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Dear Visitor ji,
In a few days it will be goodbye 2019 and welcome 2020. It is a time to celebrate, reflect and learn from past and plan for future.
Year 2019 in Nutshell
It has been a year full of activities, festivals and celebrations. FINACT organised 2nd AusIndia Fair, T-20 community cricket tournament, held consultation and made submission to the ‘Inquiry into Nationhood, National Identity and Democracy’, supported celebration of 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev ji, felicitated achievements of members of the Indian diaspora, farewelled two esteemed members, and welcomed the new High Commissioner of India.
FINACT continued to lobby for community facilities, attended relevant meetings and events, liaised with stakeholders, built and strengthened relations with its member organisations, other organisations from the Indian diaspora and with organisations outside the Indian diaspora.
Our sincere condolence to everyone who lost their loved ones due to various calamities in Australia, India and all over the world. Weather has continued to be difficult. Our thoughts and prayers are with all who are affected by drought and now fire. We may not receive substantial rains till March and many townships are struggling with shortage of water. ICON has also issued water shortage warning for the ACT dwellers. It is time that authorities take climate issues seriously and each one of us reduces our footprint by decreasing water and electricity consumption and supporting those in need.
Upcoming activities in 2020
Undoubtedly, it has been a busy year and 2020 is likely to be busier due to being an election year. For the first time we have five candidates of Indian origin in the coming ACT elections 2020. Beginning with 26 January, we will have FINACT General Council Meeting, Multicultural Festival and Community Harmony Day celebration in February 2020. In March 2020, we are planning a Student’s Workshop, and ‘Meet Your Candidate from Indian Diaspora’. In April we will be having FINACT signature event ‘AusIndia Fair 2020’. In May we are planning a FINACT Family Day and third General Council Meeting. In June we will be celebrating Yoga Day with the Indian High Commission.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Messages
December Newsletter includes festive season and New Year messages from the ACT Chief Minister Mr Andrew Barr MLA, Deputy High Commissioner of India Mr P S Karthigeyan, FINACT Patron and Minister for Multicultural Affairs Mr Chris Steel MLA, ACT Greens Leader and Minister Mr Shane Rattenbury MLA, Opposition Leader Mr Alistair Coe MLA, Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ms Elizabeth Kikkert MLA, and from some of our member organisations in their mother language.
I want to take this opportunity to thank our member organisations for continuing to display the FINACT spirit of Coordination::Cooperation::Collaboration and look forward to greater togetherness in 2020. I want to thank FINACT supporters, well-wishers, staff of the ACT government offices, Federal government offices and the Indian High Commission.
On behalf of FINACT and our 27 member organisations, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a safe, relaxing, enjoyable festive season, opportunities to be with family, friends and neighbours and for rejuvenation of your own self. May the new year 2020 break drought, extinguish ravaging fires, bring prosperity, joy, health and well being to all.
Sunita S Dhindsa
President
Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu (Sanskrit Shloka) लोकाः समस्ताः सुखिनोभवंतु
May all beings everywhere be happy and free, and may the thoughts, words, and actions of my own life contribute in some way to that happiness and to that freedom for all (Source: internet)
Message from the ACT Chief Minister, the Hon Andrew Barr
 Canberra is Australia’s most inclusive city and I thank the members of the Federation of Indian Associations of ACT Inc (FINACT) for your hard work in making our city better over the past year.
In 2019, I had by first delegation to India to explore opportunities for further collaboration between Canberra and Indian cities, particularly in higher education. Indian culture is a rich and important part of Canberra and I look forward to continuing this work in 2020.
The ACT Government is working with Canberra’s multicultural communities to nurture cultural diversity and cultural celebration within our community, and FINACT plays a major role in this.
As 2019 comes to an end, I’d like to wish all FINACT members a safe and happy festive season, and a prosperous 2020.
Andrew Barr MLA
ACT Chief Minister
Important Dates to Note
- FINACT General Council Meeting will be held on 5 February 2020 from 5.30 - 7.30 pm
- FINACT Community Harmony Day will be held on 29 February 2020 from 6.30 - 8.30 pm
- AusIndia FairTM will be held on 4 April 2020 from 12.00 - 8.00 pm
- ACT Multicultural Festival - 21-23 February 2020. FINACT will have a stall on Sun 23 February
Following events are also being organised and details will be provided soon:
1. Meet your ACT Election candidates from the Indian diaspora
2. Student's Workshop
3. FINACT Family Get Together
Candidates of Indian Origin in the 2020 ACT Elections
Thank you Labour Party and Liberal Party. For the first time in the ACT election history, five candidates of Indian origin will be testing their destiny in the forthcoming elections to be held on 17 October 2020. They are:
- Mr Amardeep Singh, Liberal Candidate from Murumbidgee
- Mr Deepak Raj Gupta, Labour Candidate from Yerrabi
- Mr Jacob Vadakkedathu, Liberal Candidte from Yerrabi
- Dr Krishna Nadimpalli, Liberal Candidate from Yerrabi
- Mr Vijay Dubey, Liberal Candidate from Kurrajong
FINACT congratules all candidates and will be organising a 'Meet your ACT Election Candidate from the Indian Diaspora' in March/April 2020.
