Canberra’s colourful autumn and pleasant weather is making every one joyful. This was reflected in big success of FINACT’s first AusIndia Fair held in Canberra, and I am still relishing the success of the event. The event has conveyed clearly the joy of being AusIndian, of being multicultural, progressive and inclusive. Thanks to the High Commission of India, member associations, volunteers, sponsors, stall holders, legislators, parliamentarians and Canberra community for their support to make the initiative successful. The sun is rising and more initiatives are coming.
I am also taking this opportunity to congratulate Canberra Hindu Mandir to receive an offer for the land to build a temple in Gungahlin region. This is the festive season for many of us. Best wishes for the celebrations of Baishaki for Punjab, Ugadi for Telugu and Karnataka, Gudipadava for Marathi, Chetti Chand for Sindhi, Puthandu for Tamil and many others.
FINACT is gearing up for thanks giving to AusIndia volunteers, General Council Meeting, support for International Day of Yoga and conceptualising another new initiative. I feel proud to be leading such a spirited team of FINACT.
Thanks
Dr Krishna Nadimpalli
President FINACT
AusIndia Fair - Sat 24 March
Federation of Indian Associations of ACT (FINACT) organised the mega event AusIndia Fair on Saturday 24 March 2018 in the Commonwealth Park Canberra. Despite being the first time, AusIndia Fair was successful in bringing the Indian diaspora and the broader Australian society together to embrace diversity and inclusiveness of migrants in Australia. There were 4000 - 5000 visitors and significant non-Indian Australians. FINACT congratulates you for its success.
AusIndia Fair showcased cultural fusion and maintained the vibrancy until the end of day. More than 150 participants performed reflecting Australia’s heritage and multiculturalism. The spectators were present until the end. The day started with kids sports and yoga session. Excitement picked up with Tug-of-War competition and Kerala team became the winner of inaugural trophy.
The fair was inaugurated by the Indian High Commissioner, Hon. Dr. Ajay Gondane who also gave a welcome speech.
Other eminent guests at the event were MLA and FINACT Patron Ms Rachel Stephen-Smith, Minister for Multicultural Affairs; Mr Alistair Coe, Leader of Opposition; Mr Shane Rattenburry, Minister for Environment; Mr Michael Pettersson MLA; Ms Nicole Lawder MLA; Ms Elizabeth Kikkert MLA; Ms Elizabeth Lee MLA; Ms Candice Burch MLA, Mr Winnerjit Singh, Social Worker and many other celebrities.
The Prime Minister of Australia, Hon Mr Malcolm Turnbull stated, in a letter of acknowledgement, that the “AusIndia Fair” is a wonderful opportunity to inspire new interest in the Australian-Indian relationship.
The “AusIndia Fair” has set a benchmark and provided the national capital an opportunity to harness business and community collaborations. Canberra is looking forward to bigger and more opportunities to bring through “AusIndia Fair 2019”.
There were 33 stalls occupied by diverse businesses including food, ayurveda, Darjeeling tea tasting, State Bank of India, Incredible India, Mr Solar, finance companies, panoramic India and heritage, with many attractions like turban tying, henna tattoo, photo booth, face painting and many other attractions.
A big attraction was a chance to win ‘a free return ticket to India’ offered by FINACT and TripMocha.
In addition to ‘free entry’ to the event, FINACT also chartered a free bus service to assist Canberra community.
Sponsorship packages are available for businesses and organisations and they will be officially recognised as supporters of AusIndia Fair 2019.
FINACT invites you to be part of this exciting and enjoyable journey.
Connect with us through the following:
Website: www.ausindiafair.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Please contact us for participation, volunteering, suggestions, comments.
Your input/event for FINACT newsletter is appreciated and welcome
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.
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.
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.';document.getElementById('cloakac8a17b8c09d5ff243a95e5ad16d3d8a').innerHTML += ''+addy_textac8a17b8c09d5ff243a95e5ad16d3d8a+'<\/a>';
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.
FINACT-TripMocha AusIndia Fair 2018 Free Return Ticket to India Draw - Results
AusIndia Fair was held on 24 March 2018 at Stage 88 Commonwealth Park Canberra. It was a mega event, one of its kind, that brought India and Australia on one platform in nation’s capital.
