ROCK SOLID IN HIS SUPPORT FOR SENIORS, A TRUE GEM!

For significant service to the Indian community of Victoria, to aged welfare, and to education

' 1 BY , , PREETI JABBAL

Ftom humble beginnings to being recognised with an A 1\lf in the Queens Birthday honours list this year, D.t Prem Phakey AM and his wife Usha have a lot to celebrate. Thi s year was also a oillestone for tben.1 as it marked 50 years of living in Austtalia The recently announced prestigious honours list recognised Dr Phakey for significant service to the lndian community of Victoria, co aged wel fare, and to education.

Life has been a gem for Dr Ptem Phakey who arrived in Australia in 1964 to take up a three-year contract reaching assignment He was appointed as lecturer in Phrsics at ilie Monash University in L967 and promoted to senio r lecturer in 19TI and later on to reader in Ph ysics till he left the Univers ity in J 994 He was also hono rary lecmrer for Gemmological Association of Aus tralia, Victorian Di,rision from 1968- 1988. His scientific research included minerals, ro cks of importance, shells, teeth, gemstones and diamonds He expresses gratitude to Professor Rachioger, late Profess or Street and Monash University for encouragement and support to carry out s cientific research.

" I am passionate about Indian diamonds and have recently given a series of l O talks on iliis subject," said Dr Phakey wbo continues to be engaged in academics well past his retirement. With an expertise in crystallo graphy, m icroscopy and optics, Dr Phakey has contributed various papers and articles on gemstones and Indian diamonds in community newspapers.

Renowned for his work in moon rocks and lunar dust (both American and Russian sao1p les) Dr Phakey held many academic appoiotrnems and fellowships at institutes like

U niversity of Californi a, Los Ang eles (U CLA) , University o f California Berkeley, University of Washing ton and \X/illian1 E vans Fel.lowship at U ni versity of Otago, New Zealand. Locally he held a fell o wship at Royal Children's Hos pital, Melbourne, seni o r fellowship at the School of Dental Science, U niversity of Melbourne and after retirement, senior fellowsh ip at Monash University Dr Phakey is well reg arded in the Indian community for his dedication and involvement in the welfare of the community He was the founding s ecretary and then vice president of the Punjabi C lub of Victoria in 1987- 199 l , vice president and public officer for Australian Indian Innovations Inc. (AIU) from 2003-2005 and trustee of cbe Australia India Charitable Trust.

Heis equally passionate abouc the wel fare of senior citizens as the founding chairperson of d1e Indian Senior C itizen's As sociation (ISCJ\) and current president since 2007.

"Tbe need and composition of our society has changed and it is important to make efforts to av oid isolation and bored o m for se1:uo rs, especially chose wh o may rel y financiall y and emotionally o n their children," said Dr Phakey as he e.xplained ISCA's objectives.

"At ISCA we offer an env iro nment where seniors can sociali se, display their talents, be entertained and educated," claimed Dr Phakey, "We hold regular taJ ks on issues relevant to the senior communit); we hold classes that assist seniors to adapt tO new technology like iPads, mobile phones, and we bave dedicated seniors teaching yoga and clmir exercises to others. In terms of entertainment we have a day centre that holds weekl y sessions of various activities and we also ce lebrate multicultural festivals and events. Our membership is gro wing at a rapid rare we have a pool of kn owledge, ralenr and expertise wid.tlo our o rganisation' ' Dr PhaJce y went on to share his vision for ilie senior community

·•we have given the organisation a strong footing and taken it to a sustainable, stable position, however, it's now rime for the next generation ro get involved a nd rake i r further," Dr Phakey expl ained. " M y dream is chat every senior benefit from an organisation li ke lSCA and w e should have more clay ce ntres, in n.10re areas around Victoria chat offer a structured, or open environment co facilitate seni o r care solutions and indepeadence".

Letters of congramlations are pouring in for Dr Phakey from all directions including commendation from tbe G o vernor of V ictoria Alex Chemov, Premier Denis r apthine, local u:uoi s ters and councillors. His famil y, comprising of WLfe Usha who is a retired reacher, son Vivek Phakey who is. an ophthalmologist and daughter ishi who is a dentis t, are proud of his achievements. " lt's good to be recognised with tl:u.s honour, howev er, as an academic I have had the opportunity to be rewarded in many od1er ways and all of diem are equally significant for me," answered Dr Phakey when asked about receiving the recognition. "This is tl1e icing on tbe cake, and as far as 1 am concerned there's still miles tO go before I sleep". www.indianlink.com.au

Send

Send

Exchange your currency with us, we give the best rates and do not charge any commission

Send money to our own branches in all m ajor t owns and cities in Fiji and New Zealand

Ask us about our commercial business, we do import paymen t s and all international business related remittance at best rate and a flat fee of $15.00 only