heartland is set to reach cinemas, with NSW Premier Chris Minns announcing a new Australia-India feature film inspired by the extraordinary journey of musician Bobby Cash. The announcement was made at the Australian High Commission in New Delhi during a reception hosted by Australian High Commissioner to India His Excellency Philip Green OAM. Premier Minns was joined by NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey, Australia’s first Indian-origin state treasurer, as the project was unveiled as part of the growing cultural relationship between the two countries. The film draws inspiration from Cash’s journey from the mountains of Dehradun to Tamworth, the Australian centre of country music. Two decades ago, the Indian musician arrived in Australia carrying his guitar and a passion for country music, eventually earning recognition under the memorable title of “The Indian Cowboy”. Rather than presenting a conventional biographical account, the production will explore broader themes of migration, music, identity and belonging. At its heart is the story of an artist who travelled from the Himalayan foothills to regional Australia and discovered that music could create connections between cultures separated by thousands of kilometres.

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The project brings together filmmakers and creative talent from both Australia and India. Sydney-based filmmaker Anupam Sharma will direct the feature, while award-winning NSW writerdirector Victoria Wharfe McIntyre has joined the project as screenwriter. Indian producer Satish Sharma will serve as co-producer. Premier Chris Minns said Cash’s journey reflected the depth of the relationship between India and NSW,

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describing the musician’s transition from Dehradun to Australian country music as an example of how people and culture can strengthen connections between the two countries. The Premier also welcomed the opportunity for the story to be produced in NSW, bringing Australian and Indian creative talent together for a ﬁlm that reﬂects the shared connections between the two communities.

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MAG CORNER

New Australia-India Film dian Cowboy’ Bobby Cash developed. The film will connect two regional settings – the Himalayan landscape of Uttarakhand and regional New South Wales – through Cash’s life and music. Cash himself sees the project as an extension of the journey that began when he left Dehradun with his guitar. Australia provided him with an audience and Tamworth gave him a distinctive place within the country’s music culture, while his Himalayan background remained an important part of his identity. For Cash, country music has always been closely connected to personal history and place. His story challenges the idea that music belongs to only one culture or geography, showing instead how an artist can carry the sounds and experiences of one part of the world into another. Screenwriter Victoria Wharfe McIntyre said Cash’s story appealed to her because of the contrasts running through his experience – between cultures, regions and different ideas of belonging. She sees those contrasts as a powerful foundation for exploring the complexities of identity and migration. She described the project as an Australian-Indian story with a strong regional connection, linking the Himalayas with regional NSW while bringing together creative perspectives from both countries. For director Anupam Sharma, the project represents more than a film about one musician. He described Bobby Cash’s story as one that captures what India and Australia can contribute to one another, particularly through culture and creative collaboration.

Indian co-producer Satish Sharma is particularly excited about the ﬁlm’s connection to Dehradun and Uttarakhand. The region’s forests, mountains and landscapes form an important part of Cash’s origins and provide a distinctive cultural backdrop to the story.

The director also highlighted the signiﬁcance of announcing the project at the Australian High Commission in New Delhi, saying it demonstrated how far the Australia-India relationship has

The production also gives Dehradun and Uttarakhand an opportunity to feature in an international ﬁlm project, potentially introducing the region and

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SEPTEMBER | 2026

its cultural landscape to audiences beyond India. The announcement comes during Premier Minns’ official visit to India, his first overseas mission as NSW Premier. The visit has focused on strengthening ties between NSW and India across trade, investment, education, technology, tourism and culture. The film project adds another dimension to that relationship by demonstrating how the connection between the two countries extends beyond government and business. Stories involving migration, music and cultural identity can provide a different way of building understanding between communities. Bobby Cash’s journey is particularly suited to that purpose. His path from Dehradun to Tamworth represents an unusual meeting of two places with very different cultural histories, yet his music created an audience in Australia and helped establish a personal bridge between India and the country music tradition. With Sharma directing, Wharfe McIntyre writing and Satish Sharma producing alongside Bobby Cash, the project brings together an international creative team to tell a story rooted in both countries. As the film moves towards production, the story of the man once known across Australia as the “Indian Cowboy” is preparing for a new chapter – this time on the big screen, connecting Dehradun, Uttarakhand and regional Australia through music, migration and identity.

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COMMUNITY NEWS | SYDNEY

Macarthur Emerges as Key Growth

Desi Australia

ampbelltown and the wider Macarthur region are taking a more prominent place in discussions about Sydney’s future, following a special ministerial dinner that brought together government, business, education, development and community representatives to examine the region’s next phase of growth and investment.

The gathering gave local business leaders and regional stakeholders an opportunity to engage directly with the State Government as Macarthur experiences signiﬁcant population growth and increasing development activity. The discussions centred on ensuring that new investment

delivers more than housing, with employment, transport, services and public infrastructure also keeping pace with the region’s expansion. Campbelltown Chamber of Commerce President Shefali Pall described Macarthur as a region that

NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully was the keynote speaker at the event hosted by the Campbelltown Chamber of Commerce. His address focused on the NSW Government’s planning priorities and the broader Sydney Plan, highlighting Macarthur’s position within the changing economic and urban landscape of Western Sydney.

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Hub in Sydney’s Western Expansion

had moved beyond being viewed simply as an area with future potential. She said its growing population, strategic position and proximity to major Western Sydney developments placed the region among the important areas shaping Sydney’s next stage of growth. Ms Pall emphasised that population increases need to be accompanied by opportunities for residents. She argued that new housing should be

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supported by employment, stronger transport connections and welldesigned community centres, while higher-density development should contribute to attractive and functional places for people to live and work. Health, education and essential services were also identiﬁed as important considerations as more families choose Macarthur as their home. The evening’s discussions

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highlighted the need for long-term planning that ensures communities can access quality services while beneﬁting from the economic opportunities created by continued regional development. A panel discussion followed the Minister’s presentation, bringing together perspectives from different parts of the region’s economy and institutions. Panellists included Perrich Group representative Mark

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COMMUNITY NEWS | SYDNEY

Perrich, Western Sydney University Associate Professor Rosalind Bye and Campbelltown Mayor Darcy Lound, alongside Minister Scully. The conversation examined how planning decisions could translate into practical beneﬁts for residents and businesses. Topics included housing, infrastructure, local employment, investment, education and skills, with participants considering how Macarthur could develop into a region offering strong opportunities while maintaining a high standard of liveability. Ms Pall said collaboration between government, councils, universities, developers and businesses would be critical to achieving that outcome. She also stressed the importance of recognising existing businesses and residents as active contributors to the region’s transformation rather than viewing growth solely through the lens of population numbers and construction. Education and employment emerged as particularly important elements of the Chamber’s long-term vision. Ms Pall said young people growing up in Macarthur should be able to access quality education, develop skills, pursue careers, establish businesses and eventually raise families within the region. The Chamber said it would continue advocating for planning decisions, infrastructure investment and development strategies that balance economic expansion with community wellbeing. The ministerial dinner ultimately reinforced Macarthur’s growing signiﬁcance within Sydney’s broader development story and the importance of ensuring that future growth delivers jobs, services, connectivity and lasting opportunities for local residents.

Image Source: Campbelltown Chamber of Commerce (Facebook)

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FOOD AND TRAVELS

KERA VIBES, DOWN UNDER Guneeta Kaur

rom the warmth of a kitchen hearth in Kerala to a culinary journey shaped by artistry and experience, Chef Charles Babu’s story carries the aromas, memories and traditions of home. This September, prepare to be whisked away to Kera by Charles in Parramatta, where Kerala meets the world. What began around family meals and the rituals of cooking grew into a passion shaped by more than 16 years across five countries. From Marriott and Hilton in the Middle East to Regent Seven Seas Cruises and leading kitchens in Australia, each chapter refined Chef Charles’s craft and shaped the experience he now brings to Kera by Charles. Heritage takes on a contemporary expression across the menu, from entrées and mains to desserts that are both imaginative and exquisite. Desserts such as Elaneer Cloud, Deconstructed Ada Pradhaman and Palada Payasam Reimagined offer contemporary interpretations of cherished flavours, with vibrant notes and nuanced layers. Signature coolers add their own flourish, from the Kera Tender Coconut Cooler and Passionfruit & Lime Spritz to the evocative Malabar

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Sunset. Chef Charles Babu shared, “Each one of us has been through the ebb and ﬂow of life, and we deserve to be celebrated. I have envisioned Kera by Charles as a place where you can dine with friends, gather with family, or savour my curated culinary creations in your own company. Come, linger a

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little longer, and leave with a beautiful memory that tugs at your heartstrings and draws you back.” To book your table, visit: https://kerahospitality.com.au/book -a-table/

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SEPTEMBER | 2026

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COVER STORY

A I D E H T G N I T I N IG I S R M E D N O M T HAU N I S E N I SH Indrani Halder

rue empowerment belongs to women who carry the warmth of home, pursue demanding professional careers and still ﬁnd the courage to follow their own dreams.

It was both a surprise and an absolute honour to join prominent members of Sydney’s Indian diaspora, including Kumud Merani, Manjula Viswanath and Simran Gulati, on the jury panel for Season 15 of Haut Monde Mrs India Worldwide. We were also joined by former contestants from countries including Canada and New Zealand. Together, we were entrusted with the challenging responsibility of selecting five winners from an extraordinary group of women, each stepping into the spotlight to share her individual story. The setting offered a fitting symbol of contemporary multicultural Australia. Within the heritage-listed walls of Parramatta Town Hall, an Australian civic landmark dating back to the late 19th century, a vibrant cultural bridge between India and Australia emerged. Contestants with roots stretching from villages in Uttar Pradesh and the metropolitan avenues of Kolkata to the fertile fields of Punjab took to the stage. In doing so, they brought India’s diverse and living heritage into

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COVER STORY

: E M A L F S ’ A R O P AS E D I W D L R O W A I IND Y E N D Y NS

the heart of New South Wales, demonstrating the growing cultural connections between Australia and India. For 15 years, Haut Monde Mrs India Worldwide has provided an international platform for married Indian women and members of the global Indian diaspora. Far more than a conventional beauty pageant, the initiative seeks to empower women who balance family responsibilities, professional careers, personal ambitions and contributions to the wider community. The contestants demonstrated that modern Indian and NRI women are not passive observers waiting for opportunities to emerge. They are ambitious leaders actively redefining what it means to be a global Indian woman. Their journeys evoke the legacy of women such as Zeenat Aman, the celebrated actress and former Miss Asia Pacific whose progression from pageantry to Indian cinema continues to inspire generations of women to transcend conventional boundaries. Photographer Balzinder captured the energy, confidence and emotion of the contestants throughout the evening. The Sydney event was the vision of Haut Monde India Group founder Bharat Kumar Bhramar. He was supported by his former hotel management classmate Pankaj Shiv Khandelwal, owner of Sydney’s multioutlet The Colonial restaurants, and actor, writer and filmmaker Taufeeq Ahmed Sheikh.

Photo by : Balz iclick

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Taufeeq led the production in Sydney, transforming the historic Parramatta

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COVER STORY

Town Hall into a spectacular international stage through an impressive combination of lighting, staging and event design. Reﬂecting on the occasion, Mr Bhramar acknowledged both the importance of the Australian Indian community and the role of multicultural media in preserving community connections. “It was an honour to gather with our vibrant community at the historic Parramatta Town Hall,” Mr Bhramar said. Photo by : Balz iclick

Photo by : Nico Santos

“Platforms like Desi Australia play a vital role in keeping our diaspora connected, celebrating our rich culture and highlighting the contributions of the South Asian community. “We are deeply grateful for the overwhelming support and look forward to building even stronger cultural bridges across Australia.” Mr Bhramar also celebrated the successful completion of the Australia and New Zealand Finale for Season 15, describing the occasion as an evening of “crowns, elegance and empowerment”. He congratulated the contestants for bringing grace, intelligence, confidence and poise to the stage, describing the regional finale as their first step towards the global stage. “A massive congratulations to everyone who took part in this extraordinary journey,” Mr Bhramar shared on social media. “This is your first step toward the global stage, and we can’t wait to see you shine in the Grand Finale.” According to Haut Monde, the competition received approximately 50,000 applications for Season 13, while Season 14 included representation from more than 50 countries. The staging of the Season 15 Australia and New Zealand Finale in Sydney marked another important milestone in the event’s international journey. Evaluating such a strong display of talent, intellect, confidence and

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COVER STORY

grace required a deep sense of responsibility. Drawing on my experience as an ambassador for the Fabric of Multicultural Australia, the Australia India Business and Community Alliance and Mental Health Foundation Australia, I sought to ensure every participant was assessed with fairness, sensitivity and respect. As a global heritage traveller, my mission has always been to bring thousands of years of Indian textile heritage to life on the world stage. This perspective allowed me to view fashion during the evening not simply as an aesthetic expression, but also as a medium for cultural connection and diplomacy.

The ﬁve winning contestants were: Fire Element Winner: Neeshu Water Element Winner: Seema Dhanda Earth Element Winner: Sai Bhargavi Air Element Winner: Bhavika Darji Space Element Winner: Anshu Nair

As the ﬁve winners prepare to travel to Jharkhand, India, for the Grand Finale, they carry with them the pride and support of communities in both Australia and New Zealand.

honour their cultural roots, overcome personal fears and pursue aspirations that inspire others around the world. Sydney warmly welcomed this memorable celebration of women, cultural identity and empowerment. We wish all ﬁve winners every success as they prepare to take the next step onto the global stage. By Indranil Halder

They stand as powerful examples of how contemporary Indian women can

I was also delighted to meet Melbourne-based Sayantani Chakraborty, who represents an engaging combination of Australian identity, Bengali heritage and corporate achievement. Crowned Mrs Asia World 2025 in Dubai, her journey also reﬂected the importance of family support in enabling women to pursue their ambitions. Contestant Neeshu provided another inspiring example, receiving enthusiastic support from her husband and delivering a memorable performance on stage. She was named one of the evening’s ﬁve winners, each representing one of the classical elements.

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SEPTEMBER | 2026

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ARTS AND CULTURE

Bandana Cultural School Brings Creativity Together Desi Australia

vibrant celebration of science, creativity and cultural diversity brought communities together in Lidcombe on Saturday, 22 August 2026, as Bandana Cultural School hosted its “Science, Visual & Performing Arts – A Multilingual Conﬂuence 2026” at the S P Jain School of Global Management. The event was driven by the vision of Dr Tanima Banerjee, who sought to create a shared platform where science, education, languages, visual arts and performing arts could come together. The result was a community-focused showcase that encouraged participants of different ages and cultural backgrounds to share their knowledge, talents and creativity. Held as part of National Science Week celebrations, the programme highlighted the idea that scientiﬁc learning can extend beyond classrooms and laboratories. Children, university students, adults and senior participants were given opportunities to explore science while also expressing themselves through language, music, dance, drama and art. The gathering attracted distinguished guests and community representatives, including Donna Davis MP, State Member for Parramatta; Warren Kirby MP, State Member for Riverstone and Co-Chair of the NSW Parliamentary Friends of India; and Frank de Masi, Deputy Mayor of The Hills Shire Council.

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Also attending were Raj Datta, former Strathﬁeld councillor and President of SASH; Tuan Minh Dang, President of Children’s Festival Organisation Inc.; Kim Vo, Deputy Chair of the organisation; Dr Sabrin Farooqui OAM, women’s rights advocate and CEO of Cultural Diversity Network Inc.; and a former Cumberland City Council councillor.

The programme opened with the traditional lighting of a ceremonial lamp, representing knowledge, hope and enlightenment. One particularly memorable moment came when an 85-year-old participant took to the stage for a singing performance, offering a powerful reminder that creativity and learning can continue throughout life.

