Dear Visitor ji,
Namaste!!
Congratulations to the ACT Australian of the year Olympia Yarger, announced by the ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr this week for her pioneering work in developing a maggot-robot waste management system. You can read about all four winners and their inspiring stories at this link - ACT Australian of the year winners. They will join other state and territory recipients as finalists for the national awards to be announced on 25 January 2023.
In this newsletter we are reporting an inspiring story of a 7 year old Recycling Hero - Arushi, and encourage community members to share their stories so we can make sure their work is recognised and also inspire others to contribute.
Diwali celebrations continued well into November, organised by FINACT member organisations and other Indian diaspora groups. Read more about those in this newsletter.
This is our last newsletter for the year. We will be back in January with further updates and exciting events that our members are planning for 2023.
On behalf of all FINACT members, I wish you all a relaxing and safe holiday season!
Dr Shanti Reddy
FINACT President
Recycling Hero
Seven-and-a-half-year-old Arushi Natu has been busy this year recycling bottles and cans to raise funds for important causes using the ACT Container Deposit Scheme (ACT CDS). Since April 15, 2021 Arushi has returned 30,793 bottles and cans to the Return-It Cash-back Depot at Phillip and has raised $3079.30 so far.
Arushi donated this money to two important causes. First, to supply medical equipment such as oxygen concentrators and ventilators assisting COVID-19 patients in India, organised by her father, Ambarish. Second, contributed $1116 from their recycling effort to the construction of the Canberra Hindu Mandir (CHM) in Moncrieff.
Arushi not only collects containers from all across the city, but she also wrote several letters to all her neighbors, and now collects containers from them as well.
Arushi’s little sister Avni, who is 3 years old, also helps her and they both wish to continue this work in 2023 as well.
Arushi’s work inspires us and also the entire community to recycle waste! We are all proud of her, and fully encourage her to continue the great work she is doing! Well done Arushi and keep up the great work!
To help Arushi and Avni raise funds for their charities, use the code E028913 to donate some or all of your container refund when you’re next returning eligible containers with the ACT CDS.
Find Best Fuel Price in the ACT
The ACT Government introduced the NSW FuelCheck scheme in the ACT as part of a six-month trial. FuelCheck is an online tool that provides consumers with real-time information about fuel prices at service stations across the ACT and NSW.
We can now easily check prices by visiting Fuel Check (nsw.gov.au) or by downloading the FuelCheck app at the App Store or on Google Play.
Upcoming Events
Legal Aid Seminar - Tues 15 Nov
Legal Aid ACT agreed to deliver a free legal education/training session to FINACT members and volunteers on 15 November 2022 from 5.30 to 6.30 pm. You can join in-person at 2 Allsop Street Canberra City ACT 2601 or via Google Meet Video call link: https://meet.google.com/odp-ouwb-cfu
The aim of this education session is to equip the Indian diaspora living in the ACT with understanding of various laws and legal processes and how our members, volunteers and the Indian community in the ACT can access free legal help through Legal Aid ACT. This will also enable your members and volunteers to quickly identify when a member of the community may be experiencing a legal issue and support them to access legal help.
We plan to organise a few more sessions in the future covering various topics. The first seminar on 15 November will cover
- A general ‘how to spot a legal issue’ and how Legal Aid ACT can help
- Family Violence laws
Have Your Say on the Northside Hospital
Wed 16 Nov
ACT Government is seeking community feedback on the proposed new hospital in north Canberra. You can join a virtual drop-in session on Wednesday 16 November from 5.30 to 7.30pm. To register for the virtual workshop visit our Eventbrite page. They are also hosting in-person meetings you can join - see this page.
More information about the Northside Hospital is available in the frequently asked questions or the fact sheet.
Guru Ka Baag - Sun 20 Nov
The Canberra Punjabi Sports and Cultural Association (CPSCA) invites you to a planting event ? 'Guru Ka Baag' (Guru's Garden)' ? on 20 Nov 2022 to celebrate Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Birth Anniversary.
The CPSCA has already planted over 1000 native plants over the last three years and will be planting 100 + natives on this occasion.
Event: Guru Ka Baag (Guru's Garden) plantation on Guru Nanak Dev Ji's birth anniversary
Date: 20 November 2022, Sunday
Time: 4.30m to 5.30pm
Venue: John Knight Park Cnr Townsend and Aikman Drive Belconnen ACT
Light refreshments will be served as Guru Ka Langar.
we are organising everything in a short span of time, and hence our apologies for short notice.
Your presence along with family will be highly appreciated. Please circulate to your members.
Kind regards,
Harjinder Dhindsa
Grantseekers' Webinar - Wed 23 Nov
 A free webinar on what an outcome is, how it differs from an output, and why it matters when applying for a grant. This webinar is being repeated on popular demand, presented by Jen Riley, an expert on this topic, with more than 20 years of experience in the social sector.
This is a virtual event, from 1 to 2 pm AEDT, Wednesday 23 November. Registration essential. You can register here.
Pravasi Bhartiya Divas (Indore, MP)
8 Jan to 10 Jan 2023
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is celebrated on 9 January every year to recognise the contribution of the overseas Indian community in the development of India. The PBD conventions provide a platform for the government to engage overseas Indians from different countries on key issues concerning the Indian Diaspora, besides the networking opportunities for diaspora participants.
