Dear Visitor ji,
October was the busiest month of Indian community celebrations and activities in Canberra. There were many Diwali events supported by FINACT and its member associations. In addition to festivities, FINACT organised many activities such as Public Consultation Forum, T-20 Cricket Tournament and General Council meeting and consultation with our community and elected member.
FINACT General Council Meeting at the Parliament House
FINACT had its first General Council Meeting of this financial year on 30 October 2017. FINACT thanks Senator Zed Seselja for hosting the meeting at the Parliament House and delegates from member associations for their attendance and contributions.
Member Association Delegates with GC Meeting Host, Senator the Hon Zed Seselja
Supporting our community
FINACT supported member organisations - 108 Blood Donations (organised by Canberra Hindu Mandir), Turban Awareness Day held at the Canberra Sikh Temple, Dhandia Dhamaka by Marathi Mandal, Diwali celebrations at the Australian Parliament House by Hindu Council of Australia and represented in many other events.
Sports activities
FINACT concluded the annual sporting carnival Westpac T-20 Cricket Tournament 2017 with style and elegance. FINACT congratulates the BJSM PK11 team to be winner of the tournament for the 3rd consecutive year. In addition to T-20 Cricket Tournament, FINACT provided eight cricket teams to play in the inaugural Thunder Nation Cup in ACT.
Community consultations
FINACT hosted a Public Consultation Forum for the FINACT Vision 2020 and to establish a India Centre. I congratulate the community leaders to come up with an ambitious wish list for the India Centre. Currently a white paper is being prepared inline to develop a business case and a plan to pursue with the stakeholders and community. FINACT is continuing public consultations to make submissions to Federal Government to review the list of accredited of community languages in Australia and include more Indian languages on to the list.
Community Leaders at FINACT Vision 2020 Public Consultation Forum
FINACT Executives met Honorable Andrew Barr, Chief Minister of ACT on Tuesday 14 November. It was an opportunity to update our current activities, seek his advise for FINACT vision, establish India Centre and other new initiatives. His suggestions will be reflected in the upcoming white paper for India Centre.
FINACT Executives Met ACT Chief Minister, the Hon Andrew Barr MLA
Mr Alistair Coe, the Leader of Opposition hosted a reception to FINACT Executives before his visit to India. He annonced the importance of bi-lateral dialogue and enormous opportunities to harness with India for the ACT Economy. He will be visiting Punjab and Kerala this time. He mentioned that this is the begining and will visit other states in future. All the best wishes from FINACT for his tour and return with many complimentary laurels.
There are many new initiatives to promote the inclusiveness of the Indian community. We are progressing with our plans for Community Harmony Day, Participation in ACT Multicultural Festival, submission for accreditation of community languages, Festival of India, International Day of Yoga and various community connect activities.
Meeting and joining the Hon Alistair Coe at the reception for FINACT Executives
Newsletter for communities
You will appreciate that newsletters are critical instrument and platform to meet our functional, operational and strategic communication needs. We have been using this infrastructure for long to effectively interact with you. Recent funding under the digital grants from the ACT Government has further boosted our capabilities and confidence in meeting our objectives.
We thank the ACT Government for their generosity that enables us to extend our tools to our member associations. Please see below for more information on how you can use this feature.
We will keep you updated and actively engaged in our community activities.
Dr Krishna Nadimpalli
President FINACT
Westpac T-20 Cricket Tournament Grand Final on Sun 5 November
WESTPAC FINACT T-20 Tournament final match was played between BJSM PK11 and TELUGU LIONS at Bonner Oval on 5th of November. BJSM PK11 won the title third time in a row.
FINACT thanks all the member associations, their supported teams, team captains, team managers, volunteers, Executive Committee members, Cricket Coordination Committee members, community members, umpires, officials of Cricket ACT, Cricket NSW, Cricket Australia, ACT Government, Andrew Leigh MP, Alistair Coe, Elizabeth Kikkert, Suzanne Orr MLA India In Australia, Shane Rattenbury MLA, His Excellency Dr Ajay M Gondane from India In Australia (High Commission Of India, Canberra) and all other special guests on the day.