Community leaders including Viji Sampath, President of Friends of India Australia; Sanjay Deshwal from the Little India Harris Park Business Precinct; Udeni from Little India Women Association; and Sharmila Maitra from Geetanjali School of Dance were also part of the celebration, alongside many other community representatives.

Across the programme, audiences experienced performances and activities representing a wide range of cultures, languages and artistic disciplines. The event included science exhibitions, art and craft displays, multilingual recitations, extempore speaking, drama, instrumental music, singing and dance performances.

The organisers acknowledged the support of Rohit Choksi, CEO of S P Jain School of Global Management, and Saroni Roy from the Saroni Roy Foundation, whose assistance contributed to the successful staging of the event.

Science and mathematics were also placed ﬁrmly at the heart of the celebration. Participants took part in on-the-spot quizzes, interactive scientiﬁc games and competitions, creating an environment where learning became an engaging and shared experience for families.

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ARTS AND CULTURE

s Science, Art and Multilingual at 2026 Conﬂuence By bringing STEM learning together with mathematics, science, languages, visual arts and live performances, the conﬂuence created an inclusive environment where participants could learn from one another while celebrating their individual cultural identities.

The presence of people across generations was another defining feature of the event. From young students presenting science projects to an 85-year-old performing on stage, the programme illustrated the organisers’ emphasis on lifelong learning and participation. For Bandana Cultural School, the 2026 confluence reflects its broader commitment to education, creativity, cultural diversity and community engagement. The event provided a platform for people from different backgrounds to come together, share their abilities and build connections through both learning and artistic expression.

Students from Kindergarten through to university level presented STEM projects covering a variety of scientific themes. Their work demonstrated how scientific concepts can be explored through hands-on projects and presented in ways that encourage curiosity and imagination among young audiences. Families were also invited to participate in scientific games and competitions, with children and parents enthusiastically taking part together. The activities created an opportunity for learning to become a family experience rather than something limited to the classroom. A significant element of the programme was the collaboration with Science City, Kolkata, India. The organisers expressed their appreciation for the institution’s

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support, describing the collaboration as an important connection between science, education, creativity and cultural exchange between India and Australia. The event also received support from Jackie Bondell and Natalie Bowesman from OzGrav, whose participation helped encourage young people to engage with science and discover the possibilities offered by scientiﬁc learning and research.

“Science, Visual & Performing Arts – A Multilingual Conﬂuence 2026” ultimately offered more than a showcase of performances and projects. It demonstrated how science and culture can intersect, creating opportunities for communities to learn, create, perform and celebrate together in an increasingly diverse Australia.

The visual arts component provided another major attraction, with an Art and Craft Exhibition showcasing the imagination and creativity of participants. Built around the theme “Science Meets Art”, the exhibition demonstrated how scientiﬁc ideas can be interpreted through artistic expression.

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COMMUNITY NEWS | SYDNEY

Darcy Lound and Masood Chow Bangladeshi Community Mar Desi Australia

ampbelltown has welcomed a new Deputy Mayor, with Councillor Masood Chowdhury elected to the position following a closely watched council meeting that drew strong support from members of the local Bangladeshi community. Cr Chowdhury was elected Deputy Mayor after councillors voted during an extraordinary meeting on 1 September. His appointment marks his first term in the position since he was elected to Campbelltown City Council in 2016. The council chamber was met with an enthusiastic response from supporters who had gathered to witness the occasion. The strong presence of the Bangladeshi community reflected the significance of seeing one of its representatives take on a senior leadership position within the local government. Cr Chowdhury secured nine votes from the 14 councillors present. His supporters included the six Labor councillors, two Greens councillors and other members of the chamber. Councillor Seta Berbari was also nominated for the role. Following his election, Cr Chowdhury expressed his appreciation to the councillors who supported his nomination as well as his family and community members who have backed his public service over many years.

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His election means he will serve as Campbelltown’s Deputy Mayor for the next 12 months, working alongside the Mayor and fellow councillors on issues affecting residents across the local government area. He said the Deputy Mayor position should not be viewed simply as a title, but as an opportunity to listen to residents and serve the community. His comments highlighted his intention to remain focused on the needs of Campbelltown residents during his term. Cr Chowdhury’s election comes alongside the return of Cr Darcy Lound as Campbelltown Mayor. Cr Lound was re-elected unopposed at the same meeting and will continue as Mayor until the next local government elections in September 2028.

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The Mayor welcomed Cr Chowdhury’s election and said he looked forward to working with him as Council continues delivering projects and initiatives across the city. Cr Lound also thanked former Deputy Mayors

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COMMUNITY NEWS | SYDNEY

wdhury Lead Campbelltown as rks Historic Council Moment Karen Hunt and Jayden Rivera for their contributions during their respective terms. The leadership change comes at an important time for Campbelltown, with Council continuing work across public spaces, roads, parks and sporting facilities. Recent projects highlighted by Council include improvements at Ingleburn Reserve, road resurfacing, tree planting programs, the new Koshigaya Park playground and upgraded amenities at Bensley Road Reserve. Cr Chowdhury’s appointment also adds another chapter to His election is likely to be particularly meaningful for Campbelltown’s Bangladeshi community, which turned out in signiﬁcant numbers to support the councillor. The public show of support underlined the growing role of culturally diverse communities in local civic life and representation across Western Sydney. For Cr Chowdhury, the new role brings greater responsibility as he works alongside Mayor Lound and fellow councillors on issues affecting residents across Campbelltown. His stated emphasis on listening and community service will now form part of his responsibilities as Deputy Mayor. Campbelltown’s increasingly diverse political landscape. The city is home to residents from a wide range of cultural and linguistic backgrounds, with Council regularly highlighting community participation and engagement as an important part of its work.

Government Area is represented by 15 councillors, with councillors electing both the Mayor and Deputy Mayor. Cr Chowdhury was among those elected to Council at the 2024 local government elections and has continued his political and community involvement since ﬁrst entering Council in 2016.

The Campbelltown Local

With Mayor Lound set to continue for another two years and Cr Chowdhury taking on the Deputy Mayor role, Campbelltown’s council leadership has now been settled for the remainder of the current period. The focus will turn to delivering local projects while responding to the needs of one of Western Sydney’s rapidly growing communities. Image source: Cr Masood Chowdhury (facebook)

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COMMUNITY NEWS | SYDNEY

SydWest, Ruvi Pooliyad Honoured for Strengthe Diverse Community

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hree individuals and organisations making a meaningful contribution to inclusion, participation and community connection have been recognised through the Blacktown City Multicultural Awards. The 2026 recipients reﬂect the wide-ranging eﬀorts taking place across a city of around 460,000 residents and more than 180 nationalities.

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This year’s honours recognise SydWest Multicultural Services, Ruvi Pooliyadde and Dr Kanan Shah, whose work spans employment support, youth leadership, cultural education and the performing arts. Their initiatives demonstrate diﬀerent ways of helping people participate in community life while creating stronger connections between residents from diverse backgrounds.

SydWest Multicultural Services – Community Project Award

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SydWest Multicultural Services was recognised with the Community Project Award for its Employment Accelerator program, an initiative designed to help new arrivals and refugees overcome barriers to employment across Blacktown and Greater Western Sydney. The program, which began in 2018, brings together more than 50 organisations and stakeholders from diﬀerent sectors. By connecting services, employers and other community partners, the initiative works to create clearer pathways into

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COMMUNITY NEWS | SYDNEY

dde and Dr Kanan Shah ening Blacktown’s employment and improve job opportunities for people establishing their lives in Australia. The program focuses on practical employment challenges faced by newcomers and refugees, bringing diﬀerent parts of the community together to address those barriers. Its recognition highlights the importance of collaboration between organisations when supporting people to participate economically and socially in their new communities. The program focuses on practical employment challenges faced by newcomers and refugees, bringing diﬀerent parts of the community together to address those barriers. Its recognition highlights the importance of collaboration between organisations when supporting people to participate economically and socially in their new communities.

Ruvi Pooliyadde – Emerging Young Leader Award Young community contributor Ruvi Pooliyadde received the Emerging Young Leader Award for projects she began at an early age. Her community involvement started when she was just nine years old, when she began crocheting poppies for the Blacktown RSL Sub-branch. The project was created to honour Australian veterans while helping preserve the signiﬁcance of the Anzac story for future generations. Ruvi’s contribution later expanded into children’s literature, with the creation of The Birth of the Poppy Flower, a bilingual book written in Sinhala and English. Through the book and her poppy project, Ruvi has connected her Sri Lankan cultural background with an

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important part of Australian history. Her work provides an opportunity for children from diﬀerent cultural backgrounds to learn about the Anzac tradition while seeing their own multicultural identities reﬂected in community activities.

that arts and cultural activities can play in strengthening communities. Her approach brings people from diﬀerent generations and backgrounds into shared spaces, using performance, education and personal mentoring to encourage participation.

Her recognition also highlights the role young people can play in creating understanding between communities. By combining creativity, cultural heritage and historical education, Ruvi has developed projects that encourage younger Australians to learn from one another and participate in shared community experiences.

Recognising Community Connections Across Blacktown

Dr Kanan Shah – Multicultural Champion, Individual Achievement Award Dr Kanan Shah was presented with the Multicultural Champion, Individual Achievement Award for her work through the Nartan Institute of Performing Arts, where she has used creative education and mentoring to encourage participation and belonging. As founder and director of the institute, Dr Shah has supported hundreds of young people through mentoring while using performing arts as a means of bringing people together. Her work extends beyond performance training, with programs designed to encourage engagement across different age groups and abilities. The Nartan Institute conducts dance and wellbeing workshops for preschoolaged children, seniors and people with disability. These activities provide participants with opportunities to engage with the arts while developing confidence, social connections and a stronger sense of inclusion. Dr Shah’s recognition reflects the role

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Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting congratulated the three recipients, highlighting the practical impact of their work across the community. He noted that strong multicultural communities are built through everyday relationships and opportunities that allow residents to participate and feel welcomed. The three recipients represent distinctly different areas of community contribution. SydWest Multicultural Services is supporting newcomers and refugees towards employment, Ruvi is helping younger Australians connect with the Anzac story, while Dr Shah is using performing arts and mentoring to bring people together. Their recognition comes in a city characterised by significant cultural diversity, with residents representing more than 180 nationalities. The awards provide an opportunity to highlight initiatives that contribute to inclusion while demonstrating how community participation can take many different forms. The achievements of SydWest Multicultural Services, Ruvi Pooliyadde and Dr Kanan Shah show how employment support, youth-led projects, cultural education and the arts can each contribute to a stronger sense of belonging. Their work continues to create opportunities for people to connect, participate and build relationships across Blacktown City.

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COMMUNITY NEWS | MELBOURNE

VICTORIA CELEBRATES UN PREMIER’S MULTICUL

The cultural program reﬂected the breadth of Victoria’s diversity, with music, dance and performances representing traditions from the Middle East, Africa, Europe, SouthEast Asia, the Paciﬁc Islands and South America.

Desi Australia

The celebration began even before guests entered the main ballroom, with the foyer transformed into a lively multicultural bazaar.

ore than 1,200 Victorians from across the state gathered at the 2026 Premier’s Multicultural Gala Dinner on Saturday, 22 August, for an evening celebrating diversity, belonging and the cultural stories that continue to shape Victoria. Proudly hosted by the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, the annual gala brought together community leaders, volunteers, political representatives and multicultural and multifaith organisations in a vibrant celebration centred on the theme “Stories of Us.” The theme highlighted the unique journeys, ancestry and migration stories that contribute to Victoria’s shared identity, while the broader event focused on promoting belonging, respect and understanding across communities.

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Community groups representing Ukrainian, Chinese, Bengali, Iranian, Persian, Latin American and Fijian communities hosted stalls showcasing aspects of their cultural heritage. Activities included calligraphy, ceremonial hot chocolate and saree draping, alongside displays of traditional wares, artefacts and cultural practices. Guests included Premier of Victoria Ben Carroll MP, Minister for Multicultural Affairs Paul Edbrooke MP, Leader of the Opposition Jess Wilson MP, Federal Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs and Multicultural Affairs Julian Hill MP, Victorian Multicultural Commission Interim Chairperson Louise Perry, and multicultural and multifaith leaders from across Victoria.

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The inclusion of a Bengali community presence and saree draping added a familiar South Asian element to the evening while forming part of the gala’s much broader celebration of Victoria’s multicultural identity. VMC Interim Chairperson Louise Perry said the annual gathering demonstrated the strength created

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COMMUNITY NEWS | MELBOURNE

NITY IN DIVERSITY AT 2026 LTURAL GALA DINNER

through diversity and connection. “The Premier’s Multicultural Gala Dinner is a powerful reminder of the strength that comes from our diversity and the connections that unite us.” She also recognised the role played by community leaders, volunteers and representatives in strengthening multicultural Victoria. The celebration began even before guests entered the main ballroom, with the foyer transformed into a lively multicultural bazaar. Community groups representing Ukrainian, Chinese, Bengali, Iranian, Persian, Latin American and Fijian communities hosted stalls showcasing aspects of their cultural heritage. Activities included calligraphy, ceremonial hot chocolate and saree draping, alongside displays of traditional wares, artefacts and cultural practices. The inclusion of a Bengali community presence and saree draping added a familiar South Asian element to the evening while forming part of the gala’s much broader celebration of

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Victoria’s multicultural identity. VMC Interim Chairperson Louise Perry said the annual gathering demonstrated the strength created through diversity and connection. “The Premier’s Multicultural Gala Dinner is a powerful reminder of the strength that comes from our diversity and the connections that unite us.”

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She also recognised the role played by community leaders, volunteers and representatives in strengthening multicultural Victoria. “It is inspiring to see community leaders, volunteers and representatives from Victoria’s many cultures come together to celebrate our shared future and the invaluable contributions multicultural communities make to our state every day.

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COMMUNITY NEWS | MELBOURNE

The gala is one of the VMC’s highly anticipated annual events and encourages Victorians from different cultural, religious and linguistic backgrounds to come together and celebrate the traditions and experiences that contribute to life in the state. It also forms part of a wider calendar of VMC celebrations aimed at strengthening cross-cultural understanding and encouraging interfaith dialogue. The Stories of Us theme was particularly fitting for a state shaped by generations of migration. Each community brings its own history, language, traditions and experiences, yet those individual stories collectively contribute to a wider Victorian identity. For Indian and South Asian communities, the event also offered an opportunity to see elements of their cultural heritage represented within a much broader multicultural setting, while connecting with leaders and communities from across Victoria. The 2026 Premier’s Multicultural Gala Dinner ultimately reflected the idea that Victoria’s diversity is not simply defined by the number of cultures represented within the state, but by the relationships, shared experiences and sense of belonging created between them.

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ARTS AND CULTURE

A reﬂection on cultural ident of communities tellin Rupa Parthasarathy

recently had the privilege of attending The Colebee After Hours: Stories of Culture, Creativity and Connection, following an invitation from filmmaker Emie Roy. Held at the picturesque Colebee Centre in the heart of Nurragingy Reserve, Doonside, the Celebration of India event in an intimate setting brought the Indian community together through short films, live performances and conversations about culture, heritage and storytelling. The evening was emceed by Tania Buxton from Blacktown City Council, with speakers Elfa Moraitakis, CEO of SydWest Multicultural Services and Board Member of Multicultural Australia and SSI, and Gary Paramanathan. As Tania reflected in her write-up of the event, the evening created an opportunity for people to connect, reflect on shared experiences and strengthen community ties in a welcoming and engaging setting. The location itself contributed to this feeling. Surrounded by the natural beauty of Nurragingy Reserve, the Colebee Centre provided an inspiring space for creativity, conversation and connection. The evening featured three short documentary films written and directed by Emie Roy: Lines. Life. Art, Twirl and Chenda Finds Home in Sydney.