Organised by Federation of Indian Associations of ACT Inc (FINACT) and its member organisations, it inspired appreciation, sharing, inclusiveness amongst people and enabled networking, meet and greet of businesses with Canberra people and dignitaries. Supported by sponsors and volunteers it was a well organised and enjoyable event.
An attraction at the event was a free return ticket to India from any capital city in Australia brought by FINACT and TripMocha. Three tickets were drawn on the day.
The prize was won by Ms Paula Schumack. Paula lives in Wagga Wagga NSW with her family and is a Head Teacher in a High School there. Her eldest daughter attends the University of Canberra and is studying primary school teaching. When visiting her daughter in Canberra Paula saw that the AusIndia Fair was on and thought it would be interesting to attend. She and her twin eight year old kids enjoyed the music, dancing and face painting.
The first runner-up is Mrs Sukhvinder Kaur Sahota from Canberra and second runner-up is Mr Prit Pal Singh from the Indian High Commission. Both runners-up will receive a consolation prize.
FINACT amd TripMocha congratulate the winners. We look forward to hearing about India trip from Ms Paula Schumack.
Upcoming Events by Member Associations
Tamil New Year 'Vilambi' celebration - Sat 14 April
TAC Ugadi Sambralu - Sat 21 April
Hope you all are enjoying the few summer days left and looking forward to our much awaited colorful, musical, entertaining event........ TAC Ugadi Sambaralu.......
Event - TAC Ugadi Sambaralu
Venue - Gungahlin College
Date - 21st April
Time - 3:00 PM
Tickets - Family - $50; Single - $25
Please let us know if your child has achieved any state/national award academically or in sports.
We will acknowledge them at the ugadi celebrations.
Looking forward to making your TAC Ugadi Sambaralu....... a memorable event!
SHIV-SHANTI - a Fundraising Program - Sat 28 April
HTCC proudly brings to you "Shiv-Shanti", a cultural program portraying the depth and vibrancy of multi-cultural India. This is a fund-raising event towards constructing "Shantiniketan", Cultural Hall. The program will commence at 5.30 pm on Saturday 28th April 2018 at Ngunnawal Primary School.
Quiz on Champaran Satyagraha starts - Tue 10 April
Please promote, encourage and participate in a series of quiz conducted by the
India In Australia (High Commission Of India, Canberra)
To commemorate 100 years of Champaran Satyagraha, HCI, Canberra is conducting a series of quiz based on the event from 10th to 13th April, 2018.
i. The quiz will be online. The link for the quiz will be shared through social media (Facebook and Twitter). The link of the quiz will be activated from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm each day.
ii. 15 questions will be broadcasted each day. Questions will be multiple choice with 4 options and one correct answer.
iii. The questions will be related to historic event of 'Champaran Satyagraha'.
iv. Participants must be an Australian resident.
v. One winner will be decided each day based on fastest response with correct answers.
vi. The name of the winner will be announced same day at 5:30 pm and be shared through social media only.
vii. The winner will be awarded with certificate / prize. The winner may collect prize from Mission or will be sent through post.
Click to Read
Nominations Invited for PBD Samman Award
Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA) is conferred on a Person of Indian Origin and Non-Resident Indians or an organization/institution established and run by a PIO/NRI who has made significant contribution in anyone of the following fields:
For Achievements Abroad.
(a) Better understanding of India;
(b) Support to India’s causes and concerns in a tangible way;
(c) Building closer links between India, the overseas Indian community and their country of residence;
(d) Social and humanitarian causes in India or abroad;
(e) Welfare of the local Indian community;
(f) Philanthropic and charitable work;
(g) Eminence in one’s field or outstanding work, which has enhanced India’s prestige in the country of residence; or
(h) Eminence in skills which has enhanced India’s prestige in that country (for non professional workers).
Link for Nomination Forms and Guidelines
The nominations may be sent by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., followed by a hard copy by Tuesday 15 May 2018.
Complimentary Software Testing Trainings
As part of our Corporate Social Responsibility, IT Alliance Australia is committed towards building a skilled and independent society. As part of this drive, we will be organising many IT related trainings each month FREE of cost. Our first 'Software Testing Training' is scheduled on 5th of May. To avail the opportunity, please follow the details provided on the flyer.
Sponsorship Appreciated for FINACT Events
We understand that one of the main reasons to sponsor a tournament and any event could be to promote one’s business and generate goodwill in the community. Sponsoring the FINACT events 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 events' 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 and community activities
- 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.