Funding boost announced

A funding boost of $30,000 was announced by Premier John Brumby at the Indian Independence Day dinner held in Mannigham Hall recently. The funding is provided so that the Manningham council can conduct a feasibility study into the development of a joint community cultural facility. The proposed facility could include a community library, meeting areas, performance space and offices.

The Manningham City Council has contributed $40,000 including cash and in-kind support to the feasibility study to complement the grant. Together with Manningham City Council, the four organisations behind the project are the Federation of Indian Associations of Victoria (FIAV), the Chinese Senior Citizens Club of Manningham, the Iranian Senior Citizens Club of Manningham and the Iranian Society of Victoria.

Speaking at a celebration of India’s 63rd Independence Day hosted by FIAV and AISV (Australian Indian Society of Victoria), Mr Brumby said, “Victorians are a multicultural and diverse people. We come from over 200 countries, speak more than 230 languages and dialects and follow more than 120 different faiths. More than a third of residents within the City of Manningham come from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and it is a wonderful opportunity for residents to be involved in developing the proposed project idea.”

Mr Brumby also took the opportunity to congratulate the Indian community for its longstanding contribution to Victoria’s cultural and social harmony. “Independence Day signifies a rebirth of the cultural expression and identity of India as a nation state. We are proud to benefit from the cultural and economic enrichment of so many Indianborn migrants who’ve chosen to make Victoria their home,” Mr. Brumby said.

In his opening speech Mr Vasan Srinivasan, President of FIAV said, “The Indian Community has borne the brunt of problems regarding the higher education sector which has affected the viability of Victoria’s number one import. Last year $4.1 million was generated by international students for the benefit of the state of Victoria, but unfortunately not enough thought was put into how these students will be accommodated, taught, how they would work and commute to and from their place of education.” According to Mr Srinvasan, despite many unfortunate attacks on Indian students, the FIAV stood side by side with the Government and Victorian Community to pronounce that these incidents were of an opportunistic nature and not the result of racism.

“Over the year FIAV has also been actively providing continued coordination and assistance to international students studying in Victoria. FIAV has also offered continued support to the Victorian authorities in their efforts to rebuild brand Victoria,” claimed Mr Srinivasan. “However, international students for the large part, have been taken for granted,” he added. “The Department of Education should make sure that adequate support is provided to them not for the millions that the sector generates, but because of the Department’s duty of care to each and every student irrespective of their race, religion or background.” Taking stock of FIAV’s achievements Vasan said that the community can achieve more with determination, hard work, focused attention and unity and he promised that FIAV will continue its efforts towards creating the desired unity.

Mr Nicolas Kotsiras, member for Bulleen and Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs also addressed the audience. Representing opposition leader Ted Baillieu, Mr Kotsiras endeared himself to the predominantly Indian audience with his comments on the upcoming Commonwealth Games. “The Commonwealth Games are a great opportunity for tourism, sport and cultural exchange,” he said. “Someone said to me the other day that there is no way India will have the venues ready prior to the games and I remembered that this is exactly what they said before the Olympics in Athens. However, Greece gave one of the best Olympics ever. I am sure that India will also offer the best Commonwealth Games ever!” said Mr Kotsiras, generating thunderous applause from those present.

The gala dinner was attended by over 400 guests from various communities and several dignitaries including Matthew Guy, Shadow Planning Minister and Brian Tee, Upper House member for Eastern Metropolitan region. Besides the formal speeches, the highlight of the evening was a spectacular Sun Dance performance choreographed by renowned classical dancer and teacher OAM Tara Rajkumar.

Dr Gurdip Aurora, President of AISV concluded the formalities with a vote of thanks.