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Lines. Life. Art Of the three, Lines. Life. Art resonated most deeply with me. The ﬁlm follows Shantha Viswanathan and Uma Sekhar, who practise the cultural art forms of kolam and rangoli respectively. As someone whose own work sits at the intersection of culture, identity and art practice, I was moved by the way the ﬁlm presented these traditions not simply as decorative art forms, but as living practices carrying memory, meaning and legacy.

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ARTS AND CULTURE

tity, belonging and the power ng their own stories We also had the pleasure of watching Niharika and her troupe perform Kathak live. Experiencing the movement, rhythm and storytelling in the room added another dimension to the ﬁlm. The energy of the performance could not simply be watched; it could be felt.

Chenda Finds Home in Sydney

Twirl Twirl tells the story of secondgeneration Indian Australian Kathak artist Niharika Sanghi, who trained under her mother, Ruchi Sanghi, and now works within the Ruchi Sanghi Dance Company. The ﬁlm gently explores what it means for an art form to be passed from mother to daughter, and how cultural inheritance can be preserved while continuing to evolve within an Australian context.

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Chenda Finds Home in Sydney follows a group of men who meet each week to practise Chenda, a traditional percussion instrument from Kerala, and perform at community and temple events. It is a beautiful reflection on migration, friendship and the communities we create around shared cultural practices. Here, the drum becomes more than an instrument; it becomes a way of finding home. The film also made me reflect on how stories about South Asian men are represented. Although history is filled

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with the stories and achievements of men, it can sometimes be difficult to find contemporary community narratives that explore their everyday experiences of migration, friendship, creativity and belonging. Their stories can become confined to familiar roles or stereotypes, leaving little room for vulnerability, connection and selfexpression. Chenda Finds Home in Sydney offers a refreshingly nuanced portrayal of men finding friendship, purpose and belonging through a shared cultural practice. We then had the opportunity to experience Chenda performed live. Its sound filled the room-not only as music, but as something deeply physical and collective. The graceful rhythms of the Kathak performance and the powerful beat of the Chenda created vibrations that stayed with me long after both performances had finished.

Stories told from within community Across all three films, what stood out was the sensitivity with which the stories were told. The subjects were not reduced to cultural symbols or familiar migrant stereotypes. They were given the space to speak their own truths, in their own voices. Emie’s filmmaking did not try to speak for them; it allowed their experiences, relationships and creative practices to lead each story. This is what made the evening particularly significant. Storytelling is not only a way of preserving culture. It is an expression of identity and a means through which communities can see themselves, understand one another and claim their place within the wider Australian story.

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ARTS AND CULTURE

Tania described Emie’s awardwinning storytelling as work that promotes cultural exchange and inclusion. This was evident throughout the evening. The films highlighted the diverse voices, talents and contributions of the Indian community while creating space for meaningful conversations, belonging and cultural pride. We then had the opportunity to experience Chenda performed live. Its sound filled the room-not only as music, but as something deeply physical and collective. The graceful rhythms of the Kathak performance and the powerful beat of the Chenda created vibrations that stayed with me long after both performances had finished.

The importance of institutional support It was also incredibly heartening to be in a room where Blacktown City Council was keen to celebrate and promote these stories. Institutional support for community-led storytelling matters. It communicates that our cultural practices, memories and lived experiences are not peripheral; they are an important part of the cultural landscape of Western Sydney and Australia. Projects such as these become possible when artists, communities and funding bodies recognise the value of working together.

I acknowledge SydWest Multicultural Services for funding Lines. Life. Art; Randwick City Council and Welcome Merchant for funding Twirl; and the Australian Government through the Australia Council, with support from Create NSW and Blacktown City Council, for supporting Chenda Finds Home in Sydney. I also acknowledge Blacktown City Council for creating the space in which these films, performances and conversations could be shared. Emie spoke during the evening about representation, breaking stereotypes and telling stories from the perspectives of the people who have lived them. These films demonstrate exactly why that matters. They remind us that cultural stories do not need to be made larger, louder or more dramatic to be worthy of attention. Sometimes their power lies in allowing people to speak, create, dance and make music as themselves. We then had the opportunity to experience Chenda performed live. Its sound filled the room-not only as music, but as something deeply physical and collective. The graceful rhythms of the Kathak performance and the powerful beat of the Chenda created vibrations that stayed with me long after both performances had finished.

It was a privilege to be in that room-to witness these stories, listen to the people at the heart of them and see community-led storytelling being valued and supported.

It was a meaningful evening of art, identity and belonging, and an important reminder of what becomes possible when communities are trusted to tell their own stories.

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YOGA

Everyday Calm with Rajni Everyday Moment : When your mind simply won’t switch off •

Rajni Ghai Malhotra

Exhale - breathe out slowly, allowing your exhale to be a little longer than your inhale.

Repeat this ﬁve times. As you Inhale, silently say: “I am here.”

THE EVERYDAY MOMENT

As you exhale, silently say: “I can let go.”

It’s 4am. You’re lying in bed, wide awake. Have you ever been there? Your body is tired, demanding rest, but your mind simply won't switch off. Are you thinking about that conversation from earlier today? Replaying something you wish you'd said differently? Planning tomorrow before the day has even started? Suddenly remembering an email you forgot to send? And the more you tell yourself to stop thinking and go to sleep, the more thoughts seem to appear. Why is it that our minds often become busiest when everything around us is ﬁnally quiet? Perhaps the answer isn't to ﬁght those thoughts or force our minds to switch off. Perhaps we simply need to pause, breathe and give our busy minds somewhere else to go.

THE YOGA PERSPECTIVE Yoga isn't just about stretching your body, it's also about quieting the noise in your mind.

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If a thought appears, don't push it away. Simply notice it and gently return to your breath. Before you ﬁnish, ask yourself: “Does this need my attention right now?” The yogic practice of pratyahara is about turning your attention inward and stepping back from the constant buzz around you.

If the answer is no, give yourself permission to leave it for tomorrow. You don't have to solve everything tonight.

It doesn't mean switching your thoughts off. Thoughts happen.

If the answer is yes, repeat the inhale exhale practice until the urgency of the thought starts to fade away.

The practice is learning not to follow every one of them. Think of your thoughts like clouds passing by. You can notice them without letting them worry you.

THE 2-MINUTE RESET The next time your mind won't switch off, try this simple practice. •

•

Sit comfortably or lie down. Let your body relax and your shoulders soften. Place one or both hands gently on your belly. Inhale - a slow breath in through your nose.

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RAJNI'S REMINDER End your practice with this afﬁrmation. I don't have to switch my mind off. I can simply slow down, breathe and let this moment be enough.

THE EVERYDAY CALM You don't have to switch your mind off — sometimes, you simply need to pause, breathe and stop following every thought. Follow Rajni on Facebook @YogaWithRajni

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SAREE STORY

SAREES, SONGS AND S WOMEN CELEBRATE THE

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ydney’s Saree Sisterhood came together for an evening of music, dance and camaraderie, celebrating the timeless songs of the legendary playback singer, Asha Bhonsle. The elegance of black and white took centre stage at ProRegal Function Cente in Wentworthville as 80 women from the Saree Club gathered to celebrate one of India’s most iconic voices, Asha Bhonsle. The evening, themed “Noire & Pearl” saw the women arrive in an array of black, white and monochrome sarees, complemented by carefully chosen accessories. The hall was transformed into a striking sea of elegance as the women embraced the theme with their own individual style.

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SAREE STORY

SISTERHOOD: SYDNEY E LEGEND ASHA BHONSLE

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SAREE STORY

But it was the music that truly brought the evening alive. Live singing by Daxa Chauhan took the audience on a musical journey through some of Asha Bhonsle’s much-loved songs. From the opening notes, the response was immediate. The women were soon on the dance ﬂoor, singing along and celebrating the music that has been part of generations of Indian lives. The evening also showcased the talent within the Saree Club itself, with two special performances by members of the group. Both were carefully choreographed to Asha Bhonsle’s songs and were warmly received by the audience.

where women can celebrate their shared cultural heritage while also embracing friendship, creativity and life in multicultural Australia. The saree, in this setting, becomes more than traditional attire, it becomes a thread connecting women across generations, backgrounds and experiences. The celebration of Asha Bhonsle was therefore a ﬁtting reﬂection of the spirit of the sisterhood – vibrant, expressive, inclusive and unapologetically joyful. It was an

evening ﬁlled with music, memories, friendship and sheer joy, a ﬁtting celebration of a woman whose voice has transcended generations and whose songs continue to make us want to sing, dance and celebrate life. Saree Club Sydney continues to bring women together, one saree, one song and one unforgettable connection at a time.

Adding an element of spontaneity was a fun impromptu dance game. Participants picked slips from a bowl, each carrying a different theme, and were challenged to dance to a song that matched their chosen topic. With no rehearsals and little time to prepare, the activity brought out plenty of creativity, laughter and infectious enthusiasm. For the women, however, the evening was about more than music and entertainment. It was about friendship, connection and the joy of coming together as a community. The Saree Club has created a space

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COMMUNITY NEWS | SYDNEY

Dawoodi Bohra Communities Un Nearly Two Tonnes of F Desi Australia

awoodi Bohra communities across six Australian cities have joined forces with food rescue organisation OzHarvest to support people experiencing food insecurity, contributing almost two tonnes of food and preparing 350 fresh meals through a nationwide community initiative. The campaign was organised through Project Rise, the Dawoodi Bohra community’s social welfare initiative, with volunteers in Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney collecting food, preparing meals and helping sort and pack donations for distribution through the OzHarvest network. In Sydney, the community contributed 800 kilograms of food and 100 freshly prepared meals, with volunteers of different generations coming together to support people facing hardship. The initiative highlighted how community-led action can make a practical difference when people work collectively towards a shared goal. Volunteers took part in food collection, preparation, sorting and packing, helping ensure donated supplies could reach organisations supporting people in need.

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Mustafa Poonawala, who helped coordinate the Melbourne component of the campaign, said the effort demonstrated the impact of bringing people of different ages together around a common purpose. He said the donated dry goods and freshly prepared meals reﬂected the collective contribution of many community members who wanted to support individuals and families experiencing difﬁcult circumstances. The partnership comes as food relief organisations across Australia face growing demand. OzHarvest said its latest research found that 77 per cent of charities within its network had experienced an increase in people seeking food assistance over the previous year. Keith Brown, National Partnerships Lead at OzHarvest, thanked the Dawoodi Bohra community for its

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continued support, noting that the relationship between the organisation and community dates back to 2018. He said the donated food had been delivered through OzHarvest’s network to charities serving people in local communities, helping provide nutritious food while supporting the dignity and wellbeing of those experiencing food insecurity. The Sydney campaign also incorporated an educational component for children, giving younger community members an opportunity to learn about food waste and the importance of sharing resources with people who may be struggling. During the awareness session, children explored the journey food takes from farms to household tables and discussed why reducing food

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COMMUNITY NEWS | SYDNEY

nite Across Australia to Deliver Food to Families in Need local communities, helping provide nutritious food while supporting the dignity and wellbeing of those experiencing food insecurity.

waste is important. The activity encouraged them to appreciate the effort involved in producing and supplying food while thinking about how communities can share their resources. The children also created a card for OzHarvest volunteers as a gesture of appreciation for their work rescuing surplus food and helping distribute it to people experiencing hardship.

The Sydney campaign also incorporated an educational component for children, giving younger community members an opportunity to learn about food waste and the importance of sharing resources with people who may be struggling.

Tasneem Baquari, a representative of the Dawoodi Bohra community in Sydney, said the campaign demonstrated what could be achieved when people respond collectively to a community need. continued support, noting that the relationship between the organisation and community dates back to 2018.

During the awareness session, children explored the journey food takes from farms to household tables and discussed why reducing food waste is important. The activity encouraged them to appreciate the effort involved in producing and supplying food while thinking about how communities can share their resources.

He said the donated food had been delivered through OzHarvest’s network to charities serving people in

The children also created a card for OzHarvest volunteers as a gesture of appreciation for their work rescuing surplus food and helping distribute it to people experiencing hardship. Tasneem Baquari, a representative of the Dawoodi Bohra community in Sydney, said the campaign demonstrated what could be achieved when people respond collectively to a community need.

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COMMUNITY NEWS | SYDNEY

connected to food security, environmental sustainability and social welfare. The community has worked with OzHarvest since 2018, with the latest nationwide effort extending that relationship across Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. As demand for food assistance continues to rise, the organisers hope the campaign will encourage more individuals, community groups and organisations to consider how they can contribute to food relief and reduce unnecessary food waste. She said the Sydney contribution of 800 kilograms of food and 100 meals was particularly meaningful because the initiative also gave children an opportunity to understand food waste, food production and the importance of generosity. Baquari said involving children in the awareness session helped connect those lessons with a practical act of kindness, while their card for OzHarvest volunteers provided a simple way for them to express gratitude.

highlights the growing role of community organisations in addressing food insecurity at a local level. Partnerships between grassroots groups and established food-relief organisations can help connect donated resources with charities and families that need support. For the Dawoodi Bohra community, the initiative reﬂects its wider emphasis on service to humanity. Community centres across Australia regularly participate in projects

The initiative ultimately demonstrates how relatively simple acts of volunteering, donating and sharing can create a wider community impact when coordinated across multiple cities. For the Dawoodi Bohra volunteers involved, the campaign was not only about providing food, but also about strengthening a culture of generosity, responsibility and service across generations. Image Source: Dawoodi Bohra

The nationwide campaign builds on the Dawoodi Bohra community’s longstanding involvement with OzHarvest and its broader commitment to social welfare and community service. Rather than limiting the initiative to food collection, volunteers across the six cities were involved in several stages of the process, from gathering supplies and preparing meals to sorting and packaging donations before they were distributed through foodrelief services. The campaign also

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SPORTS

Snick & Willow Brings Australia and India Closer Through Cricket and Animation Desi Australia

new animated children’s project is using cricket, friendship and storytelling to bring Australian and Indian cultures closer, with two new productions from the popular series Snick & Willow set to be released in November. The series centres on Snick, an Indian boy, and Willow, a young Australian girl, whose friendship develops through their shared love of cricket. Through humour, adventure and sporting moments, the show introduces young audiences to the traditions and cultures of both countries.

Broadcasting. The delegation also included Shri Sreerag Mukundan, Gouri Nair from the National Film Development Corporation of India and Shri Satyaprakash Upadhyay from WAVES Bazaar.

while helping Indian children view Australia as a welcoming friend. The story also seeks to show how two young people from different backgrounds can share common ground through sport and friendship.

The upcoming productions have been created to celebrate the cultural connections between Australia and India and have received support through the Maitri Grants program, administered by the Centre for Australia-India Relations.

The delegation’s participation was facilitated through an initiative led by Indiqa chief executive Jay Shah. Discussions explored areas including ﬁlmmaking, international coproductions, cultural exchange and potential opportunities linked to the International Film Festival of India and WAVES.

The animation comes at a time when cultural and sporting connections between Australia and India are expanding. Initiatives such as the Australia India Sports Bridge, along with growing cooperation across the screen sector, are creating additional opportunities for the two countries to work together.

The project was also highlighted during a ﬁlm industry round-table held in Melbourne alongside the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2026, bringing together representatives from the Australian and Indian screen industries to discuss opportunities for greater collaboration.

