Coordination :: Cooperation :: Collaboration

FEDERATION OF INDIAN ASSOCIATIONS OF ACT (FINACT) http://www.finact.net.au

ANNUAL REPORT 2017-18

Executive Committee: Dr Krishna Nadimpalli President Dr Rattesh Gumber Vice-President Dr Sunita Dhindsa Secretary Dr Shaji Karattiyattil Treasurer Ms Tara Kashyap Representative (Youth) Mrs Radhika Komala Representative (Women) Mr Pankaj Das Coordinator (Community Services) Vacant Coordinator (Cultural Programs) Mr Lakhan Sharma Public Officer

Annual General Meeting 21 July 2018

Member Associations

ACT Telangana Association Australian Anglo Indian Association of Australian Tamil Society of ACT Bengali Cultural Association of Canberra Bihar Jharkhand Sabha of Australia and New Zealand Canberra Hindu Mandir Canberra Jain Mandal Canberra Malayalee Association Canberra Punjabi Sports and Cultural Association (CPSCA) Canberra Sikh Association (CSA) Gujarati Samaj of ACT India Australia Multicultural Sports Association Indian Australian Association of Health and Well-being Indian Students Association Initiatives for Women in Needs Integrated Cultures ACT Indian Senior Citizens Association Indian Students Association Karnataka Association of Canberra Mandir School of Music Mehak Punjab Di Navya Andhra Telugu Association Oriya Association (OriOz) Rajasthan Sabha of Australia and New Zealand Rajdhani Marathi Mandal Canberra Sprintz Telugu Association of Canberra

Acknowledgements

The following people have provided amazing support for FINACT and were essential to its success. Elected Representatives: Ms Rachel Stephen-Smith, Patron of FINACT, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Sen. , Minister for Social Services & Multicultural Affairs Ms Gai Brodtmann, Member of Parliament Dr Andrew Leigh, Member of Parliament Mr , Chief Minister of ACT Mr Alistair Coe, Leader of Opposition in ACT. Mr , Minister for Environment. Ms , Shadow Minister for Corrections Ms , Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs Government Delegates: HE Dr Ajay Gondane, High Commissioner of India Mr Sonal Bajaj, Counselor, High Commission of India Ms Jacinta Evans, Executive Director, Department of Participation & Inclusion Ms Jenny Wells, Director, Multicultural Affairs Mr James Hinder, Ex. Community Engage. officer, Department of Home Affairs Ms Marita Forde, Director, India Outreach Section, DFAT FINACT Delegates: Mr. Amardeep Singh, President (2013-14 & 2015-17) Mrs Jayanti Gupta, President (2012-13) Mr Jacob Vadakkedathu, President (2011-12) All Executives since 2011 and Cricket Volunteers FINACT Partners: Cricket ACT Federation of Ethnic Council of Australia (FECCA) Canberra Multicultural Community Forum FINACT Members Dr Harjinder Dhindsa for organizing AusIndia Fair Sanjay Pandey for supporting the social media and newsletters. Mr Joe Bailey and Mr Kanti Jinna for guidance and motivation Mr Venkatesh Bidrekal for supporting in every FINACT event Mr Prakash Mehta and Shanti Reddy for constitution review

President’s Message

It is a great pleasure to take this opportunity to thank each one of FINACT member Associations and all stakeholders for bestowing their confidence in me to provide leadership to the Federation of Indian Associations of ACT. On behalf of the Executive Committee, I can confidently express the year 2017-18 is highly productive and we proposed new initiatives and executed. Ms Rachel Stephen-Smith accepted to be the patron of FINACT and appreciated the efforts of FINACT. As leader of Indian diaspora, FINACT made a submission to Senate Enquiry, presented our voice and lobied to make our voices are heard. The outcome of this representation is the Australian Government moderated the conditions of citizenship rules. Following this I pursued with the immigration community liaison officers on community visa issues. AusIndia Fair is like a flagship initiative for FINACT. We have started with the support of CPSCA and established a platform to harmonise the Indians with Australian culture. It was a grand success and enabled FINACT to continue the fair for a better integration and collaboration with many other communities. We met the member associations to strengthen the relationships and understand their requirements for collective representation. We have initiated the dialogue for India Centre, language accreditation, impacts of dowry in Australia and other strategic issues of the diaspora. I express my deep gratitude to the executive committee members and their families supporting highly demanding initiatives to take the organisation to a new high. We started the year with a balance of $800 and taking to nearly $10K with the support from our core sponsorers, collaborations and volunteers. My best wishes and blessings for the new committee to take the organisation forward and do many more projects to empower the community.