Message from the Deputy High Commissioner of India
 On behalf of the High Commission of India in Canberra and on my own behalf, I am delighted to extend my best wishes and greetings for the New Year 2020 to all members of the Diaspora family in Australia.
The achievements and success of the Indian diaspora and their impressive contribution to the well being of their new home remain a source of great pride.
As we step in to the new year, I wish you, the Federation of Indian Associations of ACT (FINACT) and all the diaspora family members a very happy, prosperous and fulfilling new year.
Best regards
Karthigeyan P Subramanyan
Deputy High Commissioner of India
Inquiry into nationhood, national identity and democracy
On 29 July 2019 the Senate referred an inquiry into nationhood, national identity and democracy to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee for inquiry and report by the last sitting day of May 2020.
FINACT was contacted by the Committee to make a submission. FINACT held a public consultation to inform the submission on 17 September 2019.
FINACT submission was accepted by the Committee. It is listed as number 125 on page 7.
Message from FINACT Patron, Mr Chris Steel MLA
CONGRATULATIONS ON A GREAT 2019 AND ALL THE BEST FOR THE YEAR AHEAD
 As we approach the end of 2019, it is timely to reflect on what a great year it has been for Canberra and its Indian community.
The community has continued to prosper and at the same time embed itself even further into the life and culture of the ACT. There can be little doubt that the Indian community is proving to be a great migrant success story.
Read Message
It has also been a very full year. The ACT Government and the community have worked together on such events as the National Multicultural Festival, Ramadan, Diwali and most recently, the very enjoyable festivities at the ACT Legislative Assembly to celebrate the 550th birth anniversary of the Guru Nanak Dev Sahib Ji.
I want to thank the Federation of Indian Associations of the ACT (FINACT) and its leadership team for all the work they have done during 2019 to support the community and to make Canberra an even more successful and diverse city.
To all members and supporters of FINACT, I wish you an enjoyable and safe holiday season and encourage you all to take the time to re-charge.
I will see you all in the New Year.
Chris Steel MLA
Minister for Multicultural Affairs
FINACT Patron
Message from Minister Mr Shane Rattenbury MLA
 As we head into this holiday season I’d like to wish a happy time to all of your members.
Christmas means different things to different people, but all Australians can enjoy a time to come together with family and friends and mark the passing of the year just gone.
Canberra’s Indian community play a vibrant and increasingly important role in broader Canberra population.
As the year draws to a close I’d like to thank all of you for the events, discussions and ideas we have shared together this year, all of which contribute to help make Canberra a better place.
I look forward to continuing that cooperation in 2020.
Warm regards
Shane Rattenbury MLA
ACT Greens Leader
Message from the Leader of Opposition, Mr Alistair Coe MLA
Best wishes for 2020
 I am delighted to pass on my congratulations to FINACT and the Indian community for your contribution to Canberra over the last twelve months. FINACT is a unifying voice for the Indian community and has been a major contributor to multicultural affairs in the Territory.
The Indian community has greatly enriched the ACT through their passion and generosity in sharing their culture, and through their hard work in everyday life to make Canberra a better place to live and work.
Read Message
FINACT harnesses the extraordinary economic contribution that Indian-Australians make to Canberra. I am very optimistic about Australia’s relationship with India and I look forward to the further strengthening of the relationship.
I look forward to attending FINACT events and continuing to celebrate Indian culture with the community in the coming year.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Canberra Liberals.
Alistair Coe MLA
Leader, Canberra Liberals
Message from Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Ms Elizabeth Kikkert MLA
 As we approach Christmas and the beginning of 2020, I send my heartfelt greetings to all FINACT community members. I hope that this holiday season will bring many wonderful opportunities for you to spend time together as families, friends and neighbours.
FINACT unites people from a wonderful variety of cultures, histories and faiths, and this means that your calendars are filled with many significant holidays and numerous new year celebrations.
Read Message
It has been my privilege to participate in many of these throughout 2019. Thank you for the warm welcome you always extend and for your willingness to share the beauty and richness of your communities with others. You make Canberra a better place to live for all of us.