At the heart of Snick & Willow is the idea that sport can create connections between children from different cultural backgrounds. Its creators have designed the series to use cricket as a familiar meeting point while introducing young viewers to another country and its culture.

For younger audiences, the creators say the message behind Snick & Willow remains simple: friendship, adventure, teamwork, culture and cricket. By combining those themes with animation, the series aims to introduce the Australia-India relationship to a new generation in an accessible and entertaining way.

India’s delegation was headed by Shri Prabhat, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Information and

The creator of the series said the project aims to encourage Australian children to learn more about India

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Image source: snick and willow (instagram)

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FESTIVALS

Desi Australia

ydney’s Nepalese community came together in a powerful celebration of culture, connection and resilience as Teej Mahotsav 2026 transformed Burwood Park into a vibrant showcase of Nepalese music, dance and tradition.

Strathﬁeld Jason Yat-Sen Li, Burwood Mayor John Faker, Councillor Sukirti Bhatta, Burwood Police Area Commander Superintendent Christine McDonald, Constable Neharika Basnet, community leaders, sponsors and representatives of the Nepalese community. Premier Minns said attending the festival was an important opportunity to stand with the community during a

deeply diﬃcult period. “I wanted to be at the Teej Festival to show my solidarity with the Nepalese community after the tragedy that has unfolded in Nepal,” Mr Minns said. “There are families here in NSW enduring an agonising wait for news of loved ones, and our thoughts and prayers are with them.

Organised by the Nepalese Hindu Society of Australia, the festival attracted thousands of people from the Nepalese and wider Australian communities on 14 September. While the event celebrated the cultural and spiritual signiﬁcance of Teej, this year’s gathering also carried a deeper sense of solidarity as many Nepalese families continued to deal with the pain and uncertainty surrounding recent events in Nepal. The festival was attended by NSW Premier Chris Minns, Member for

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FESTIVALS

“The Nepalese community has stood together through an incredibly painful time, and New South Wales stands with them. “But despite the heartbreak of recent weeks, the festival was also a chance to celebrate the strength, culture and contribution of the Nepalese community to New South Wales.” Teej is a signiﬁcant festival centred on faith, family, cultural tradition and the strength of women. In Australia, it also provides an important opportunity for Nepalese families to maintain their cultural connections and pass their traditions to younger generations. Mr Li said the gathering reﬂected both the resilience of the Nepalese community and the strength of multicultural Australia. “Teej is a deeply meaningful celebration of faith, renewal, family and the strength of women,” Mr Li said. “For the local Nepalese Australian community, it is a chance to come together across generations to pray, sing, dance, share tradition and pass culture on to children growing up here in New South Wales. “This gathering showed the very best of multicultural Australia: a community coming together not just to remember where it comes from, but to tell Australia who it is.

“At a time when many Nepalese families are carrying the grief of recent events in Nepal, Teej reminds us that family and community mean we do not carry our burdens alone. “Nepal is home to the highest peak in the world, and I know the Nepalese people will rise again with the same strength, dignity and resilience that has always deﬁned them.”

deeply signiﬁcant festival and share their culture with the wider community,” Mayor Faker said. “Celebrations like Teej reﬂect the very best of Burwood: our diversity, strong community spirit and the pride people take in their heritage. “Council is proud to support events that bring people together and showcase the many cultures that shape our area.”

Burwood Mayor John Faker said the festival demonstrated the important role cultural celebrations play in bringing the wider community together.

For Burwood Councillor Sukirti Bhatta, the occasion carried a particularly personal meaning.

“It was wonderful to see Burwood Park come alive with the colour, music and spirit of Teej as our Nepalese-Australian community gathered to celebrate this

“Teej holds a special place in my heart as someone of Nepali heritage, and seeing it celebrated so vibrantly in Burwood is deeply personal and meaningful,” Cr Bhatta said. “It connects me to my culture, my family, and the journey that brought our community here. “This year, while Nepal was facing such hardships, seeing the Nepali community turn celebration into solidarity was particularly moving. It shows that even though we are thousands of kilometres from Nepal, the connections remain strong.” The program featured Nepalese artist Barsha Raut alongside musicians, dancers, DJs, community performers and emerging young talent. Event Coordinator Usha Kiran Bariya, who also serves as NSW State

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FESTIVALS

Coordinator of NRNA Australia, said the festival’s continued growth reﬂected the unity and support of the community. “Teej Mahotsav is very close to my heart. What began as a vision in 2019 has continued to grow year after year,” Ms Bariya said. “Seeing thousands of people come together to celebrate our culture, enjoy our music and performances, and create memories with their families makes all the hard work worthwhile.” Ms Bariya said Teej was not only about preserving tradition but also about strengthening friendships, families and cultural belonging. “Living away from Nepal, these celebrations give us an opportunity to pass our culture and traditions on to our children while creating a sense of belonging here in Australia,” she said. She acknowledged the support of Burwood Council, NSW Police, the Nepalese Hindu Society of Australia, NRNA Australia, the organising committee, performers, sponsors, media partners, volunteers and members of the wider community. The festival was supported by title sponsor Raycorp, together with event sponsors, business partners and community organisations. “An event of this scale is never the work of one person or one organisation. It is created by a community that believes in coming together,” Ms Bariya said. “Every contribution, whether big or small, helped make Teej Mahotsav another grand celebration for our community.” Reﬂecting on the event’s development since 2019, Ms Bariya said Teej Mahotsav had become increasingly meaningful to her and the wider community. “This is still only the beginning. We will continue working to make Teej Mahotsav even more memorable and meaningful for our community,” she said. “With that promise, we look forward to welcoming everyone again next year.”

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MAG CORNER

Desi Australia

aryana and Australia are exploring new avenues for cooperation across sports, education, skilled workforce mobility and investment, following discussions between Haryana government representatives and Australian High Commissioner to India Philip Green OAM. The meeting examined opportunities to build stronger institutional and economic links between Haryana and Australia, with education emerging as one of the key areas for potential collaboration. Discussions also

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considered opportunities involving Australian universities and their future engagement with the state. According to the Haryana government, Australian universities are exploring

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ways to expand their presence in Haryana. Greater university collaboration could create opportunities in higher education, skills development and research, while strengthening international pathways for students and

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MAG CORNER

professionals. Sports was another signiﬁcant focus of the discussions. Haryana has established itself as an important source of sporting talent, and both sides identiﬁed opportunities to build cooperation around athlete development, training and sporting infrastructure. The proposed sporting collaboration could provide avenues for greater knowledge sharing and international exposure for athletes, while helping strengthen the systems and facilities that support sporting talent in Haryana. Workforce mobility was also discussed, particularly opportunities for skilled professionals from Haryana to access international employment pathways. Closer cooperation in this area could help connect trained workers with overseas opportunities while developing stronger institutional links between Haryana and Australia. Investment formed another part of the discussions as Haryana looks to increase its engagement with international partners. The state

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government said it is seeking to connect its talent, institutions and economic opportunities with global markets and investors.

approach, which aims to create international opportunities for the state’s students, skilled workforce, athletes and institutions.

The discussions come as India and Australia continue to deepen cooperation in education, skills, trade and people-to-people connections. Increasing engagement at the state level is creating opportunities to turn broader bilateral ties into practical partnerships involving institutions, businesses and communities.

The latest discussions indicate a growing focus on developing practical links between Haryana and Australia, with both sides exploring how education, sport, skilled talent and investment can become foundations for a stronger state-to-country partnership. Image Source: Chied Minister of Haryana-Nayab Saini (Facebook)

For Haryana, the proposed cooperation aligns with its broader “Go Global”

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ARTS AND CULTURE

Sydney Sanskrit School Stude Wisdom Through A Divya Krishnan

he timeless teachings of the Bhagavad Gita came alive in Sydney as students, families and teachers from the Sydney Sanskrit School gathered for the school’s annual Bhagavad Gita Competition, combining Sanskrit learning, cultural traditions and spiritual reflection. Held on 29 September, the event centred on the fourth chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, Jnana Karma Sanyasa Yoga, which explores the relationship between knowledge, action, duty and spiritual liberation. For the students taking part, the competition offered an opportunity to engage with teachings that have continued to hold meaning across generations. The Bhagavad Gita’s setting on the battlefield of Kurukshetra represents more than a physical conflict. The dialogue between Lord Krishna and Arjuna also explores questions of duty, attachment, uncertainty and inner conflict. These themes continue to provide students with a framework for reflecting on challenges and responsibilities in their own lives. For students at Sydney Sanskrit School, the annual competition combines this philosophical learning with the practical disciplines of memorisation, Sanskrit pronunciation and public presentation. The preparation also encourages young participants to become more familiar with one of India’s most influential spiritual texts while growing up in Australia’s multicultural environment.

Exploring the Teachings of Chapter Four This year’s gathering focused on Jnana Karma Sanyasa Yoga, a chapter

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that examines how knowledge can transform action and lead an individual towards Moksha, or enlightenment. The chapter describes the ancient parampara, or tradition through which spiritual knowledge has been passed down, while also explaining the purpose of divine avatars in restoring dharma. It explores the deeper concepts of karma, akarma and vikarma, while emphasising that spiritual discipline does not necessarily mean abandoning one’s responsibilities. Instead, the teachings encourage individuals to perform their duties with knowledge and devotion, without ego or attachment to the results of their actions. This message provided the philosophical foundation for the day’s celebration. One of the best-known verses from the chapter was also highlighted during the event: Yadā yadā hi dharmasya glānir bhavati bhārata Abhyutthānam adharmasya tadātmānaṃ sṛjāmy aham Paritrāṇāya sādhūnāṁ vināśāya ca duṣkṛtām Dharma-saṃsthāpanārthāya sambhavāmi yuge yuge.

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The verse describes the divine manifestation whenever dharma declines and adharma rises, expressing the principle of protecting righteousness and restoring balance.

A Traditional Welcome to the Scripture The program began with a Nagarasankeerthana-style welcome for the Bhagavad Gita. Two students carried the scripture into the hall, followed by students, parents and teachers who participated in Harinama Sankeertanam. The formal inauguration continued with Ganesha Vandana and Deepa Jwalanam, the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. Students and teachers then joined in reciting the Gita Dhyanam and Gita Mahatmyam, associated with Shri Madhusudana Saraswati and Jagadguru Shri Adi Shankaracharya. The opening created a traditional atmosphere for a program that combined scripture, Sanskrit education and the participation of the wider school community.

Nearly 200 Students Take Part

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ARTS AND CULTURE

ents Celebrate Bhagavad Gita Annual Competition The main competition brought together close to 200 students, with participants asked to recite selected Bhagavad Gita verses according to their respective stages. Students were required to demonstrate not only memorisation but also clear Sanskrit diction and an understanding of the material. The competition also included Subhashitams — short Sanskrit verses conveying wisdom, values and observations about life. These provided another opportunity for students to demonstrate their command of Sanskrit while engaging with teachings beyond the Bhagavad Gita itself. With such a large number of participants, the competition continued for almost three hours. Older students also took part in a quiz that tested their knowledge of the Bhagavad Gita, adding a different dimension to the day’s learning. The competition was judged by Shri Jayantha Thirumalai Ramachar, Shri Santosh Kumar Valayaputtur, Shrimathi Sudha Prasad, Shrimathi Shashi Prabha Karigiri, Shrimathi Shobhanjali Ranganathan, Shrimathi Bhanu Chottera, Shrimathi Amitha Bhat, Shrimathi Nayan Shashikant and Shri Lalit Khanna.

Their Artistic Talent The program also provided a platform for students to showcase their abilities beyond Sanskrit recitation. Aarabhi Santhosh performed the Swarajathi Rāravenu Gopabala on the ﬂute, bringing a classical musical element to the celebration. Saachi Malhotra presented a bhajan dedicated to Lord Krishna, offering a devotional performance for the audience. The audience was also treated to a performance of the Shiva Tandava Stotram by Avinash, who impressed those gathered with his skills at a young age.

Keeping Cultural Roots Strong in Australia The event concluded with the judges sharing their experiences and reﬂections on the students’ performances. Their remarks also recognised the contribution of parents and teachers in helping younger generations maintain connections with their cultural and spiritual heritage.

Students Showcase

For families raising children in a multicultural Australian society, the competition represents more than an annual academic or cultural activity. It provides a setting where students can learn Sanskrit, engage with ancient texts and participate in traditions that connect them with their heritage.

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The event’s chief guest was Charishma Kaliyanda Ji, Member of Parliament, who joined the school community for the occasion.

The day concluded with Vande Mataram, followed by lunch and an informal gathering where students, families and teachers continued the celebrations together. The Bhagavad Gita Competition ultimately demonstrated how an ancient text can remain part of contemporary community life. Through recitation, music, learning and shared participation, Sydney Sanskrit School students are engaging with teachings on duty, knowledge, responsibility and inner strength while developing a deeper connection with their cultural roots. Thousands of years after Krishna’s dialogue with Arjuna, the questions explored in the Bhagavad Gita continue to resonate with people facing their own uncertainties and responsibilities. In Sydney, a new generation of students is learning those teachings not simply as verses to memorise, but as a source of wisdom they can carry into their lives.

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COMMUNITY NEWS | MELBOURNE

South Asian-Australian St at Victorian Parlia Kashvi Soni, from Catholic Ladies’ College, secured ﬁrst place in the Years 7–9 category. Her speech explored why young Victorians are increasingly at risk of loneliness, drawing attention to an important social and mental health challenge affecting younger generations.

Desi Australia

hree students from South Asian backgrounds have achieved an outstanding clean sweep at the Victorian Parliament Prize 2026, winning ﬁrst place across all three age categories. Noah Farid, Kashvi Soni and Anna Mathew impressed the judging panels with thoughtful 90-second speeches addressing issues affecting young people and the wider Victorian community. Organised annually by the Parliament of Victoria, the competition invites students from Grade 5 to Year 12 to imagine themselves as Members of Parliament and answer the question: “What would you say to Parliament if you were an MP?” Noah Farid, from Stella Maris Catholic Primary School in Point Cook, won the Grades 5–6 category. His speech called for Victoria to introduce a minimum age of 16 for riding e-bikes, raising an important issue surrounding road safety and the growing use of e-bikes among young people.

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In the Years 10–12 category, Anna Mathew, from Suzanne Cory High School School, received the top prize for advocating for Auslan to be taught in every classroom. Her message highlighted the importance of inclusion, communication and creating greater awareness of Australia’s Deaf community. Their success is a proud moment for Victoria’s South Asian community and reflects the confidence, compassion and civic awareness of the next generation of multicultural Australians. The 2026 competition attracted an impressive 1,180 entries from more than 180 schools across Victoria. Students addressed a wide range of issues, including mental health and wellbeing, education, artificial intelligence, environmental protection, animal rights, the voting age and four-day school weeks. Entries were assessed on the clarity of their message, their use of evidence and diverse perspectives, and their understanding of why the chosen issue was important. The judging panels included Victorian Members of Parliament, parliamentary staff and representatives from Parliament’s Education Advisory Panel. Each first-place winner will receive $500 and a commemorative trophy, while their schools will receive civics and citizenship educational

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resources. The achievements of Noah, Kashvi and Anna demonstrate the valuable contribution young Australians from South Asian backgrounds are making to public discussion. Although their speeches focused on different subjects, each student showed a willingness to identify an important community issue and conﬁdently advocate for meaningful change. Their voices are a powerful reminder that young people are not simply the leaders of tomorrow-they are already helping shape the conversations that matter today. The complete results and winning entries are available through the Parliament of Victoria. Image source: Noah Farid, Kashvi Soni and Anna Mathew – Parliament of Victoria (facebook)

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COMMUNITY NEWS | MELBOURNE

tudents Sweep First Places ament Prize 2026

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COMMUNITY NEWS | ADELAIDE

OzAsia Festival Announces 20th Annivers

Anshi Agarwal

delaide’s OzAsia Festival will return this October for its 20th anniversary and ﬁnal edition, bringing two decades of Asian and Asian Australian creativity to audiences with a program that will be free to the public. The farewell season will feature music, literature, visual arts, food and cultural experiences across Adelaide from 9 October to 1 November. The closing festival will feature free live performances from Australian rock group Regurgitator and Japanese Australian electronic duo Lastlings, giving audiences an opportunity to celebrate the festival’s long-running contribution to Adelaide’s cultural calendar. The program will bring together established performers, emerging artists and culturally diverse creative voices for its ﬁnal four-week season.