Dr Krishna Nadimpalli

Background

Federation of Indian Association of ACT (FINACT) provides a unified voice for all associations and promotes the values of Indian communities in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and surrounding regions. FINACT is a peak umbrella body in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and enjoys membership representing organisations of Indian regional, linguistic, youth, women and senior citizens. The FINACT’s objectives include promotion an awareness about Indians being responsible Australian citizens and to cultivate a feeling of mutual respect through increased social & cultural interaction, sport and recreation. FINACT act as a channel of communication between the Indian community and the Governments Federal, the Territory/State or the Indian Government) on welfare, social and economic matters. The main objective of FINACT is to provide the unified voice for the numerous and diverse Indian community groups in the ACT that is reflected in its slogan Coordination: Cooperation: Collaboration. FINACT is enabling the Indian communities to represent with one voice to the Australian Government and to the High Commission of India.

FINACT Activities

Strategic Issues Representation to Amendment of Citizenship rules Australian Government has proposed amendments to Citizenship Rules in the parliament. FINACT made a submission to the senate enquiry and represented the Indian community against amendments for citizenship rules to the Senate Committee along with Federation of Ethnic Communities Council of Australia, Federation of Chinese Associations and Settlements Council and other organisations. Senator Ian MacDonalds, Senator Nick McKim and Senator Louise Pratt are in the committee and it was in a public hearing. The representation was covered by the SBS news expressing the views of our community. Finally the proposed Amendments to Citizenship Rules Bill failed in the . We as community leaders collectively and successfully represented the issue to parliamentarians and Senate Committee. Recently, Australian Government proposes Conversational English Test requirement to get residency and it will be conducted before issuing PR Visa. Big thanks to the Australian Government for considering our submission and also making sure every Australian be able to converse in English. FINACT - Cricket ACT Agreement FINACT and CricketACT have signed an agreement to promote community cricket in ACT. With this Australian Cricket Organisation recognises and support FINACT T-20 Cricket Tournament. Cricket ACT has booked all the sports grounds required and provided all the technology for scores and analysis of players.

Members Consultation FINACT has initiated to meet member associations to enhance the relationships inline to empower the member associations and understand the strategic requirements by providing collective representation for the Indian communities. What are the top priorities? India Centre in Canberra? How FINACT can support them and how the member associations can strengthen FINACT. Unity in diversity strengthens the community.

It was a very good response and highly motivational when connected with member associations. FINACT Executives met the executive committee members of many member associations to have better understanding of the community issues.

Accreditation of Community Languages FINACT is representing to federal government and National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI). FINACT is pursuing with relevant groups and individuals to make a submission. Due to lack of resources and other priorities, the engagement of various communities is getting delayed. Senator Zed Seselja advised us to make the submission for all communities and FINACT is in consultation with all major community language representatives that includes Malayalam, Telugu, Bengali and Gujarati. Because of hectic schedules and lack of resources the activity is not completed and best wishes for the new committee to continue pursuing. Events AusIndia Fair Federation of Indian Associations of ACT (FINACT) organised the mega event “AusIndia Fair” on 24 March 2018 at Stage 88, Commonwealth Park. Despite being the first time, “AusIndia Fair” was successful in bringing the Indian diaspora and the broader Australian community together to embrace diversity and inclusiveness of migrants in Australia. There were 4000 - 5000 visitors and a significant non-Indian Australians.

“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 the inaugural trophy.