I likewise extend my personal thanks to members of the 2019–20 FINACT Executive Committee as well as to all the dedicated and passionate leaders and delegates from each member association. I love attending FINACT-affiliated events, and I understand that each one requires
much hard work and dedication. I also have some sense of what goes on behind the scenes as you seek to build up your communities and strengthen one other.
Christmas celebrations invite us to share our love. And New Year’s Day reminds us of the importance of new starts and future choices. I hope that you and your families will enjoy much peace and happiness and that 2020 will be a year full of health, prosperity and fulfilled dreams.
Merry Christmas!
Kindest regards,
Elizabeth Kikkert
ACT Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs
Upcoming Events
AusIndia FairTM 2020 - Sat 4 April
Federation of Indian Associations of ACT (FINACT) and its member associations along with the High Commission of India in Australia are organising the 3rd AusIndia FairTM event on 04 April 2020 (Saturday). AusIndia FairTM is the biggest Australian-Indian event that promotes a holistic India and proudly showcases the progressiveness of Australia and India fusion.
The first and second AusIndia Fairs were held at Stage 88 Commonwealth Park Canberra, an outdoor venue. The 3rd AusIndia Fair will be held at an indoor location, The Thoroughbred Park, 1 Randwick Road, Lyneham, ACT to give our sponsors and audience a better experience, safe from weather's vagaries.
Please contact us for sponsorship and stalls.
Spoken Sanskrit Workshop - Sat 21 Dec 10am-5pm
This workshop aims to enable participants to speak Sanskrit in different situations and continue to learn from there. In this interactive workshop the presenters will work with the participants to use the material to from Sanskrit sentences that they can use in everyday conversation.
When: Sat 21 December 2019
Time: 10am -1pm & 2pm - 5pm (with a ten-minute break after every 50 minutes)
Where: Hindu Temple & Cultural Centre, 81 Ratcliffe Crescent, Florey ACT 2615
Cost: Free
Contact: Himanshu Roy Pota, 0426057354, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
NATA Invites for Sankranthi Sambarulu 2020 - 18 Jan 2020
IAAC Republic Day Celebration - Sat 25 Jan
India Australia Association Of Canberra invites you all.
BBQ for People Experiencing Homelessness - Fri 20 Dec, 27 Dec & 3 Jan 2020 from 4-6pm
 Fair Canberra, Fijian Methodist Church, United Neasian Movement and Canberra Punjabi Sports & Cultural Association (with the support of Communities@Work) is starting up a BBQ meals service for people experiencing homelessness in Canberra. Guests will be welcomed with a warming plate of wholesome food, community spirit and live entertainment.
The BBQ will be set up in Petrie Plaza in Civic (near the merry-go-round) for the first time on Friday 20 December 2019, 27 December 2019, 03 January 2020 between 4‑6pm.
Vegetarian options will be available.
Please assist in distributing this information among your networks to make sure that those who could benefit hear about this BBQ.
National Multicultural Festival 2020 - Parade Applications are now open!
The National Multicultural Festival Parade has everything from beautiful exotic costumed dancers and marching cultural bands, to magnificent floats.
National Multicultural Festival: 21 - 23 February 2020.
FINACT will have a stall on Sun 23 February. All member organisations are welcome to make use of it.
Each year thousands flock to the streets of Canberra on Saturday of the Festival to witness the festival parade which is a sea of vibrant colour and sound as performers from the local community and international groups dance and march through the city.
Participation in the Parade is growing with this year’s parade expecting over 2,000 performers taking part.
Come and be part of the 2020 National Multicultural Festival Parade!
Applications to participate in the 2020 National Multicultural Festival Parade are now open!
Register your interest today via the below link:
https://csd.eventsair.com/2020-national-multicultural-festival/parade
Registrations will be open from 16 October 2019 and will close on 31 January 2020.
Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Card Updates
Please note the explanation regarding Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card and share in your circle.
New Public Crematorium in ACT
 The ACT Government is building a new public crematorium at Gungahlin Cemetery and the Southern Memorial Park to ensure that our population can feel confident that they won’t have to travel interstate to farewell a loved one,” Minister Steel said.
FINACT attended a community engagement meeting with Canberra Cemeteries regarding cremation rituals and practices. The ACT Public Cemeteries Authority will develop and operate the first public crematorium for the ACT to meet needs of diverse communities in all their services including development and operations of the crematorium.
Messages from Our Proud Member Associations
Sanskrit
Surya Samvednapushpayeh Deeptih Karunyagandhane, Labdhva Shubham Navvarshesmin Kuryatsarvasya mangalam.