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A major attraction will be the return of the festival’s Moon Lanterns at Elder Park, where they will remain on display throughout the extended season. The lanterns will form part of Lucky Dumpling Market, which is being presented by OzAsia Festival and Gluttony and will include a broad schedule of free entertainment on the OzAsia Festival Stage.

exhibitions. Damien Shen will present Entombed in Joy inside the Adelaide Railway Station Historic Phone Booths, while Jake Yang’s Fire Horse at Artspace will develop and change throughout the festival. In the Festival Theatre foyer, Naina Sen’s large-scale video work SHUNDORI will create an

Food will be another major feature of the Elder Park program, with 25 vendors serving street food inspired by Vietnam, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, Thailand, India and Cambodia. Visitors will also be able to enjoy live music, DJs, cultural performances and an expanded selection of free activities designed for children and families. Adelaide Festival Centre CEO Kate Gould said the organisation was proud to mark the festival’s 20-year journey with the community. She also conﬁrmed that from 2027, Adelaide Festival Centre will continue the festival’s cultural legacy through a year-round program featuring Asian and Asian Australian artists and stories, while Lucky Dumpling Market is expected to return annually to Elder Park. The visual arts program will feature several distinctive installations and

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COMMUNITY NEWS | ADELAIDE

Final Celebration With Free sary Program

immersive exploration of contemporary South Asian identity. The visual arts program will feature several distinctive installations and exhibitions. Damien Shen will present Entombed in Joy inside the Adelaide Railway Station Historic Phone Booths, while Jake Yang’s Fire Horse at Artspace will develop and change throughout the festival. In the Festival Theatre foyer, Naina Sen’s large-scale video work SHUNDORI will create an immersive exploration of contemporary South Asian identity. Literature will also have a prominent place through the return of Weekend of Words, curated by award-winning writer and comedian Sami Shah. The 2026 program will bring together a range of writers, performers and commentators, including Antoinette Lattouf, Benjamin Law, Durkhanai Ayubi, Michael Hing and Yumi Stynes. The ﬁnal edition provides an opportunity to acknowledge the many people who have contributed to OzAsia Festival since its beginning. Adelaide Festival Centre has recognised current Festival Director Joon-Yee Kwok as well as former artistic directors Annette

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Shun Wah, Joseph Mitchell and Jacinta Thompson for their roles in shaping the event over the years. The festival’s history also extends to founder Douglas Gautier AM, the former Adelaide Festival Centre CEO and Artistic Director whose vision helped establish a prominent platform for Asian and Asian Australian artists and stories. His contribution, alongside that of artists, staﬀ, partners, ambassadors and supporters, has helped create a legacy that Adelaide Festival Centre plans to continue beyond the

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festival’s final edition. As OzAsia Festival prepares to close its chapter after 20 years, its final program is designed as a celebration rather than simply a farewell. With free performances, exhibitions, food, literature, family activities and cultural experiences spread across Adelaide, the October program will give audiences an opportunity to reflect on the festival’s contribution while experiencing the diverse artistic traditions it has championed.

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SPORTS

SA SAChildren Childreninvited invitedto to Free Freeduring duringSc Sc Desi Australia

outh Australian children will have the chance to step away from screens and explore new sporting activities during the Term 3 school holidays, with the Malinauskas Government launching free Growing for Gold come-and-try sessions. The initiative forms part of a broader $75 million commitment designed to encourage healthier and more active lifestyles among young people. The program is aimed at children aged between three and 16, providing opportunities to experience diﬀerent sports and recreational activities without the usual cost barriers. Organisers hope the sessions will encourage young participants to become more physically active while helping them discover activities they may continue through local sporting clubs. Growing for Gold has been operating successfully in Adelaide’s northern suburbs since 1999, beginning in the City of Salisbury before expanding into neighbouring council areas. The established program currently involves the Cities of Port Adelaide Enﬁeld, Playford, Salisbury and Tea Tree Gully, with local councils and sporting organisations helping introduce children to a wide range of activities.

The holiday schedule includes activities in Port Lincoln from 26 to 30 September 2026, while a Riverland session is planned for 6 October. Children interested in athletics can attend a session at the SA Athletics Stadium on 2 October, with another event featuring Olympic and Paralympic sports scheduled for 9 October.

The state government is now building on that northern Adelaide model by expanding the initiative to additional parts of South Australia. During the upcoming school holidays, sessions will operate across metropolitan Adelaide as well as pilot locations in Port Lincoln and the Riverland, before the program is planned to expand statewide in 2027.

The initiative is one component of the Malinauskas Government’s broader eﬀorts to reduce excessive screen use among children. Other measures include expanding the state’s sports voucher arrangements and providing free before- and after-school activities, giving families more options for keeping children engaged in physical and social activities.

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Rhiannon Pearce said the program was intended to provide enjoyable alternatives to spending time on phones, tablets and gaming devices. She highlighted the broader beneﬁts of regular physical activity, including improvements in children’s physical health, mental wellbeing, social development, conﬁdence and learning. The northern Adelaide councils that helped establish and maintain Growing for Gold have welcomed the expansion. Salisbury Mayor Gillian Aldridge OAM said the program had continued to provide opportunities for local children and sporting clubs since its creation more than two decades ago, describing the statewide rollout as an important development for young people across South Australia.

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SPORTS

ooDiscover DiscoverNew NewSports Sports chool Holidays School Holidays Port Adelaide Enﬁeld Mayor Claire Boan said her council had supported the program for a decade alongside Salisbury, Playford and Tea Tree Gully. She said the expansion would allow more children to experience the physical and social advantages of becoming involved with sporting clubs and activities.

entertainment. By connecting children directly with sporting clubs and community facilities, the program aims to turn short-term holiday participation into longer-lasting involvement in physical activity. Families can register for the Growing for Gold sessions and view the full list of participating locations through the

oﬃcial program registration information. The South Australian Government expects the broader rollout in 2027 to give children across the state greater access to sport, recreation and the social connections that come with being part of a local club. Image source: Rhiannon Pearce (Facebook)

Playford Mayor Glenn Docherty credited northern Adelaide councils with creating opportunities for young people while supporting the growth of local clubs. He said the program had helped reduce participation barriers and given children the opportunity to experience sport, with the state investment expected to extend those benefits to more communities. Tea Tree Gully Mayor Marijka Ryan also described the initiative as a successful collaboration between the four northern councils. She said Growing for Gold had helped sporting organisations increase participation while allowing children to sample different activities, and welcomed the opportunity to build on the program’s longstanding success. The benefits are also being recognised by local sporting organisations. Ashley Thompson, President of North East Hockey Club, said the club had participated in the program for three years and found it an effective way to introduce children to hockey in a welcoming environment. The club hopes participants will develop confidence and skills while discovering activities they may enjoy for years. With the statewide expansion still developing, the upcoming holiday sessions are intended to provide an accessible first step for families looking for alternatives to screen-based

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COMMUNITY NEWS | ADELAIDE

Desi Australia

outh Australia Police has joined members of the Hindu community in marking Raksha Bandhan through a meaningful gesture recognising the people who protect and serve the community. The occasion brought cultural tradition and public service together, highlighting the growing relationship between police and South Australia’s diverse communities. aksha Bandhan is traditionally associated with the bond between brothers and sisters, with a rakhi tied around the wrist as a symbol of care, protection and responsibility. Over time, the symbolism has also been extended in some communities to acknowledge people whose work involves protecting others, including police ofﬁcers, emergency personnel and members of the armed forces.

them to work on the frontline, respond to emergencies and help maintain safety and public order.

At South Australia Police headquarters, members of the Hindu community participated in a special ceremony in which rakhis were placed on the wrists of attending police ofﬁcers. The gesture represented appreciation for the responsibilities carried by ofﬁcers and the sense of security they provide to people across South Australia.

South Australia Police has joined members of the Hindu community in marking Raksha Bandhan through a meaningful gesture recognising the people who protect and serve the community. The occasion brought cultural tradition and public service together, highlighting the growing relationship between police and South Australia’s diverse communities.

The celebration also provided an opportunity to explain the cultural meaning behind the festival to those attending. Community representatives highlighted the demanding role of police ofﬁcers, whose responsibilities often require

Raksha Bandhan is traditionally associated with the bond between brothers and sisters, with a rakhi tied around the wrist as a symbol of care, protection and responsibility. Over time, the symbolism has also been extended in some communities to

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acknowledge people whose work involves protecting others, including police officers, emergency personnel and members of the armed forces. At South Australia Police headquarters, members of the Hindu community participated in a special ceremony in which rakhis were placed on the wrists of attending police officers. The gesture represented appreciation for the responsibilities carried by officers and the sense of security they provide to people across South Australia. The celebration also provided an opportunity to explain the cultural meaning behind the festival to those attending. Community representatives highlighted the demanding role of police officers,

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COMMUNITY NEWS | ADELAIDE

whose responsibilities often require them to work on the frontline, respond to emergencies and help maintain safety and public order. The ceremony reflected a broader approach to community engagement in South Australia, where cultural and faith-based organisations work with public institutions to strengthen mutual understanding. SAPOL has continued to participate in community activities involving different cultural and religious groups, recognising the role such engagement can play in building confidence and stronger relationships. South Australia Police Commissioner Grant Stevens welcomed the occasion and acknowledged the significance of the gesture. He noted the connection between the traditional idea of protection within families and the responsibility undertaken by police officers in serving the wider community. Community representative Sangna Joshi also spoke about the significance of the occasion, expressing appreciation for police personnel and their commitment to safeguarding the community. Her remarks emphasised the courage, discipline and dedication required of officers who regularly place the needs and safety of others ahead of their own. another layer of meaning to the event. The symbolism reflected the idea that community safety is strengthened when residents, cultural organisations and public services develop relationships based on respect and cooperation. The gathering concluded with traditional peda sweets being offered as part of the celebration. While simple in nature, the gesture reinforced the cultural character of

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the occasion and provided an opportunity for police representatives and members of the Hindu community to share in a familiar tradition. For South Australia’s Hindu community, the occasion represented more than a festival celebration. It offered an opportunity to publicly acknowledge those working in demanding public-service roles while also demonstrating how cultural traditions can create meaningful connections between communities and institutions. Events of this nature also reflect South Australia’s multicultural character, where cultural traditions can become a bridge between communities and the public organisations serving them. The Raksha Bandhan engagement demonstrates how recognition, cultural understanding and direct community contact can contribute to stronger relationships between police and the people they serve. The celebration comes as SAPOL continues its broader communityengagement work across the state. Its current initiatives include partnerships with culturally diverse and faith communities, reflecting an ongoing emphasis on building trust and maintaining positive connections between police officers and residents. For the Hindu community, the Raksha Bandhan message of protection found a natural connection with the role of police officers. The ceremony provided a respectful setting to recognise that connection while celebrating cultural heritage and the shared responsibility of creating safe, connected and inclusive communities across South Australia. Image source: South Australia police (facebook)

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High Commissioner Nagesh and Community Ties D

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ndia’s High Commissioner to Australia, His Excellency Nagesh Singh, has engaged with business leaders, industry representatives and members of the Indian community during a series of meetings in Adelaide aimed at strengthening relations between India and South Australia. The engagements brought together the economic, strategic and people-topeople dimensions of the growing India–Australia partnership. Discussions explored opportunities for greater cooperation while also addressing the practical challenges faced by South Australian businesses seeking to enter or expand within the Indian market.

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Opportunities across key industries During his visit, High Commissioner

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Singh interacted with Adelaide-based companies operating across technology, space, education, agriculture, health and energy.

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Singh Strengthens Business During Adelaide Visit Engagement with the South Australian Business Chamber

Economic Cooperation Agreement, or CECA, which would build upon the existing Australia–India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement.

High Commissioner Singh also met South Australian Business Chamber Chief Executive Andrew Kay and participated in an engaging session with Chamber members.

ECTA entered into force in December 2022 and reduced or removed tariﬀs across a wide range of goods, providing Australian businesses with improved access to the Indian market. Negotiations towards the more comprehensive CECA are intended to further expand trade and investment opportunities between the two countries.

The South Australian Business Chamber provides representation, support and advocacy for businesses across the state. Its involvement gave local companies an opportunity to discuss their experiences, raise challenges and explore pathways for deeper engagement with India.

According to the High Commission of India in Canberra, the discussions focused on opportunities, challenges and practical pathways for South Australian businesses to strengthen their engagement with India. The range of industries represented reﬂected the potential for India–South Australia cooperation to extend across trade, investment, research, education, innovation and emerging technologies. India’s large and rapidly developing economy presents considerable opportunities for South Australian companies and institutions. South Australia’s capabilities in agriculture, renewable energy, health, education, defence, space and advanced technology align with several of India’s development and investment priorities. The engagement also highlighted the importance of taking the broader India–Australia relationship beyond traditional connections and translating it into meaningful partnerships at the state, institutional and business levels.

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During the session, High Commissioner Singh encouraged South Australian businesses to pursue strong commercial partnerships with diﬀerent states across India. This state-to-state approach recognises the scale and diversity of the Indian market. India’s individual states have distinct industries, investment priorities, consumer markets and areas of expertise, creating opportunities for South Australian businesses to identify partnerships that closely align with their capabilities.

For South Australian businesses, agreements such as ECTA can provide a foundation for market access, but direct relationships, local knowledge and sustained engagement remain essential for achieving long-term commercial success.

Recognising the Indian community’s contribution longside his business engagements, High Commissioner Singh addressed members of Adelaide’s Indian community at a meet-and-greet organised by the Indian Australian Association of South Australia, known as IAASA.

Mr Kay said the High Commissioner was especially interested in hearing directly from local businesses already trading with India and learning from their experiences.

The gathering provided an opportunity for the High Commissioner to interact directly with community members and acknowledge their contribution to South Australia.

He also acknowledged the complexities involved in navigating the Indian market and emphasised the value of frank dialogue in building relationships, improving mutual understanding and establishing realistic commercial expectations.

He expressed appreciation for the community’s role in the state’s economy and commended Indian Australians for strengthening people-topeople connections between India and Australia.

The Chamber expressed support for the continued progression of the proposed Australia–India Comprehensive

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IAASA’s organisation of the event reﬂected the important role community organisations play in maintaining cultural connections, bringing people together and supporting engagement

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COMMUNITY NEWS | ADELAIDE

At the community level, the IAASA gathering recognised the Indian diaspora as an important bridge between the two countries and acknowledged its contribution to South Australia’s economic and multicultural life. Stronger engagement between India and South Australia can open new doors for businesses, educational institutions, researchers and communities while adding momentum to the wider India–Australia partnership. Ultimately, relationships grow stronger when dialogue creates opportunity-and opportunity develops into meaningful and lasting partnerships. Image source: India In Australia (High Commission Of India, Canberra) (Facebook) between the Indian diaspora and visiting representatives. The High Commissioner spent the evening meeting participants, adding a personal and community-focused dimension to a visit that also carried strong commercial and strategic signiﬁcance. South Australia’s Indian community contributes across business, healthcare, education, technology, professional services and many other areas. Its cultural knowledge, professional networks and connections with India can also help create greater understanding and facilitate new relationships between the two regions.

