EDITOR
Rajni Anand Luthra
Rhea
The Indian-Australian community is being recognised as a substantial vote bank by the major political parties. Not only do large numbers of us live in marginal seats such as Parramatta, La Trobe, Casey, and Reid, where our votes can make a significant difference, the increasing numbers of incoming migrants is also attractive. The average age of the Indian migrant is 35, and they typically do take up citizenship, and are therefore eligible to vote shortly after migration. This means that on a 3-year Federal election cycle, they have 15-20 opportunities to enter the ballot box. Converting them early to their ideology could be of benefit to any of the political parties. Besides, the Indian diaspora numbers are growing rapidly – about 750,000 at the last census and numbers to be released later this year point to over a 1,000,000, which is roughly 4 per cent of the Australian population.
At Indian Link, we’ve seen up close the political parties’ desire to woo the Indian-Australian community.
In the last two years, there have been a number of Zoom forums with Prime Minister Scott Morrison, with Immigration Minister Alex Hawke (especially around the India border ban issue), Minister Michaela Cash about the religious discrimination bill, and Minister Dan Tehan about the Australia India Trade agreement. The virtual doors have been thrown wide open in the recent past, more than ever before. Even advertising spend by political parties has been stronger, showing the desire to get their unfiltered message out to the community.
While a number of policies and initiatives have been announced by both the parties, there are two issues on which they have ducked and weaved with no clear announcements. As the Indian-Australian population grows, parental migration options for these new Australians need to be clear, and in favour of the migrant community. If Australia is keen to attract young talent from India and harness their energy, it is only fair that the parental ties which bind them
to India can be accommodated by quicker and less expensive parental visa options. Currently, on the Home Affairs website, the processing time for new applications is 30 years - a lifetime for most parents of migrants. Neither the Labor Party nor the Coalition has made any attempt to address this issue. And the Indian community has not taken them to task on this.
While there have been funds announced for various temples and religious organisations, no largesse has been forthcoming for aged care, an issue high up in community concern.
The aged care system in Australia has been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons and it is becoming increasingly important for migrant communities to have access to ethno-specific care options. The Indian diaspora is very entrepreneurial and can make an opportunity work if made available. What is required is seed capital and the help of the government to get this started.
The Indian community missed these opportunities to state their case with the political combatants and take advantage of a close election while political parties continue to court their vote.
Keeping the economy strong and delivering local jobs
Achieving net zero and preserving our local environment
Promoting women’s economic security and safety
Investing in local infrastructure
Record funding for education
Investing in health
Supporting senior Australians and services for aged care
Building stronger communities
STRONG ECONOMY. STRONGER FUTURE.
Australia-India trade deal is one of a raft of measures signifying new geoeconomic and strategic ambitions, wrote DIPEN RUGHANI and NATASHA JHA BHASKAR.
Peter Laffrey wrote: As an Indian migrant, I’d like to congratulate the Federal Government on concluding the historic Australia-India trade agreement. Aside from the commercial benefits to both countries, it strengthens the relationship with AUKUS and sends a message to Mr Xi Jinping that democratic nations are also united in trade. The FTA also has a real shared societal benefit as well. I believe the substantial diaspora of 650,000 plus Australian Indians (spread over the nation) who are aspirational achievers, will feel delighted with the closer ties brought about by this FTA.
Maree Halstead wrote: Selling out our Australia one country at a time.
Salvatore Babones wrote: Everyone is celebrating the IndAus ECTA, or the AI ECTA, or whatever you want to call the latest trade agreement, and they should. But any real deepening of India-Australia economic ties has to be based on profit, not politics. For India, that means further business visa liberalisation beyond the modest reforms included. For Australia, that means increasing investment into India’s burgeoning infrastructure sector. Neither of these require an FTA. They require only political will, and the last time frame to be looking for political will is just ahead of a national election.
Nearly $250,000 raised for two young kids who survived a road accident in Telangana which took the lives of both their parents.
Jayabharathi Jayabharathi wrote: Very sad incident. Om shanti. Thanks to the well wishers and friends who are available in crucial time to help the bereaved children. God bless the good Samaritans.
Manju Menaka wrote: God bless the children. And the good Samaritans. Joyce Marshal wrote: RIP. Lord, take care of the children
Vinaya Rai wrote: A terrible tragedy but wonderful community spirit. Aparna Mahajan wrote: Part of the fundraising is going towards securing the home for the kids and to bringing them back.
THE CURIOUS CASE OF KANGAROOS FOUND IN INDIA
Wildlife authorities are being called out to rescue kangaroos from odd spots in eastern India.
Arix Bishnoi wrote: Must have escaped from the zoo?
Subhodeep Brahma wrote: Part of the new free trade agreement…?
Nitin Bhagwatkar wrote: Coders for kangaroos. Seems like fair barter!
Ajit Velankar wrote: Reverse migration?
Priyanka Sarma wrote: This is heartbreaking. Hope animal rights groups are investigating.
How do you define woman? I know! You both talk all over her during the debate you morons!
Samantha Maiden, news.com.au political editor
Sydney’s Indian community bid a sad farewell to Surjit, of Surjit’s Indian Restaurant fame.