As the sun gives light, sensibility brings compassion, flowers give pleasant fragrance, may the new year be auspicious
ACT Telangana Association
We wish all communities leaders and members.
As new year dawns may it lead you to the path of beautiful tomorrows.
Wish a year of wonderful happiness, health, wealth & great success.
We wish you merry Christmas and Happy & prosperous New year.
Australian Tamil Cultural Society of ACT
அனைவருக்கும் எங்களின் இனிய கிறிஸ்துமஸ் மற்றும் ஆங்கில புத்தாண்டு நல்வாழ்த்துக்கள்.
Bengali Cultural Association of Canberra
ক্রিসমাস ও শুভ নববর্ষের প্রীতি, শুভেচ্ছা ও অভিনন্দন সবাইকে। নতুন বছরে ভারত ও অস্ট্রেলিয়ার সম্পর্ক আরো সুদৃঢ় হোক কামনা রইল।
Bihar Jharkhand Sabha of Australia and New Zealand
ईशु के जन्मदिवस पर आप सबके बधाई हो और बिहार झारखण्ड सभा के ओर से नयका साल के ढेरे शुभकामनायें बा !
आप सभे खुश आ मस्त रहीं जा |
Canberra Malayalees Association (CMA)
ഏവർക്കും ക്യാൻബറ മലയാളി അസൊസിഏഷന്റെ ഹൃദയംനിറഞ്ഞ ക്രിസ്മസ് പുതുവൽസരാശംസകൾ
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Canberra Punjabi Sports and Cultural Association
Indian Senior Citizens Association of Canberra
Wishes everyone a very happy and safe Festive Season and an enjoyable New Year.
Karnataka Association of Canberra
ಹೊಸ ವರ್ಷದ ಹಾರ್ದಿಕ ಶುಭಾಶಯಗಳು
Navya Andhra Telugu Association
Oriya Association
Wishing you a very happy New Year, and sending lots of love from our family to yours! Wishing all so much of peace, love, and joy throughout 2020.
ନୂତନ ବର୍ଷର ଶୂଭକାମନା!
Rajdhani Marathi Mandal of Canberra
सर्वांना नाताळ व नववर्षाच्या हार्दिक शुभेच्छा
Best wishes for Christmas and New Year
Rajasthan Sabha of Australia
रामजी थाने सगळा नै निरोगा राखै
कमाई दुनी चोगुणी बढ़ावे।
घणे हेत सु, महारे हिवङे री घणी हरक सु,
थाने और थारे सगले परिवार न “नयोडा साल” री घणी-घणी शुभकामना सा !
Telugu Association of Canberra
Past Events
Welcome Dinner for the New High Commissioner of India
On 24 November 2019 FINACT, member organisations and members of the broader Indian diaspora warmly welcomed the new High Commissioner of India HE Mr A. Gitesh Sarma and Mrs Ratnamala Sarma at the Darbar Restaurant in Braddon.
ACT Telangana Association Event - 7th December 2019
On December 7, ACT Telangana Association along with other Telugu speaking Associations organised a combined event of “Telugu Vari Vanbojanlu” at Black Mountain Peninsula. The event was great success and show the unity of the Telugu people.
Most importantly, we did BUSHFIRE Appeal and community responded with great contribution. We collected $854.00 donations and association contributed reaming $146.00 to make $1000.00 donation to Red Cross. A big thank to community members for their support.
Rajdhani Marathi Mandal Canberra Organised a Talk
Talk by well known specialists Dr Ulka Natu and Dr Jaganath Dixit on 22 November 2019 at Gunghalin Library on Yoga, weight loss, diabetes.
It was a very informative session followed by questions and answers.
Canberra Malayalees Association Celebrated Christmas 2019
Canberra Malayalees Association (CMA) organised a grand evening of Christmas carols, cultural program followed by yummy food. Congratulations to President Roshan Menon and CMA Executive Team, organisers, volunteers, and participants for another well organised CMA event.
Canberra Punjabi Sports and Cultural Association - Watering Sessions of Guru Ka Baag
More than 550 plants were planted on 2 November 2019 at the John Knight Park Belconnen to celebrate 550th anniversary of Guru Nank Dev ji. Members are regularly visiting the Bagh to water the plants.
Pink Stump Day
I would like to thank you all for your support for the Pink Stumps Day. We have raised approx. $1700 towards McGrath Breast Cancer Foundation.
Kind Regards
Sanjay Sharma
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. 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.
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. For sporting events - 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 sponsors to reach out to wider community groups in ACT and surrounds
- fulfil sponsors 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.
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