Winners - BJSM PK 11
Man of the Match (Final) - Gagandeep Singh
Man of the Tournament - Sachin Sharma
Bowler of the Tournament - Aravind Sudam
 BJSM PK11 awarded the title trophy by Dr Andrew Leigh (MP from Fenner)
 Bat awarded to Man of the Series Sachin Sharma by our sponsor Shashi Samprathi (Bat Mate)
14 teams in total registered and played in the tournament. Tournament was structured with 2 groups of 7 teams each i.e. Group A and Group B. Each team played 5 league matches that meant 35 league matches, 2 semi-finals and 1 final match.
 Congratulations - BJSM PK 11 won 3rd T-20 Cricket Tournament Cup in 3 Years
FINACT is pursuing with Commonwealth Government to review the list of community languages accreditation through NAATI.
We are preparing a submission in this regard. If you have any idea, comments, plan or suggestions please share with us.
Your input/event for FINACT newsletter is appreciated and welcome
As you know FINACT newsletter is generally published once a month. If our member associations like to publish their organisation's event in the FINACT newsletter, please provide the following information:
- Event name, date, time and venue followed by text
- Text in word format (not PDF)
- Text within 150 words
- One image/picture if needed.
If you have a flyer ready for the event then FINACT can also publish the flyer in the newsletter.
You can submit this information at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by the last week of month - marked as For FINACT Newsletter.
What else FINACT can do for you?
We acknowlege that not all associations can afford to have mailing lists or tools to regularly interact/communicate with their members. FINACT has tools and capacity to be of your assistance. You may subscribe your members on our subscription page.
In this newsletter:
Upcoming events
Past Events - Photo Gallery - Since our last newsletter
Supporting Community
Please update your details - Stay informed and engaged
 We understand that Annual General Meetings are being held by our member associations. We appreciate all past and present executive committee members for their time, efforts and initiatives.
A kind request and reminder to update details.
For member associations
- names of your delegates
- delegates' contact details and emails
- your website url
- your social media channels, such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Google+
- a brief paragraph on your activities
Remember - people are looking for you at our website http://finact.net.au/home/members/
For individuals
If you are a member of community and interested in socio-cultural activities, you are also welcome and invited to register with us as a volunteer or simply subscribe to our newsletter and stay informed.
Westpac T-20 Cricket Tournament 2017 Sponsors
UPCOMING EVENTS
Communal Harmony Week & Indian Constitution Day - Fri 24 Nov
Communal Harmony Week is annually celebrated from 19-25 November. The Constitution Day falls on 26th November. To commemorate both the occasions, the High Commission of India would be holding an event on November 24th 2017, during 17:15 hrs to 18:30 hrs at the High Commission of India (3 Moonah Pl, Yarralumla).
The event would include - A talk on Communal Harmony by:-
(1) Ms. Narinder Kataria, Senior Executive with Department of Immigration & Public relation officer of Canberra Sikh Association.
(2) Ms. Azra Khan, former president and current member of Executive committee of Canberra Islamic Centre,National Multicultural Festival Director.
(3) Prof. Milind Sathye, Professor of Banking and Finance, University of Canberra.
This would be preceded by the Key note address on the Indian Constitution by High Commissioner.
We welcome members of the Indian diaspora, Friends of India and their families/friends to join us on November 24, 2017 for the same.
Regards,
A. Ajay Kumar
ए. अजय कुमार
Deputy High Commissioner
White Ribbon Day - Sun 26 November
 Integrated Cultures ACT Inc. and Integrated Women’s Network and likeminded community groups celebrate three events on the one day – International Men’s Day (falling on 19 November); International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (falling on 25 November); and White Ribbon – Australia’s campaign to prevent men’s violence against women.
Speakers:
Ms Maria Dimopoulos, nationally and internationally recognised expert on gender equality and violence against women and member of the first National Council to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children; and
Mr Brendan Maher, CEO of R U OK? and a White Ribbon Ambassador.
We will be honoured by the presence of Dr A. M. Gondane, High Commissioner of India; Mr Andrew Leigh MP, Shadow Assistant Treasurer and a White Ribbon Ambassador; Ms Rachel Stephen-Smith, ACT Minister for Multicultural Affairs; Ms Elizabeth Kikkert MLA; Ms Bec Cody MLA; Ms Caroline Le Couteur MLA; and Uncle Benny Hodges, of both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage and also a White Ribbon Ambassador.