Building lasting partnerships Taken together, the High Commissioner’s Adelaide engagements demonstrated that the India–Australia relationship is strengthened through a combination of government dialogue, commercial cooperation and community connections. The meetings allowed South Australian businesses to discuss both the opportunities available in India and the challenges that must be addressed to develop successful partnerships. They also reinforced the potential for collaboration across industries central to South Australia’s future economic development.

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COMMUNITY NEWS | QUEENSLAND

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r Ram Mohan has been recognised as the Volunteer of the Year at the 2026 Multicultural Queensland Awards, highlighting more than 15 years of service, mentorship and community leadership across the state. The honour was presented at a ceremony at the Logan Entertainment Centre on 28 August as part of Multicultural Queensland Month. The annual awards recognise individuals and organisations whose efforts strengthen relationships between people from different cultural backgrounds and contribute to more connected communities. This year’s recipients were selected across seven categories, with Dr Mohan receiving the top honour in the volunteering category for his sustained contribution to Queensland’s multicultural landscape. According to the Queensland Government, Dr Mohan has spent more than a decade and a half supporting culturally diverse communities through mentoring, leadership and practical community service. His work has included helping people through difficult periods, including times of grief and uncertainty, while encouraging greater participation in civic, cultural and sporting activities. His contribution has extended beyond community volunteering into several professional fields. Dr Mohan has built a career spanning academia, business, media and public service, while continuing to dedicate time to

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community initiatives. The Queensland Government highlighted his integrity, collaborative approach and ability to bring people together as important elements of his contribution. Dr Mohan has also played a role in major multicultural events and community initiatives. His work has included establishing news organisations and a podcast studio, as well as helping deliver the Cultural Fashion Showcase, creating platforms through which culturally diverse communities can share their stories, traditions and contributions with wider Queensland audiences. His community engagement has also been particularly visible through major sporting occasions. The Queensland Government noted his involvement in

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mobilising communities during the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026, an effort that previously earned him a Community Champion Award. The recognition reflected his ability to bring people together through sport and shared community experiences. The award also carries significance for Queensland’s Indian community, where Dr Mohan has been involved in community leadership and initiatives supporting Indian-Australian participation in public and cultural life. His recognition places the contribution of an Indian-Australian community figure among the state’s highest-profile multicultural honours for 2026. Image Source: Dr Ram Mohan – Multicultural affairs Queensland (Facebook)

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Queensland Parliamen People Strengthening Mu together and helping shape modern The reception provided an opportunity to acknowledge the work undertaken throughout the year by multicultural organisations, community leaders and volunteers supporting people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. These organisations often play an important role in helping newly arrived communities establish connections, preserving languages and cultural traditions, providing community services and creating opportunities for people from different backgrounds to participate more fully in Queensland life.

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ueensland’s multicultural communities and the organisations helping build connection, belonging and participation across the state were recognised at the 2026 Celebrating Multicultural Communities Reception

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at Queensland Parliament House. More than 350 people attended the reception, with approximately 180 community organisations represented at the event, held as part of Multicultural Queensland Month. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli MP and Minister for Multiculturalism Fiona Simpson MP thanked participating organisations for their contribution to bringing communities

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Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland Chief Executive Lisa Ward welcomed the opportunity for community organisations and leaders to come together at Parliament House. “We particularly appreciate the opportunity to come together with the Premier, the Minister and the Queensland Government to celebrate our diversity and acknowledge the signiﬁcant contribution of Queensland’s multicultural communities,” Ms Ward said.

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nt House Celebrates the Multicultural Communities She highlighted the important role multicultural organisations play in building stronger communities. “Multicultural organisations play a vital role in supporting this contribution, building connection and belonging, and ensuring people from all backgrounds have the opportunity to participate, contribute and thrive. “We thank the Premier and Minister for recognising and celebrating the important work of Queensland’s multicultural organisations and the communities they represent.” The parliamentary reception forms part of Multicultural Queensland Month, which is celebrated throughout August and provides an opportunity to recognise the cultures, traditions, experiences and contributions of Queenslanders from diverse backgrounds. The month also includes the Multicultural Queensland Awards, which are scheduled to be held on Friday, 28 August 2026, recognising individuals and organisations making signiﬁcant contributions to Queensland’s multicultural society.

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The Celebrating Multicultural Communities Reception placed particular emphasis on the often grassroots work undertaken by community organisations. While major cultural festivals and public celebrations are among the most visible expressions of multiculturalism, much of the work strengthening communities happens throughout the year through settlement assistance, education, cultural programs, social support, volunteering and community advocacy. For many multicultural organisations, these activities help members maintain connections with their heritage while also developing a stronger sense of belonging within Australia. The gathering at Queensland Parliament House also provided an opportunity for representatives from different cultural backgrounds to meet one another, strengthen relationships and celebrate the collective contribution multicultural communities make to the social and cultural fabric of the state. With around 180 organisations

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represented in one room, the reception highlighted the breadth of Queensland’s multicultural sector and the many communities contributing to the state’s evolving identity. As Queensland continues to grow and become increasingly diverse, the contribution of multicultural organisations remains important in creating opportunities for people of all backgrounds to connect, participate and thrive. The 2026 Celebrating Multicultural Communities Reception was therefore not only a celebration of cultural diversity, but also an acknowledgement of the people and organisations whose ongoing work helps turn that diversity into stronger, more connected communities across Queensland. Image credit : Lily Zhong, Jeniffer Yu, Edward Chen and Rebecca Zhang. GOPIO Gold Coast founder Pushpinder Oberoi (left) and Greater Springﬁeld Indian Association president Mukesh Dubey.

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COMMUNITY NEWS | QUEENSLAND

India Fest Townsville 2026 in Celebration of Culture Desi Australia

ore than 25,000 people gathered at Riverway on Saturday, 15 August, as India Fest Townsville 2026 transformed the North Queensland city into a vibrant celebration of Indian culture, community, diversity and the spirit of giving. Held around India’s Independence Day, the annual festival brought together people from across Townsville, North Queensland and beyond to experience the colour, traditions, food, music, dance and cultural richness of India in an open and welcoming Australian setting. The Ofﬁcial Opening Ceremony was attended by Queensland Premier David Crisafulli MP, Townsville Mayor Cr Nick Dametto, Members of Parliament, Councillors, community leaders and representatives from across the region, highlighting the growing importance of India Fest within Queensland’s multicultural landscape. For the Indian-Australian community, the festival offered an opportunity to proudly celebrate heritage, traditions and identity, while also passing those traditions on to younger generations growing up in Australia. For the wider community, it provided a chance to experience the extraordinary diversity of Indian culture while strengthening connections across Townsville.

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The India Fest Townsville Organising Committee said the attendance of more than 25,000 people reﬂected the festival’s growing signiﬁcance to the region. “India Fest is much more than a cultural festival. It is a celebration of community,” the committee said. “More than 25,000 people came through Riverway, and what makes us

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particularly proud is that they came from all backgrounds. People came together to enjoy the culture, food, performances and atmosphere, and to celebrate what makes our community so diverse.” India Fest Townsville 2026 featured a packed cultural program showcasing both traditional and contemporary India. Audiences enjoyed classical and modern dance, live music,

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COMMUNITY NEWS | QUEENSLAND

6 Draws More Than 25,000 e, Community and Giving regional cultural presentations, workshops, demonstrations, food, market stalls and family entertainment. The program reﬂected the diversity of India itself, highlighting different languages, regions, customs, music, dance traditions and cuisines. Visitors were also encouraged to participate in Indian traditions through interactive activities including sari draping, mehndi, cooking demonstrations and yoga, creating an experience that went beyond simply watching performances. The festival once again provided a major platform for local performers, community groups, cultural organisations, businesses and volunteers to showcase their talents and contribute to Townsville’s broader multicultural community. An important feature of the 2026 festival was its strong focus on giving back to the local community. India Fest continued its Thrift Shop initiative, with proceeds supporting Fuel for Schools, a local initiative assisting school communities and children in need. The Thrift Shop allowed festival visitors to purchase pre-loved items while also contributing to a meaningful local cause. “For us, community means more than coming together for one day,” the organising committee said. “It means looking after each other and using the opportunities we have to make a positive difference. Our Thrift Shop is one small way India Fest can turn community participation into meaningful support for local people.”

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This commitment to community service reflects the broader role India Fest has developed in Townsville, combining cultural celebration with practical support for the region. Behind the success of the festival is a dedicated network of volunteers. India Fest Townsville is a volunteerled, not-for-profit community organisation, with hundreds of volunteers contributing their time, skills and energy throughout the year. Their work spans event planning, logistics, cultural programming, marketing, sponsorship, hospitality, stall coordination and event-day operations. The organising committee said the festival’s success belongs to the volunteers, community members, sponsors and supporters who continue to contribute year after year. That community effort received significant recognition in 2025, when India Fest Townsville was named Best Event in Queensland at the Queensland Day Awards. “Winning Best Event in Queensland was an incredible honour, but our biggest reward is seeing more than 25,000 people from different backgrounds celebrate together,” the committee said. “That is what India Fest is really about – culture, connection, community and giving back.” India Fest has grown significantly since its beginnings and has become one of North Queensland’s most prominent multicultural celebrations. Its increasing popularity also provides opportunities for local businesses, food vendors, market stallholders, performers, community organisations and service providers, while attracting visitors to Riverway and contributing to the wider local economy. The festival’s growing profile also reflects the important contribution Indian Australians are making to the social, cultural and economic life of regional Queensland.

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For younger Indian-Australians, India Fest provides a valuable opportunity to see their heritage represented proudly in the city they call home. It also creates a space where families can share traditions across generations and maintain a meaningful connection with India. For the wider Townsville community, the festival offers a window into the vast cultural diversity of India while creating opportunities for people of different backgrounds to connect through food, music, dance and shared celebration. The India Fest Townsville Organising Committee thanked the more than 25,000 visitors, volunteers, performers, sponsors, stallholders, community organisations, government representatives, emergency services and media partners who contributed to the success of the 2026 event. “India Fest belongs to everyone who walks through the gates,” the committee said. “Whether you are Indian, Australian, from another cultural background or simply someone who loves a great community celebration, you are part of India Fest.” As the festival continues to grow, organisers are looking towards future celebrations with a vision of strengthening India Fest Townsville as an even more signiﬁcant multicultural event for regional Queensland. From its celebration of Indian heritage and Independence Day to its commitment to volunteering and local charitable causes, India Fest Townsville 2026 demonstrated how culture can bring communities together while creating a positive impact far beyond the festival grounds. Its message for 2026 was simple but powerful: celebrate culture, build community and give back.

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COMMUNITY NEWS | WESTERN AUSTRALIA

WA Multicultural Com Jobs, Cultural Performance Desi Australia

estern Australia’s multicultural communities have several new opportunities to connect, participate and access support, with initiatives currently open across employment, cultural performance and family arts activities. From a free jobs expo for culturally and linguistically diverse job seekers, to performance opportunities with Festival on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 November 2026, as well as Australia Day activities on Tuesday 26 January 2027. Groups submitting an expression of interest will be asked to provide information about their cultural background, proposed performance, number of performers and any technical or staging requirements. Applicants may also provide photographs, videos or social media links demonstrating previous performances.

the City of Perth and ﬁnancial support for families to access arts and cultural events, the latest community initiatives offer practical beneﬁts for people across WA.

to express interest in performing as part of the City of Perth’s 2026–27 summer events program.

City of Perth seeking multicultural performers

The opportunity is open to cultural dance groups, musicians, performers and community organisations interested in showcasing traditional or contemporary performances before wider Perth audiences.

Culturally and linguistically diverse performance groups are being invited

Major upcoming opportunities include the Perth Multicultural

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The opportunity could be particularly relevant for Indian and South Asian cultural organisations, dance academies, musicians and community groups looking to showcase their traditions within Perth’s wider multicultural events program. The City of Perth advises that submitting an expression of interest does not guarantee selection, with applications assessed according to

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COMMUNITY NEWS | WESTERN AUSTRALIA

mmunity Opportunities: es and Family Arts Vouchers and providers are included in the program. Round Two opened on 27 August 2026 and is available until 31 May 2027, or until all available vouchers have been reserved.

event requirements, diversity and programming needs.

opportunity and those considering a change of career.

Applications close Friday, 4 September 2026.

Attendance is free, however registration is required.

Free CaLD Jobs Expo coming to Mirrabooka

WA families can access up to $200 in arts vouchers

Job seekers from culturally and linguistically diverse communities will also have an opportunity to connect directly with employers, recruiters, training organisations and employment support services at the upcoming CaLD Jobs Expo.

Western Australian families can also access ﬁnancial assistance through the latest round of the Kids Access All Areas Vouchers program.

The free event will be held on Wednesday, 16 September 2026 from 10am to 1pm at Stirling Leisure – Mirrabooka, 38 Ashbury Crescent, Mirrabooka. The expo is designed to help multicultural job seekers explore employment opportunities and better understand pathways into the Western Australian workforce. Attendees will be able to speak with employers and recruiters, learn about available jobs, connect with training providers and access information about employment support services. The event may be especially useful for newly arrived migrants, skilled professionals seeking to enter the Australian workforce, people looking for their ﬁrst local employment

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Eligible parents and guardians can reserve a $50 voucher for each child aged between 5 and 15, with vouchers available for up to four children. This means an eligible family with four children could access up to $200 in total support. The program is designed to help families access paid arts and cultural experiences across Western Australia while also supporting the state’s creative sector. Eligible experiences can include: • Theatre • Dance • Live music • Comedy • Circus • Exhibitions, including Scitech

To be eligible, applicants must be Western Australian residents aged 18 or over and the parent or legal guardian of an eligible child aged between 5 and 15. Families can generally reserve their vouchers through the ServiceWA app, purchase tickets from an approved provider and then submit their claim using the relevant tax invoice. The vouchers cannot be used for expenses including food and beverages, merchandise, workshops or classes, movie tickets, AFL tickets, school-organised activities or events offered by providers outside the approved program. Opportunities for WA’s multicultural communities Together, these initiatives provide a mix of employment, cultural and family opportunities for Western Australia’s increasingly diverse population. Community organisations and performance groups interested in participating in City of Perth events are encouraged to apply before the September deadline, while job seekers can register for the upcoming Mirrabooka expo and eligible families can explore the arts voucher program through ofﬁcial WA Government channels. Source: Ofﬁce of Multicultural Interests, City of Perth and Government of Western Australia.

More than 100 participating venues

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EDUCATION

UWA Mumbai Campus Cl Australian Education The new Mumbai campus is being positioned within one of the city’s major commercial and education centres. UWA says the Andheri location oﬀers strong connections to businesses, start-ups and transport networks, with the campus situated close to Mumbai’s airport and Marol Naka Metro station. The university expects this setting to help students connect their studies with industry and employment opportunities.

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he University of Western Australia has reached a major milestone in its expansion into India, receiving a Letter of Approval from the University Grants Commission to establish its international branch campus in Mumbai. The clearance paves the way for the university to welcome its first students in the city in September 2026. The Mumbai campus, based in Andheri East, is expected to provide Indian students with an opportunity to undertake a University of Western Australia degree without relocating overseas. The initiative is particularly significant for students seeking an Australian university qualification while remaining close to their families, communities and India’s expanding professional and technology sectors. UWA is a member of Australia’s Group of Eight and is ranked among the world’s top 100 universities. Its India expansion represents a significant step in the university’s international strategy and makes it the first Group of Eight institution to establish a presence in India under the country’s framework for foreign higher-education providers.

