House in Diwali mode

There’s some spectacular lighting at the NSW Government’s grand Diwali bash

Felicitating seniors

A significant inclusion in the annual event has been the felicitation by the government of achieving Indian seniors. This year’s honourees were:

Mrs Bijinder Dugal

Mrs Bijinder Dugal, co-founder and director for Aus-Indian Aged Care Support Holistic Association Australia Foundation, for her work creating communities where elders can enjoy their golden years, believing that ageing is not lost youth, but it is a new life stage of opportunity and strength.

Mr Dave Passi

Mr Dave Passi, for his devotion serving seniors, specifically through his role as President of the Indian Seniors Group in Hornsby.

Mr Narayan Pradhan

Mr Narayan Pradhan, for supporting the Nepalese community, particularly through his connection with the Nepali Australian Association and the Gurkha Nepalese Community.

Dr Sudha Natarajan

Dr Sudha Natarajan, founder and Public Officer of the Resourceful

Australian Indian Network. She is well known for her passionate commitment to the welfare of the frail aged in the Indian community in the South East Sydney region.

Dr Noor Vellani

Dr Noor Vellani, for his dedicated service to the health and wellbeing of communities in the lower Blue Mountains and his particular support of the elderly in the area.

Dr Mira Vellani

Dr Mira Vellani, for her dedicated service within the medical field, serving and providing counselling support to older migrant women in the area.

Dr Sikander Khan

Dr Sikander Khan, as a senior South Asian Muslim Surgeon, for his work in raising awareness of community perceptions and Islamic perspectives in serving the elderly and specific religious needs of Muslim elderly.