There were 33 stalls occupied by diverse businesses including food, Ayurved, 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. The fair was inaugurated by the India In Australia (High Commission Of India, Canberra) High Commissioner, Hon. Dr. Ajay Gondane who also gave a welcome speech. Other eminent guests at the event were FINACT Patron Ms Rachel Stephen-Smith MLA, Minister for Multicultural Affairs; Mr Alistair Coe, Leader of Opposition; Mr Shane Rattenbury MLA, Minister for Environment; Mr MLA; Ms MLA; Ms Elizabeth Kikkert MLA; Ms Elizabeth Lee MLA; Ms Candice BurchMLA, 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”. FINACT has registered AusIndia Fair as a trademark with a view for community organisations across Australia can be used the name. Independence Day – Nation Building Essay & Drawing Competition FINACT has conducted Essay and Drawing competitions to stimulate the thinking of patriotism and nation building. The awards were distributed at the flag hoisting ceremony of Indian Independence Day on 15 August. FINACT is proud to share on the spot drawings and sketches by kids of 5-12 years for its Independence Day Competition 2017 held on Saturday 12 August. Miss Hansini Gatta was the winner and awarded at the India House, by His Excellency Mr Ajay M Gondane

of India In Australia (High Commission Of India, Canberra). We laud the creativity and kids' imagination of India while living in Australia - thousands of kilometres away, and of course their parents for encouragement and participation in this inaugural competition.

FINACT T-20 Cricket Tournament FINACT T20 cricket tournament is considered as one of the most popular community cricket tournament in ACT. There were 14 teams participated and run the tournament for six weeks. The tournament was inaugerated by the FINACT Patron Ms Rachel Stephen-Smith (Minister for Multicultural Affairs), Mr (Shadow Minister for Sports), Ms Elizabeth Kikkert (shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs) and Mr ABC Cricket ACT. The title sponsorer for the tournament is Westpac. I also take this opportunity to thank my executive committee, all the 208 players, 26 associations, 10 sponsors and countless members of community for their support and contribution in the successful conclusion of FINACT T20 cricket tournament 2018.

The tournament was concluded with the finals played by the teams represented Telugu and BJSM. BJSM has won the tournament third time consequently. There were many dignitaries attended the concluding awards ceremony including Hon Andrew Leigh (MP), HE Ajay Gondane (High Commissioner), (MLA & represented Chief Minister), Shane Rattenbury (Minister for Environment) and many community leaders graced the event. FINACT appreciates the Cricket Coordination Committee and all the teams for having a great tournament. FINACT has organized a tournament pre-final dinner in recognition of finalists and sponsors. The event was graced by FINACT Patron and Miniter Rachel Stephen-Smith, Alistair Coe, Leader of Opposition and Mr Sonal Bajaj. FINACT has also gave warm farewell to Mr Sivaraman who was a great supporter of FINACT Cricket tournament and leaving back to India after working for four years in High Commission of India.

Participation in Multiculturalism FINACT and its member associations have participated actively in the ACT Multicultural Festival. FINACT, Canberra Hindu Mandir, Telugu Association of Canberra, ACT Telangana Association, Canberra Punjabi Sports and Cultural Association, Canberra Sikh Association and many other communities hold their stalls in the festival. Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council celebrated Queanbeyan Multicultural Festival on Sunday 4 March at Queanbeyan Park. FINACT and its member association in addition to other multicultural communities. Troupes from our member associations Canberra Multicultural Artists Association Inc, performed in the festival.

Community Harmony Day FINACT organised the Community Harmony Day on 3 March 2018 with aim to facilitate a networking opportunity for various Indian community leaders, other community leaders, ACT Ministers, Shadow Ministers, MLAs, Member of Parliamentarians, Senators, Vice Chancellor, Key Government Officials and High Commissioners of India and the Subcontinent nations. FINACT is promoting the sense of belonging for everyone through the annual Community Harmony Day celebrations for last five years. The event was also helped to promote AusIndia Fair.

108 Blood Donations Drive 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.

Felicitation to Kanti Jinna It is a great pleasure and proud moment for Canberra Indian diaspora to learn Kanti Jinna has received the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for his service to the multicultural community on the day of Queens Birthday. FINACT has organized an event to felicitate the recognition to Kanti Bhai by the Australian Government.

Facilities India Centre Establish India Centre in Canberra - Public Consultation Forum was organised by FINACT. It was great opportunity for the community leaders to propose the ideas for the future generations and multiculturalism in ACT. Fantastic to see twenty eight persons participated representing diverse groups of Indian diaspora and proposed about ninety ideas. FINACT will summarise and prepare an options paper to establish the Indian Cultural Centre.