The White Ribbon Campaign is the largest global male-led movement to stop violence against women. It engages and enables men and boys to lead this social change. In Australia, White Ribbon is an organisation that works to prevent violence by changing attitudes and behaviours. Several men, attending the event, have confirmed that they will be taking this oath – “I will stand up, speak out and act to prevent men’s violence against women”. This is my oath.
Date: Sunday, 26 November 2017
Time: 10.30 am to 12noon
Where: Whitlam room, Belconnen Labor club, Chandler Street, Belconnen, ACT
Cost: Free; Booking essential for seating and catering purposes https://www.trybooking.com/330612 ;
Mahatma Ke Mahatma - 'Yugpurush' show on 27 November
We would appreciate your and your organisation's interest in our upcoming event – YUGPURUSH an award-winning Indian theatrical masterpiece of historic and dramatic significance dedicated to the lives of two great men Mahatma Gandhi and his Spiritual Mentor Shrimad Rajchandra. (Flyer)
In order to raise funds for this project a unique play “YugPurush” was launched in Nov 2016. The play has done 800 + shows so far, travelling across India, UK, Europe, USA, Canada, Middle East and Kenya. It is scheduled to travel in Aus & NZ during Nov 2017, will perform 8 shows across Australia including Canberra show in English on Monday 27th November 2017, 7.30pm at Gungahlin College Theatre, 23 Gozard Street, Gungahlin, ACT 2912.
Buy tickets for Australia Tour at www.DryTickets.com.au or call Ticket Sale Hotline on 0452 337 387 to book over the phone.
For more information on Yugpurush Sponsorship proposal document and advertisement specification document, please contact Chhaya Bhojani, on behalf of Shrimad Rajchandra Mission, Canberra on 0414 314 942 or Nitin Jhaveri on 02 6218 4215 or email on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Yogathon - Sun Salutations on Sun 3 December
 Yogathon is a noble initiative to create awareness about yoga and The Meditation Garden in Canberra for healthier living of our community. The event allows participants to smoothly complete 108 sun salutations for a gold coin donation.
We will start the day with some light yoga, then move on to do 108 sun salutations, and end with some snacks.
SUN SALUTATIONS
Take the sun salutation commitment. Let your inner fire burn. Surya namaskar, or the sun salutation, is a dynamic sequence of movements performed to improve vitamin D naturally, while building strength and improving flexibility. The fluid, rhythmic postures awaken the whole body, focus the mind, and enliven the breath.
Participants will transcend barriers of age, culture and physical ability to take the group 108 sun salutation challenge.
This event is free and open to all. Just come with your yoga mats and contribute for community wellbeing.
Past Events - Photo Gallery
Karnataka Association of Canberra organised Rajyotsava & Deepavali celebrations on Saturday 11 November
Pink Stump Day match hosted by Cricket Australia Ambassador Mr Sanjay Sharma to raise money for the McGrath Foundation on Sat 11 Novemeber
Australian Tamil Cultural Society celebrated its Deepavali on this festive occasion on 4th November. Function was presided by FINACT President Dr Krishna Nadimpalli and Mrs Lakshmi Krishna. 120 families at Belconnen Community Theatre started the event with children doing the Sparklers followed by extensive cultural performances, debate (Topic: Is Technology an advantage or headache) and ended with a sumptuous 5 course dinner.
Key attendees included Mrs Radhika Komalla (President - Telugu Association of Canberra), Mr Ravi Ravindran (President - Canberra Tamil Association). Several community dignitaries attended the event and the celebration was done in conjunction with remembering Mrs Janaki Ammal (infamous Indian Botanist and Geneticist).
Deepavali Celebration by Australian Tamil Cultural Society on Sat 4 November
Annual Ball event hosted by Australian Anglo-Indian Association of Canberra on Sat 4 November
548th Gurupurab (Birth Anniversary of founder of Sikhism Guru Nanak Dev ji) was celebrated on Sat 4 November by Canberra Sikh Assocition. Around 1500 devotees joined the celebration at Sikh Gurdwara, Canberra 15 Hickey Court, Weston. Congratulations to the whole Sikh world and all the followers of Guru Nanak’s ji’s ideology.