For the last few years, the Government of India organises the PBD Convention in partnership with the one of the State Governments. This year the17th PBD Convention will be held In Indore, Madhya Pradesh on 8-10 January 2023, with Madhya Pradesh as the Partner State.
The theme of PBD 2023 is “Diaspora: Reliable partners for India’s progress in Amrit Kaal”.
The High Commission of India is encouraging community members visiting India to register and attend the event. Please visit www.pbdindia.gov.in for more information and registration.
FINACT Member Events Calendar
Job Network
 Following the initial workshop in July to discuss the issues faced by the Temporary Resident (TR) visa holders in Canberra, FINACT has approached a number of businesses to explore opportunities for TR visa holders to get into the professional job market.
In response to this DWS Limited, a leading Australian IT business, was the first company to partner with FINACT to promote three positions. This is an initial trial to see if we can achieve the dual goals of meeting DWS staffing needs at the same time supporting TR visa holders seeking to settle in Australia.
New Centre for Australia-India Relations
In the latest federal budget announced on 25 October 2022, the Albanese Government has allocated $131million to enhance Australia’s economic and strategic ties with India. This funding includes establishing a new Centre for Australia-India Relations.
“The Centre will promote connections between government and non-government institutions through enhanced policy dialogue. It will work closely with business to promote greater awareness and understanding of the growing India market, building business literacy and supporting new business partnerships.” according to the DFAT website.
Location of this new centre is yet to be announced, however, there have been calls to establish the Centre in Western Sydney, which is a growing hub of the Indian diaspora.
Australian Cyber Security Centre
Given the increasing number of data breaches lately, it is probably a good time to listen to experts about what we can do to protect us and our family members.
ACSC provides easy to understand tips and techniques for you to stay secure when working, socialising, banking, shopping or just browsing online. A good place to start is Do things securely.
Past Events
Annual Grand Anglo-Indian Ball - 29 Oct
The Australian Anglo-Indian Association of Canberra hosted its annual Ball on 29 October at Southern Cross Club, Woden. This association has been around for 29 years serving the community.
Congratulations to Joe Bailey and the team for their significant contribution to the community. What a fabulous night, dancing away with local stars!
Telugu Badi Annual Event - Sat 29 Oct
Telugu Badi (school), started by the Telugu Association of Canberra (TAC), celebrated its 9th anniversary at Harrison school on 29 October. Lovely to see so many kids demonstrating their language skills. Pretty amazing to listen to kids speaking in Telugu with an Aussie accent!
Congratulations to the principal Mr H Srinivas and volunteer teachers for an outstanding contribution to the community! Well done all.
Unity Run - Sat 5 Nov
The India In Australia (High Commission Of India, Canberra), in collaboration with FINACT, organised the Unity Run at Lake Burley Griffin, to mark the 147th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, former Deputy Prime Minister of India. Thanks to all for participating.
Canberra Hindu Mandir Fundraising Event
Sat 5 November 2022
Canberra Hindu Mandir Inc held a fundraiser dinner on 5 November at Margaret Hendry School, Taylor. It was a huge success with about 600 people attending the event, exceeding the organizer’s expectations. It was great to see a high level of support and engagement from the community, especially so many young volunteers supporting the event. Site cut to start soon.
If you wish to donate please visit their website (https://hindumandir.org.au/).
Karnataka Association of Canberra Rajyotsava & Deepavali - Sat 5 Nov
Karnataka Association of Canberra celebrated Deepavali and Rajyothsava festival on 5th Nov 22. A wide array of cultural and musical events were presented.
Diwali Celebrations at Government House - Mon 24 Oct
Their Excellencies the Governor-General and Mrs Linda Hurley hosted Indian community leaders at their residence to celebrate the Diwali festival. Thanks to the Hindu Council of Australia for facilitating the event.
Diwali at Australian Parliament House - Mon 7 Nov
After a two COVID years gap, the Hindu Council of Australia resumed its annual Diwali celebrations at the Parliament House, attended by a large number of diaspora members, the Indian High Commissioner and members of the Australian Parliament, including the Hon Richard Marles, Deputy Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon Peter Dutton, Leader of the Opposition among other dignitaries.
Diwali Celebrations by UCIA - Fri 11 Nov
University of Canberra Indian Association (UCIA) organised a fantastic, well attended Diwali celebration at Students Hub on 11 November. It was a great occasion for students to come together, celebrate the festival and also mark the successful ending of the semester. Highlight of the evening was a Bollywood dance class demonstration by Nishi from Bollywood Dance school. Thanks to the UCIA president Siljo and team for organising a fabulous and entertaining event.
Our Sincere thanks to High Commission of India, Canberra, ACT Government and businesses for sponsoring the Arvensys AusIndia Fair 2022.
Brainobrain Kids Academy Pty Ltd
Thanks to Ram Kavuri, Managing Director, Brainobrain Kids Academy Pty Ltd for supporting FINACT as a silver sponsor. For more information on their services please visit their web site http://www.brainobrainaustralia.com/. You can contact them on +61 450 033 556 / +61 424 560 580, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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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