Grants/Honours Congratulations to Dr Krishna Nadimpalli for Volunteer of the Year award at the ACT Government Multicultural Award Ceremony on Thursday 14 December 2017. The award is in recognition of his service to introduce the spiritual education in ACT Prisons and many other vulnerable people in ACT. His many other voluntary services as a community leader were are also cited in the recognition. FINACT has successfully received ACT Multicultural Grants for the promotion of inclusiveness and procure some infrastructure to enable and serve the communities. The grant amounts are cited in the financial report and $2500 to procure marquee for the members.

General Council Meetings The first general council meeting was held in October 2017of FINACT was hosted by Hon. Senator Zed Seselja, Federal Assistant Minister for Science, Innovation and Jobs held in Australian Parliament house. Meeting started with an inspiring address by our host Senator the Hon Zed Seselja, followed by an introduction by all delegates. The GC further reviewed activities since last GC meeting, financial status, upcoming events and activities.

The second general council meeting was held in January hosted by Hon. Gai Broadtmann (MP) and Ms Rachel Stephen-Smith (Minister for Multicultural Affairs) and held in Australian Parliament house. Meeting started after introductions of member associations and followed by the hosts. The GC reviewed activities since last GC meeting, financial status, upcoming events and activities.

The third general council meeting was held in April at Theo-Notaras Multicultural Centre. Meeting started after introductions of member associations and reviewed activities since last GC meeting, financial status, upcoming events and activities. Two new organisations Navya Andhra Telugu Association and India Australia Multicultural Sports Assocation were accepted to be the members of FINACT.

Meetings with our elected representatives We have worked to share information about the FINACT and its history both at the Federal and ACT level. We have met with decision makers and raised concerns the community has in Canberra. The newly elected FINACT executive committee also held some meetings with all sides of politics. FINACT has been assured of the commitment and patronage to the concept of multiculturism from all sides of politics including Labor, Liberals and the Greens. FINACT Executives met Senator Zed Seselja, Federal Assistant Minister for Science, Innovation and Jobs. Many FINACT new initiatives and community issues such as India Centre and Community Language Acreditation review discussed. How to align Australian Government priorities and FINACT's role as part of FINACT Vision 2020. FINACT expresses gratitude to the minister for his support.

FINACT Executives met Honorable Andrew Barr, Chief Minister of ACT. It was an opportunity to update our current activities, seek his advice for FINACT vision, establish India Centre and new initiatives. His suggestions will be reflected in the upcoming white paper for India Centre and other strategic pathways.

Mr Alistair Coe, Leader of Opposition hosted reception to FINACT Executives before his visit to India. He announced 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 beginning and will visit other states in future. All the best wishes from FINACT for his tour and return with many complimentary laurels

FINACT Executives met with Hon Prof. Andrew Leigh, Member of Parliament and Shadow Assistant Treasurer. The meeting was focused on economic bi- lateral opportunities and a meeting for Indian businesses. It was and opportunity to discuss the community issues and understand the Australian Government policies directions.

FINACT representatives met Senator Katy Gallagher, Shadow Minister for Small Business and Finance Services. It was an opportunity to brief the community issues to the Senator and seek her advice for the India Centre planning. She is a good advocate and willing to resolve the issues of small businesses community.

FINACT Executives met Mr Shane Rattenbury, Minister for Corrections, Justice, Climate Change and sustainability. The meeting was highly useful to prepare FINACT Vision, India Centre options and providing spiritual education in ACT Correction Centres. Minister is supportive to the direct sale of land for Hindu Mandir in Gungahlin. The minister has appreciated the efforts from Indian community promoting spiritual education and opportunity to introduce Prison SMART in ACT Prisons.

FINACT Executives met Elizabeth Kikkert, Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs. She appreciated the current activities for children, cricket tournament and inclusive community harmony. She also provided advice on new initiatives such as community connect and India centre. We appreciate her expression of interest to be part of 108 blood donations of Canberra Hindu Mandir. Our Sponsors

We thank all our sponsors, supporters and partners for their support throughout the year 2017-18 and are looking forward to their patronage in the coming year.