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Students will have access to programmes covering areas including computer science, cybersecurity, data science, artificial intelligence, business management, global business, economics and enterprise and innovation. Postgraduate options include a Master of Information Technology and Master of Business Administration, reflecting UWA’s focus on disciplines connected with evolving workforce requirements. UWA India has already opened applications for its inaugural intake, with teaching at the Mumbai campus scheduled to commence in September. The university’s current admissions information says applications are open, while the first cohort will enter a campus designed around modern classrooms, laboratories, student areas and industry-oriented learning. The Mumbai initiative is part of a broader Indian expansion that also includes a UWA campus in Chennai. The university has described the twocampus strategy as its first international expansion, with Chennai expected to commence most programmes in March 2027. MBA teaching across the Indian campuses is scheduled to begin earlier, in November 2026. UWA’s India plans have been supported by a significant investment program. Earlier announcements indicated an investment of approximately $73

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million, or around ₹500 crore, to establish its Indian presence. The university has also indicated plans to expand enrolments substantially over time and build academic and industry partnerships across the country. The institution has also been developing links with Indian academic and research organisations. Partnerships announced earlier include collaborations with IIM Mumbai and IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, covering areas such as mining, automation and sustainability. UWA has additionally outlined plans for an India Centre in Visakhapatnam intended to support research, innovation and collaboration. Financial accessibility is another part of UWA’s India strategy. In May, the university announced a major scholarship commitment for students across India, saying the initiative was intended to broaden access for highpotential students from different socioeconomic and regional backgrounds. The scholarship program accompanies UWA’s planned portfolio spanning STEM, business and technology. UWA’s arrival also comes during a broader expansion of foreign university education in India. The University Grants Commission has issued Letters of Intent to foreign higher-education institutions from Australia, Italy, the United Kingdom and the United States, with several institutions seeking to establish campuses in major Indian education and business centres. For Indian students, the Mumbai campus could offer a different pathway to an internationally recognised qualification. Rather than making an immediate move to Australia, students can begin their university journey in India while studying under the academic standards and programs

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EDUCATION

leared to Open, Bringing n to Indian Students

associated with a Western Australian institution. The model could also deepen connections between Indian industry and Australian higher education. The development has wider signiﬁcance for Australia-India relations, particularly in education, research and innovation. UWA has described its Indian presence as a way to strengthen connections between the two countries while creating opportunities for research partnerships, industry collaboration and knowledge exchange. The move comes as both countries

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continue expanding cooperation across education and the broader Indo-Paciﬁc economy. With regulatory approval now secured and the September intake approaching, attention will turn to the university’s ﬁrst cohort and the operation of its Mumbai campus. For UWA, the opening represents more than the establishment of a new location: it marks the beginning of a long-term academic presence in one of the world’s largest higher-education markets. Image source: University of Western Australia (UWA)

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COMMUNITY NEWS | PERTH

NEW WA INDIAN FILM COUN PATHWAYS BETWEE

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estern Australia has taken a new step towards strengthening its creative and cultural relationship with India with the launch of the West Australian Indian Film Council (WAIFC) in Perth. The independent not-for-proﬁt organisation was oﬃcially launched by Western Australian Premier Roger Cook MLA on Friday, September 11, bringing together representatives from government, the Indian diplomatic community, the screen sector, business and the wider community.

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NCIL OPENS NEW CREATIVE EN PERTH AND INDIA The new council aims to establish longterm connections between Western Australia and India across film, television, streaming, animation, digital media and other creative industries. It will focus on turning growing interest between the two regions into practical opportunities for collaboration and industry development. Western Australia has taken a new step towards strengthening its creative and cultural relationship with India with the launch of the West Australian Indian Film Council (WAIFC) in Perth. The independent not-for-profit organisation was officially launched by Western Australian Premier Roger Cook MLA on Friday, September 11, bringing together representatives from government, the Indian diplomatic community, the screen sector, business and the wider community. The new council aims to establish longterm connections between Western Australia and India across film, television, streaming, animation, digital media and other creative industries. It will focus on turning growing interest between the two regions into practical opportunities for collaboration and industry development.

Perth’s geographic proximity to India, he said, provides the state with a distinctive position for building connections with Mumbai and the wider Indian Ocean region. The council plans to bring together ﬁlmmakers, producers, creative professionals, businesses, educators, government bodies, festivals and community organisations. Its work will include supporting industry delegations and networking, encouraging producer-

to-producer connections and promoting Western Australia as a potential destination for international screen production. Opportunities being explored include co-productions, ﬁlming locations, talent exchanges, education, investment, festivals and cultural partnerships. The council also intends to support knowledge sharing and create stronger links between the screen, tourism, education and business sectors.

The launch also highlighted the historic connection between Perth and Indian cinema. Fearless Nadia, one of the early stars of Indian film, was born in Perth in 1908 as Mary Ann Evans before moving to India during her childhood, where she later became an influential figure in the country’s film industry. More than a century after Fearless Nadia’s birth, WAIFC is seeking to create a new chapter in the relationship by connecting Western Australian creative talent and businesses with India’s vast screen industry. WAIFC Chair and Director Nilesh Makwana said Western Australia was well positioned to play a larger role in the Australia-India creative relationship.

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Consul General of India to Western Australia and the Northern Territory Kajari Biswas welcomed the initiative, highlighting the ability of ﬁlm and storytelling to build cultural understanding while opening new avenues for cooperation.

own screen-production capabilities. The state’s cultural and creative industries contributed an estimated $6.2 billion to the WA economy in 2024, while the WA Government has committed $290 million to Perth Film Studios and its operations.

The scale of the opportunity is significant. India’s film and entertainment industry was estimated to have generated US$5.91 billion in 2025, with more than 2,000 films produced annually across more than 30 languages. This gives WAIFC a large and diverse creative market with which Western Australian producers and businesses can potentially engage. Western Australia is also expanding its

WAIFC is intended to connect these two strengths by creating opportunities for Australian and Indian companies and creative professionals to work together. The council hopes such partnerships can generate employment, support emerging talent, retain skilled graduates and professionals, develop local intellectual property and promote Western Australia to audiences and industry across India.

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COMMUNITY NEWS | PERTH

For the Indian community in Western Australia, the initiative also adds another dimension to the state’s growing relationship with India. Beyond trade and migration, screen and creative industries oﬀer opportunities to strengthen cultural connections through stories, shared productions and greater interaction between creative communities. The launch is expected to be the starting point for a broader program of engagement involving industry partnerships, delegations and cultural initiatives. WAIFC’s longer-term ambition is to establish Western Australia as a stronger participant in the Australia-India screen relationship and create new pathways connecting Perth with India’s rapidly evolving creative economy.

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COMMUNITY NEWS | CANBERRA

Indian-Origin Finalists Sujatha Sha and Kamala Sharma-Wing Name ACT leadership representative with the Australian College of Nursing. Her professional work has included supporting nurses, mentoring emerging practitioners and encouraging greater use of research in everyday healthcare. She has said that one of the most rewarding aspects of her career has been seeing students and younger nurses develop conﬁdence and eventually take on leadership roles themselves.

Jasmine Sharma: Using Cricket to Create Community Connections

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hree Canberra women – Dr Sujatha Shanmugasundaram, Jasmine Sharma and Kamala Sharma-Wing – are among the 11 finalists selected for the 2026 ACT Women’s Awards, with their work spanning healthcare, multicultural participation, sport, faith and service. Their recognition comes under a refreshed awards program designed to acknowledge people creating meaningful and lasting change across the ACT and beyond. The three finalists have followed markedly different professional paths, but their stories share a focus on helping others. Dr Shanmugasundaram has spent decades working across nursing, aged care, dementia, palliative care and education; Sharma has used cricket to build confidence and connections among culturally diverse women; while Sharma-Wing has combined military service with pastoral care and Hindu chaplaincy.

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Dr Sujatha Shanmugasundaram: A Career Built Around Better Care Dr Sujatha Shanmugasundaram is being recognised for her contribution to nursing education and gerontology, particularly her work strengthening approaches to dementia and aged care. Her professional experience spans clinical practice, teaching, research and leadership, with the University of Canberra noting that she has worked across acute care, aged care and palliative care for almost 35 years.

For Jasmine Sharma, cricket has become a pathway to much more than sporting participation. She founded Kitchen to Crease through her volunteer involvement with the Indian Australian Multicultural Sports Association, creating opportunities for South Asian women to become involved in cricket and develop stronger connections with the wider community. The initiative began around nine years ago and has since reached more than 100 women and children. Sharma’s work addresses barriers that can prevent women from participating in organised sport, including family

Her motivation has been shaped by experiences caring for older people and those living with dementia, particularly toward the end of life. She has spoken about the importance of looking beyond medical treatment to consider dignity, comfort, quality of life and the needs of families. That perspective has informed her work in person-centred care, research, education and professional advocacy. Shanmugasundaram also serves as an

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COMMUNITY NEWS | CANBERRA

anmugasundaram, Jasmine Sharma ed in ACT Women’s Awards 2026 responsibilities, cultural expectations, limited opportunities and uncertainty about where to begin. Some participants had little or no experience with cricket before joining. Through coaching, social matches and a welcoming environment, the initiative has helped some participants progress into structured and grade cricket. The impact has also extended to younger generations. Sharma has highlighted how children, including girls, have become interested in cricket after seeing their mothers participate. Her approach reflects a wider belief that sporting activity can strengthen confidence, wellbeing, friendships and belonging, particularly for people who may initially find it difficult to establish community connections after moving to Australia. Her contribution has previously received recognition from Cricket ACT, which named Kitchen to Crease its Women and Girls Initiative of the Year for 2024-25. The award recognised the program’s work in creating femalefocused sporting opportunities and expanding participation. Her selection as an ACT Women’s Awards finalist now brings that community work into a broader platform.

Kamala Sharma-Wing: From Navy Officer to Hindu Chaplain Kamala Sharma-Wing has taken a different route to recognition, combining a long Australian Defence Force career with religious and pastoral service. In early 2025, she became the ADF’s first full-time Hindu chaplain in Service Category 7, marking a significant development in the organisation’s multi-faith representation. She is based at HMAS Harman and supports personnel from a wide range of backgrounds.

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Her connection with Defence stretches back more than three decades. After moving from Nepal to Australia as a teenager, she joined the Navy in 1995 and later served as a maritime logistics oﬃcer. Her transition towards chaplaincy began after a leadership program in 2016 prompted conversations about the possibility of establishing a Hindu chaplaincy role within Defence. Sharma-Wing subsequently undertook extensive preparation for the position, including a Master of Counselling, Hindu studies, training as a Hindu priestess, yoga teacher accreditation and pastoral placements. She was ordained as a Hindu priestess in November 2024 before commencing her chaplaincy role in January 2025. Her current work goes beyond religious observance. At HMAS Harman, she provides pastoral support, crisis assistance, ethical guidance and wellbeing activities, while also working with personnel from diﬀerent faiths and backgrounds. Defence has highlighted her role in strengthening resilience, cohesion and a sense of belonging across the workforce.

Three Diﬀerent Paths, One Canberra Story

professional education to grassroots sport and military chaplaincy, showing how community impact can emerge through very different careers and forms of service. The ACT Government has redesigned the awards around the nature of a person’s contribution rather than previous age-based categories. The 2026 program includes the Excellence in Industry, Lifetime Achievement, Gender Equity and Social Change, and Minister’s Impact awards. Assessment considers factors including lasting impact, leadership, innovation, role-modelling and contributions to equity or inclusion where applicable. The ACT Government received 41 nominations across the three publicly nominated categories, with some people considered in more than one category. The winners will be announced at the 2026 ACT Women’s Awards ceremony on 3 September, which will also recognise new inductees to the ACT Women’s Honour Roll. For the Canberra Indian and wider multicultural community, the presence of Sharma and Sharma-Wing is particularly significant, while Shanmugasundaram’s recognition highlights the contribution of healthcare professionals and educators. For all three finalists, the awards provide an opportunity to draw attention to work that has developed over years rather than overnight. Whether improving care for older Australians, opening sporting opportunities for culturally diverse families or strengthening inclusion within Defence, their journeys demonstrate the different ways people can contribute to a stronger and more connected Canberra. Image source: Her Canberra Image source: Australian navy (facebook)

The recognition of Shanmugasundaram, Sharma and Sharma-Wing illustrates the breadth of the 2026 awards. Their contributions range from healthcare and

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Nepali Australian Community Standing With Nepal Af Desi Australia

ustralia’s Nepali community has expressed its appreciation to Governor-General Sam Mostyn for her solidarity and support following the devastating floods that struck Nepal and affected communities across the region. The Australia Nepal Friendship Society (ANFS) recently brought members of Canberra’s Nepali community together at Government House, where representatives had an opportunity to acknowledge the Governor-General’s support during a period of deep concern and uncertainty for people with family and friends affected by the disaster. The gathering provided an opportunity for community leaders and representatives of Nepali organisations to stand together and reflect on the impact of the floods. Members of the wider Nepali diaspora in Canberra were also invited to participate, highlighting the close connections between Australia’s Nepali community and people in Nepal. The disaster has had a particularly strong emotional impact on Nepali Australians, many of whom were trying to establish the safety of relatives and friends in affected areas. Australian authorities have also been dealing with the difficult task of locating Australians who remained unaccounted for following the disaster. Governor-General Mostyn had already demonstrated her support for Nepal earlier in September. On 3 September

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Thanks Governor-General for fter Devastating Floods 2026, she visited the Embassy of Nepal in Canberra and signed the official condolence book for people who lost their lives in the natural disaster. She expressed sympathy to those who had lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods, as well as families still waiting for information about missing relatives. During that visit, the Governor-General also recognised the efforts of emergency responders and volunteers working with communities affected by the floods. She conveyed Australia’s solidarity with Nepal and acknowledged the country’s assistance to Australians caught up in the disaster. The Australian Government has also provided humanitarian assistance to support Nepal’s emergency response and recovery. On 30 August, the government announced a further $3 million in humanitarian assistance, taking forward its support for communities affected by the floods along the Nepal-China border. Australian crisis response, consular and Australian Federal Police personnel were also deployed to Kathmandu. The scale of the disaster has also created considerable anxiety within Australian communities with strong connections to Nepal. In the aftermath of the floods, Nepali and Tibetan Australians across the country reported concerns about missing relatives and friends, while community organisations worked to connect families with information and assistance. At the Canberra gathering, the Australia Nepal Friendship Society presented Governor-General Mostyn with ANFS Friendship Scarves, along with a report documenting the organisation’s 42-year history and its contribution to community harmony and friendship between Australia and Nepal. The society was subsequently presented with a commemorative coin by the

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Governor-General. The ANFS also recognised that the event had limited capacity, meaning some longstanding contributors to the organisation could not attend. The society nevertheless acknowledged their continuing contribution to Canberra’s Nepali community and to the organisation’s long-running efforts to strengthen people-to-people connections. For the Nepali Australian community, the gathering carried significance beyond the formal exchange of gifts and recognition. It provided an opportunity for community members to see their concerns acknowledged at the highest representative level and to reinforce the sense of solidarity that has emerged in Australia following the disaster. The ANFS also recognised that the event had limited capacity, meaning some longstanding contributors to the organisation could not attend. The society nevertheless acknowledged their continuing contribution to Canberra’s Nepali community and to the organisation’s long-running efforts to strengthen people-to-people

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connections. For the Nepali Australian community, the gathering carried signiﬁcance beyond the formal exchange of gifts and recognition. It provided an opportunity for community members to see their

SEPTEMBER | 2026

concerns acknowledged at the highest representative level and to reinforce the sense of solidarity that has emerged in Australia following the disaster. The ANFS has said it remains committed to supporting people aﬀected

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COMMUNITY NEWS | CANBERRA

by the floods, bringing members of the Nepali community together and continuing to strengthen the longstanding relationship between Australia and Nepal. The response also reflects the broader role played by Australia’s multicultural communities during times of crisis. For Nepali Australians, the floods have been both a humanitarian emergency overseas and a deeply personal event affecting families, friends and communities across borders. As recovery efforts continue, the community’s engagement with Australian institutions is providing another avenue for solidarity and support. The meeting at Government House has added to the series of actions by Australian officials and community organisations expressing support for Nepal during one of the country’s most difficult recent disasters. Image Source: Australia-Nepal Friendship Society (Facebook)

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MAG CORNER

Veena Sahajwalla, Robin Chosen for Key Australia

Image source: Professor Veena Sahajwalla, Robin Khuda and Faz Pollard (linkedin)

Desi Australia

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ustralia is strengthening the expertise guiding its engagement with India, with Foreign Minister Penny Wong appointing Professor Veena Sahajwalla, Robin Khuda and Faz Pollard to the advisory board of the Centre for Australia-India Relations. Four existing members – Amrit Gill, Catriona Jackson, Mitu Bhowmick Lange AM and Amit Singh – have also been reappointed to the board. The appointments bring together

SEPTEMBER | 2026

experience from scientiﬁc research, sustainable manufacturing, digital infrastructure and business, adding perspectives that reﬂect the increasingly broad nature of the relationship between Australia and India. The advisory board provides strategic guidance to the Centre, whose work spans areas including commerce, education, science, technology, arts, health and sport. Professor Sahajwalla, based at UNSW

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MAG CORNER

n Khuda and Faz Pollard ia-India Advisory Roles

Sydney, is internationally recognised for her work in materials science and resource recovery. She leads the University’s Centre for Sustainable Materials Research and Technology, where researchers have developed technologies designed to convert discarded materials into useful resources and support more sustainable forms of manufacturing.