Volunteers preparing food for Langar (community free kitchen) hosted by Canberra Sikh Association on Sat 4 November
Westpac FINACT T-20 Cricket Tournament 2017 pre-final dinner held on Wednesday 1st November. Event was attended by FINACT patron and multicultural affairs minister Rachel Stephen Smith, leader of opposition ACT Alistair Coe, Councillor High Commission Sonal Bajaj and Sivraman, Nannet Bak from Konica Minolta, representatives from ACT and NSW Cricket, Our Sponsors, finalist teams BJSM PK11 & Telugu Lions and many other distinguished guests.
Guests at the Westpac FINACT T-20 Cricket Tournament Pre-final Dinner on Wed 1 November
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s birth anniversary, an annual commemoration, known as the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas was organised at the High Commission of India on 31 October 2017
Diwali reception was hosted by ACT Chief Minister the Hon Andrew Barr on Tuesday 31 October. Vote of Thanks was deleivered by FINACT President, Dr Krishna Nadimpalli.
Canberra Hindu Mandir (CHM) had successfully initiated 108 Blood Donations Drive in Canberra. The event is supported by FINACT. There were about 20+ volunteers and devotees donated blood and about 50 more registrations are with Red Cross. FINACT appreciates the generosity of CHM team of volunteers and supports to their efforts to get community land to build a facility.
A Group of Blood Donors at Canberra Hindu Mandir Event
Colourful and vibrant Diwali Dhamaka Hosted by Rajdhani Marathi Mandal of Canberra on Sat 21 October.
The Hindu Council of Australia has been organising Deepavali celebration since 2004 at the Parliament House in Canberra. This year Deepavali was celebrated at the Great Hall on Monday 16 October.
Senator Zed Seselja at the Deepavali celebrations at the Great Hall, Australian Parliament House on Monday 16 October
FINACT team attended the 'Turban Awareness Day' organised by Canberra Sikh Association at Weston Gurudwara. It was great learning the significance of Dastaar (Turban) which is an important part of Sikh culture. Dastaar is an article of faith that represents honour, self respect, courage, spirituality and piety.
Please Support Our Sponsors
One custom-made bat for batsman of the tournament
Bat Mate is an experienced one man shop in Canberra for customised cricket bats! The bats are made using English willow grown in Healesville, Victoria. The timber has natural rebound quality and great ping be it grade 1 or 3.
The bats are custom made to individual choice, be it a heavy 3 pounds, medium or light weight bats. Each bat is individually hand crafted based on players’ preference on shape weight and profile. The driving spot can be designed to suit your needs, whether it is the upper, middle or lower portion of the bat.
 
Sponsorship Appreciated for FINACT Events
We understand that one of the main reasons to sponsor a tournament could be to promote one’s business and generate goodwill in the community. Sponsoring the FINACT T-20 Cricket Tournament will give you brand recognition among the fastest-growing community group of Indians in the ACT and increase sales or traffic to sponsor’s website through their banner on our website (www.finact.net.au ).
Indians are the fastest growing population in Australia. This has resulted in increased air traffic between India and Australia; increased telecommunication; and enhanced trade and cultural ties. Players and their supporters make playing cricket a fiercely competitive and memorable event. They will promote the game and use your services to show their appreciation.
In addition to providing an excellent opportunity to connect with the Indian sub-continent communities, the FINACT T-20 Cricket Tournament sponsorship will:
- enable them to reach out to wider community groups in ACT and surrounds
- fulfil their business objectives and attract sizeable potential customers
- provide a lasting impression of their business
- promote sports and physical activities in the community
- motivate and assist young players participating in the tournament
- attract favourable feedback from organisers and media partners
- generate great feel-good stories in Indian community and back to India and neighbouring countries and
- fulfil sponsor’s corporate and social responsibilities
If you are willing to or interested in sponsoring our events, please contact us soon.
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ABN: 53 196 059 175
