March 2023 Updates

Dear Visitor ji, 

Namaste!!

It has been a busy month for FINACT members with lots of events happening during the February-March period. In this issue we report highlights from the International Women’s Day, FINACT General Council meeting, meet and greet with Indian students and the National Multicultural Festival. 

In February, the Multiculturalism Act 2023 became a law in the ACT. It celebrates the Territory’s cultural diversity and inclusivity. The Act requires a new Ministerial Advisory Council to be established by September 2023. In this regard, the ACT Government wants to hear from the community - who should be included on the advisory Council; how the Council should engage with the community; and how the Council should report back to the community. Thanks to those who have provided inputs. FINACT will be finalising its submission which is due 10 April.

Another submission which we intend to respond to in the next week is the Universities Accord - review of higher education in Australia. You can find more info in the Discussion Paper.

We are into the second quarter of 2023 - time flies when you’re having fun as the saying goes!

Wish you all a Very Happy Easter. Enjoy the extra long weekend and school holidays.

Looking forward to the beautiful autumn colours of Canberra!

Dr Shanti Reddy

FINACT President

Upcoming Events 

AUSINDIA Fair 2023
TBA

Please keep an eye on this space for further information on our signature Annual festival. 

ANZAC Day 
25 April 2023

Anzac Day is our day of national commemoration.

On Tuesday 25 April, the Australian War Memorial will mark the 108th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings in 1915, as well as commemorating all Australians who have served and died in military operations. The 2023 Anzac Day commemorative program includes:

• Dawn Service at 5.30am
• The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Veterans Association Commemorative Ceremony
• ACT RSL Veterans' March at 9.30am 
  For more information contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (02) 9161 7690
• Last Post Ceremony at 4.45pm

Overview

The 2023 Anzac Day Dawn Service and RSL Veterans' March will be held in the Captain Reg Saunders Courtyard and Sculpture Garden, with large viewing screens available on the grounds of the Memorial and on Reid Oval for public viewing.

Tickets are not required to attend the Dawn Service and Veterans' March, but tickets are required to enter the galleries and attend the Last Post Ceremony.

For those unable to attend commemorations in person, the events will be shown on ABC TV and online. Broadcast details will be advised closer to the day.

Indian Dance Program - Margam
6 May 2023

Past Events

National Multicultural Festival (NMF)
18 - 19 February 2023

Good to see ‘multiculty’ is back after three years of gap. FINACT organised three workshops and an information stall at the National Multicultural Festival on 18-19 Feb 2023. 

All three workshops were inclusive, open to all,highly successful and thoroughly enjoyed by participants.

Thanks to the ACT Government, the High Commission of India, Subhodayam Smart Wings Travels LLP and Murali Saree Emporium, Hyderabad for supporting the event.  The three workshops were:

1. Henna painting workshop from 2 to 3 pm, 18 February 2023 - attracted a large number of participants from various cultural backgrounds and also from the younger generation. It was a huge success with the room overflowing with people learning henna painting and applying it on themselves and others.  All participants received free henna cones and had a fun time practicing henna art. 

2. Sari draping demonstration from 3 to 4 pm, 18 February 2023 - a women focused event that allowed members to interact on cultural diversity and provided an opportunity for networking. Nearly all the participants were from non-Indian backgrounds, which is a good thing as they were able to enjoy new cultural experiences and learn about India’s traditional dress wear. A variety of saris from various parts of India were on display to browse through. This also attracted women across age groups, and it was so good to see young girls also showing an interest in wearing Sarees and other Indian accessories. 

3. Live demonstration of handloom- making a sari from 4 to 6 pm, 18 February 2023 -this was a special highlight of the program and provided live demonstration of weaving silk sari using a loom imported from India. We invited a National Award Winning weaver from India to give this live demonstration of an ancient trade which is still in practice in India. Chief Minister Andrew Barr, among many other visitors, enjoyed looking at the demo appreciating the delicate, time consuming art of making silk saris by hand. This is a first of its kind at NMF and anywhere in the country, providing a rich cultural experience to all those who attended the workshops.

4. Information stall, all day on 19 February 2023 - where we showcased and promoted the International Year of Millets IYM 2023, in collaboration with the High Commission Of India, Canberra).

Please visit www.fao.org/millets-2023/en to learn more about millets.

Meet and Greet International Students
24 February 2023

FINACT members - Indian Students' Association - ANU and UC Indian Association had organised a meet and greet event on 24 February to welcome newly arrived international students studying in Canberra. It was a good opportunity for students to meet with FINACT community leaders and also staff from the Indian High Commission. We wish them success and look forward to providing any help we can to support their studies in Canberra. 

Thanks to the India In Australia (High Commission Of India, Canberra) and the ACT Government for supporting the event.

General Council Meeting
26 February 2023

FINACT General Council Meeting was held on 26 February at Aao Jee restaurant in Amaroo. 30 participants from 25 FINACT member organisations discussed key activities and achievements of members in the past three months and also upcoming events including key priorities for the next quarter.

International Women's Day
4 March 2023

International Mother Language Day
21 March 2023

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

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.