Australia-India cooperation involving research, innovation and sustainable industry, including work exploring how technologies developed in Australia can contribute to cleaner manufacturing. Her recent engagements have included discussions around recycling, resource security and opportunities for both countries to beneﬁt from science-led industrial collaboration.

The Centre for Australia-India Relations was established by the Australian Government in 2023 as a platform for developing stronger links between the two countries. It works across government, business, academia and civil society, with the broader objective of encouraging deeper and more sustained connections between Australian and Indian institutions and communities.

Robin Khuda brings a different area of expertise through his leadership in the technology and data-centre sector. As founder and chief executive of AirTrunk, he has been involved in the development of major digital infrastructure across the AsiaPacific. His business has also announced significant expansion plans in India, reflecting the country’s rapidly increasing demand for computing capacity linked to cloud services and artificial intelligence.

The timing of the appointments is significant as Australia and India continue to expand their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Recent engagement has included cooperation in areas such as clean energy, education, tourism, critical minerals, technology and research. The Australian Government has also identified India as an important partner for expanding economic opportunities and strengthening connections across the Indo-Pacific.

AirTrunk’s proposed Indian expansion is particularly signiﬁcant to the broader economic relationship. The company has outlined plans involving more than 3 trillion Indian rupees in investment through 2030 and approximately ﬁve gigawatts of planned data-centre capacity. A major component of the proposed expansion is a large-scale facility in Maharashtra, highlighting the growing intersection between Australian investment, Indian infrastructure development and the global digital economy.

Her appointment also builds on an established connection with India. Sahajwalla has been involved in

Faz Pollard, director of Adarsh Australia, has also been appointed to the board. His inclusion adds business and community experience to a group that is intended to help identify practical opportunities for closer engagement. Together, the three new appointments provide expertise across sectors that are increasingly important to Australia’s economic relationship with India.

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For the Indian Australian community, the appointments provide another indication of the increasingly diverse expertise contributing to the bilateral relationship. The board’s responsibilities extend beyond diplomacy, with its work expected to support practical connections involving companies, universities, researchers, cultural organisations and community networks. With scientiﬁc innovation, digital infrastructure and business leadership now represented alongside the experience of continuing board members, the expanded advisory group will help shape the Centre’s priorities at an important stage in Australia-India relations. Its effectiveness will ultimately be measured by how successfully those connections translate into sustained partnerships, investment, research collaboration and people-to-people engagement.

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HEALTH AND WELL BEIGN

Dr Ramya Raman Set to L GP Organisation From No

charge of an organisation representing more than 53,000 members across Australia. She will formally assume the presidency at the RACGP Annual General Meeting on 19 November 2026, succeeding Dr Michael Wright.

Desi Australia

r Ramya Raman has been elected President-elect of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, positioning the Western Australian specialist GP to take

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Dr Raman brings extensive experience across clinical practice, medical education, academia and professional leadership. She is a practice owner and specialist general practitioner who has held senior positions within the College, including RACGP Vice President and Chair of its Western Australian faculty. Her election follows a national contest in which 9,866 votes were recorded, with Raman securing 54 per cent. Her leadership comes at a signiﬁcant period for Australian general practice. GPs are managing increasingly complex patient needs while practices contend with workforce pressures, rising

SEPTEMBER | 2026

operational expenses and questions about the long-term sustainability of primary care. Dr Raman has previously argued that decisions being made now could influence how doctors work and how patients receive care for many years. Financial sustainability is expected to remain an important issue during her presidency. During her election campaign, Dr Raman proposed limiting increases in RACGP membership fees to the same indexation rate applied to Medicare Benefits Schedule rebates, arguing that doctors and practices should not face fee increases disconnected from the financial realities of running modern general practices. Access to medical care will also feature prominently in the incoming president’s agenda. Dr Raman has indicated that strengthening general practice requires

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HEALTH AND WELL BEIGN

Lead Australia’s Largest ovember As President, Dr Raman will lead the RACGP’s advocacy on issues including patient access, practice sustainability, workforce development, preventive health, professional education and training. The College says these priorities will be central to strengthening general practice over the longer term, while Dr Raman has emphasised the importance of bringing members’ experiences into decisions aﬀecting the profession and the healthcare system. The change in leadership will take place at a time when general practice is undergoing considerable transformation. Digital health, changing models of care, workforce shortages, rising clinical complexity and pressure on the broader health system are reshaping the role of GPs. Dr Raman’s election gives her an opportunity to inﬂuence how the profession responds to these challenges while representing doctors working in communities across the country.

sustainable funding, a well-supported workforce and better access to GPs regardless of where patients live. Her approach places the viability of individual practices alongside the broader question of maintaining accessible primary healthcare for communities throughout Australia. The challenges facing primary care extend beyond funding. Australia’s ageing population and growing prevalence of chronic illness mean GPs are increasingly involved in preventive care, long-term disease management and complex health needs. The RACGP has highlighted the importance of primary care in helping people remain healthier and reducing unnecessary pressure on hospitals, making workforce capacity and continuity of care central concerns for the profession. Dr Raman’s professional background

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also includes a strong connection with medical education and research. Earlier in 2026, she was involved in RACGP initiatives covering areas including digital health and innovation, while her work in Western Australia has included advocacy around preventive healthcare and strengthening general practice outside metropolitan centres. Her experience in Western Australia could prove particularly relevant as the College continues to address the uneven distribution of doctors across metropolitan, regional and remote communities. In June, RACGP highlighted Dr Raman’s work in Karratha, where she delivered education and engaged with regional healthcare needs, reﬂecting her broader involvement in supporting the GP workforce beyond major population centres.

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For Australia’s Indian-origin community, Dr Raman’s appointment is also a notable achievement within the country’s increasingly diverse medical workforce. Her election adds another prominent example of a doctor from an Indian background reaching a senior national leadership position in Australian healthcare, while the signiﬁcance of her new role ultimately extends across the entire GP profession and the millions of patients it serves. Dr Raman will take over from Dr Michael Wright after his two-year term concludes at the November AGM. Until then, she will continue preparing for the transition, with her formal presidency beginning on 19 November. Her term will place general practice funding, workforce strength, accessibility and the future of primary healthcare among the major issues she will be expected to address. Image source: Dr Ramya RamanRACGP (Facebook)

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ARTS AND CULTURE

The Queen of Baluchari: We

class weaving industry.

Indranil Halder

n a crisp winter Sunday morning in Marsﬁeld, Sydney, a documentary crew from Sydney’s Powerhouse Museum stepped into a living sanctuary of cultural survival. Marsﬁeld is a suburb where Governor Phillip began granting land parcels to the Royal Marines in 1792. Inspired by Rome’s Campus Martius, he named the region Field of Mars. In 1804, Governor King established the Field of Mars Common. Not far is the

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historic T.G. Millner Field, the home ground of the Eastwood District Rugby Union Football Club. Here lives Jane Wilkins, affectionately known as the Queen of Baluchari. Her private residence, nestled right next to Lucknow Park, holds more than just a collection-it guards the surviving heartbeat of an ancient Bengal textile art that once stood on the precipice of extinction due to harsh British colonial policies. And the grand mansion of Curzon Hall, near her private residence with a garden and plantation shutters, is a reminded of harsh British rule in Bengal especially for the local world

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The mansion was named after the Curzon family as a gift from wealthy Sydney railway entrepreneur Harry Smith to his wife, Isabella Curzon Webb. Isabella was a relative of Lord Curzon, the Viceroy of India who ruled from Calcutta, (the second capital of the British Empire and one of the richest provinces in the world, Bengal). He also laid foundation of another Curzon Hall with Mughal and European architecture in the muslin weaving capital of Dakha, Bangladesh in 1908. To look upon Jane’s collection is to witness a love letter to history, passed down through generations across continents. She wants to ensure her daughter Indira loves Baluchari too. For over half a century,

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ARTS AND CULTURE

eaving Continents Together these sarees have been the soul of the Halder family, anchored by the memory of Jane’s late mother-in-law, Kamala Halder. Jane speaks with deep pride of Kamala, who once wore her Baluchari with a tiara and gold jewellery at the ITC Sonar Hotel family gatherings in Calcutta, embodying a grand tradition that refuses to fade. The tapestry of Jane’s life blends Asian and Australian continents effortlessly: • A Golden Interview: For the museum crew, Jane draped herself in a shimmering golden Swarnachari, wrapping it with the timeless elegance of a traditional Bengali woman. Her jewelry-a collection of historic Guinea coins bearing the faces of Empress Victoria and King George V-evoked the nostalgic grandeur of Calcutta when it was the second capital of the British Empire and centre of global trade.

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• A Beacon of Remembrance: Just a weekend prior, Jane stood by the waters of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia and home of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race in Rushcutters to celebrate the life of a cherished local Bengali community member and resident of Darling Point, the late Mr. Amalendu (Amal) Roy in an off-white Meenakari Swarnachari, adorned with rare Paspaley pearls and a Sabyasachi clutch, she caught the sunlight so brilliantly that she outshone the sparkling bay with million dollar yatch and mansions. • Decades of Living History: These sarees have travelled with her to a gatherings of Indian-African heritage doctors in Fairy Meadow decades ago-where she wore a delicate, bluebordered single-thread design-and to the gates of Kirribilli House, bridging the heritage of the Bengal Gangetic Delta in the Indian

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subcontinent with the backdrop of the Sydney Harbour and also attending The Australian Ballet or Sydney Philharmonia Choirs or Opera Australia events at Opera House. Whether meeting Indian maharaja from Lake Palace Udaipur, Rajasthan, India or enjoying birthday party celebration with an Australian retail heiress or watching Chivalrous Argentinian polo player win 2017!Polo Championship in her sarees. She had enjoyed them all. Jane is also familiar with the history of Baluchari that ﬂourished during Murshid Kuli Khan, Nawab of Bengal, who patronised the art. He made sure the textile weavers came to settle in Baluchar area of Murshidabad from Dhaka. The designs of Baluchari had motifs from great Indian epics of Mahabharata and Ramayana with sequences from the Ram and Sita in Ramayana to Arun in chariot in the

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ARTS AND CULTURE

wars of Mahabharata. Then there were the square designs of the British era with steamships,horse carriages, the ofﬁcers of the East India Company, smoking hookahs, binoculars and paisley motifs of the Mogul era. Baluchari is like wearing a story in a weave. The irony is not lost on the Queen of Baluchari, that the absolute pinnacle of original, 140-to-170-year-old heritage town of Murshidabad where hand-weaving ﬂourished -like the famous Baluchari displayed at the 1855 Paris Exhibition-now rests inside the cold glass cases of London’s Victoria & Albert Museum. Yet, in Jane’s private residence, this 500-year-old art form is wonderfully alive, warm, and deeply personal. The Queen of Baluchari gave a new life to the exquisite beauty of historical handloom weave- Baluchari. They are more valuable than her husband’s Jaguar car.

Company ofﬁcers smoking hookahs on steamships, the fabric holds the memory of an entire civilization. As the interview closed, Jane, lovingly packed away her many unchosen pieces-the Bolani work Cotton Baluchari and the black Mughal motifs Baluchari. Dyed with the organic hues of mangoes, marigolds, and pomegranates, each saree was returned safely to its box for the future generations. In the hands of the Queen of Baluchari, the Baluchari has not only survived; it continues to drape the world in its enduring glory, glamour, and grace. – Indranil Halder

Every Baluchari is a story woven into silk or cotton. From the epic battles of the Mahabharata and the devotion of the Ramayana, to the quirky colonialera squares depicting East India

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INDIA AND SOUTH AUSTRALIA LOOK TO DEEPEN STATE-LEVEL PARTNERSHIP Desi Australia

ndia and South Australia are exploring opportunities to strengthen their longstanding relationship, following a meeting between India’s High Commissioner to Australia, Nagesh Singh, and South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas. The meeting focused on ways to expand engagement between India and South Australia and build on existing connections across areas of mutual interest. Both sides discussed the importance of maintaining strong links between India and the state while identifying opportunities for deeper cooperation. Singh and Malinauskas considered how the relationship could be further developed through stronger connections between India and South Australia. Their discussions form part of broader eﬀorts to expand engagement between India and Australian states and territories. Trade, education, investment, skills, innovation and people-to-people connections continue to provide important avenues for closer cooperation between India and Australia. These areas are also increasingly shaping relationships between India and individual Australian states. South Australia has maintained links with India through government, business and community engagement, creating a foundation for continued collaboration. India, meanwhile, remains an important partner for

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Australia across economic, educational, cultural and community interests. The meeting also provided an opportunity for the two leaders to consider the broader direction of the India-South Australia relationship and areas where future cooperation could be expanded. The discussions highlighted the potential for further engagement across shared areas of interest. No new agreements, funding commitments or speciﬁc initiatives were announced following the meeting. The focus remained on strengthening the existing relationship and exploring opportunities for greater cooperation in the future.

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The discussion comes as India and Australia continue to build closer connections at both national and state levels. Engagement between Indian representatives and Australian state governments is playing an increasingly important role in supporting wider economic, cultural and community ties. The meeting between Nagesh Singh and Peter Malinauskas reﬂects the ongoing interest from both sides in developing the India-South Australia relationship and creating stronger links between the people, institutions and economies of India and South Australia. Image source: India In Australia (High Commission Of India, Canberra) (facebook)

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SEPTEMBER | 2026