Inderpal Chhiber wrote: He was a great, great soul. RI P
Samir Doshi wrote: Great, caring, humble man. Always looked after the cricket players at Sydney Uni. RIP.
Sridhar and Nanda Kumsy wrote: Sad goodbye from us too.
Rajesh Tanna wrote: RIP Surjitji. A humble and beautiful soul. You will be fondly remembered.
Ninda Virdee wrote: A very generous man. Touched many hearts. God bless him on his journey.
Nancy Singh wrote: Rest in peace,Chacha.
Sukhwindar Kerr wrote: Still miss his restaurant at Angel Place.
Ram Gusain wrote: (Lost) a good friend. May his soul rest in peace.
Jay Raman wrote: Sad to hear of this sudden demise. Remember those days at Angel Arcade and then at Strathfield. May his soul rest in peace.
Lalli Arora wrote: Was a good soul.Will be missed a lot
Dadi Khandhadia wrote: RIP. Sad news not only for the Sydney Indian community, but also for thousands of other Australian patrons who frequented his restaurants.
Readers Zeenat Anwar, Louis Raj, Surinder Singh, Mamta Bhatnagar, Suhinder Singh, Vivek Uppla, Sahil Tomar, Sanyogita Thakur, Jag Dhaliwal, Ranjeeni and Devendra Singh, Geetha Gopinath, Pravin Amin, Parminder Chhibber, Janki Advani Bhandary, Sanjay Kumar, Jatinder Kaur, Nadja Paolella, Roopa Mrudul and Brian Buckley also paid their respects.
Can't imagine what it is like for the trans community in Australia to watch how their identity has been discussed throughout this campaign.
Naveen Razik, SBS journo
It was around this stage of the 2019 election campaign when Clive Palmer began a relentless anti-Shorten advertising blitz. What he does with his money in the next fortnight could be one of the big wildcards this time around Kishor Napier-Raman, Crikey journo
Indian-Australian filmmaker Aleisha Winslow, 20, spoke to BAGESHRI SAVYASACHI about her latest short film and entering Australia's pale film and TV industry.
Jumana Khan wrote: So important and necessary to see SA representation in these creative industries. Not just actors, but also directors and producers. We have so many stories to create, tell and show! Wonderful to see your story being told, Aleisha.
Iqra Saeed wrote: Such a good read!
Shubha Trivedi wrote: What a quirky title - it is enough to make me want to see this film. When is it out?
Where in India, we asked, will you find this iconic church and what is it called?
We asked, what’s Ranveer Singh saying here?
Keyuri Thakkar Patel won a movie ticket for her comment: “Call the fashion police I say...Bindaas contest can wait.”
Ken Bee wrote: ‘I dare to wear my PJs and bubblegum footwear in public.”
Shruti Kumar wrote: “Hire me to entertain at Baby Showers. Guess Boy or Girl from my colours!”
Eldee D'Lima wrote: “Roses are red, violets are blue, my suit is bindaas, what say you?”
Alok Chaudhary wrote: “Deepika and I are pregnant!” (Mic drop.)
Sonal Wahi wrote: “Show me your nightsuits!”
Shaila Maheshwari wrote: “Who wants to play Tippy tippy tap what colour you want?”
Priyanka Agrawal Chokhani wrote: “I'm on my way to meet Govinda.”
Where in Oz, we asked, will you find a conservation park that is home to nearly 800 Australian sea lions?
If we think the mark of potential leaders of the country is defined by daily press packs looking for gotcha moments, we seriously underestimate intelligence of voters who look for vision, integrity, humanity & commitment to solving our big challenges Sam Mostyn AO, businesswoman and sustainability adviser
Why is it we only ever use the phrase "but he did so much for X community' when speaking of multicultural communities? You do realise we pay taxes? That we are citizens? That to 'serve us' is not a charitable act we need to be grateful for?
Nyadol Nyuon, lawyerGet the best of Indian Link straight in your inbox. Scan the QR code to sign up to our weekly enewsletter
An Indian Link election survey conducted midway in the election campaign has had the two leading political parties – Australian Labor Party and the LiberalNational Coalition – at the same level of support from the community.
If these numbers can be extrapolated nationally, then on the evening of May 21, neither party will form government in their own right, and the preference flows from the Greens and the Independents could decide who will take the reins in Canberra.
One thing for sure, though, is that PM Morrison’s curry night selfies on social media have turned more people off than brought in supporters. The food posts did not go down well with 23 per cent of the respondents, who said that they are less likely now to vote for him, as compared to 8 per cent who have a positive view. For most respondents though, it made no impact. “Let the man cook, if he wants to,” wrote one respondent, as a comment on the survey.
Let’s put things in perspective as to why the Indian community in Australia is being so heavily courted by all the political parties.
Firstly, it’s the sheer numbers. Currently 750,000-strong (though not all are eligible to vote), the community is growing rapidly, expected to touch the million mark when the Census results are released later this year. That the bulk of the community lives in marginal seats makes it a no-brainer that the leading politicians are drawn in.
Also, the new migrant is quite young –with an average age of 35, high levels of education, and a good understanding of the importance of elections and the power of the vote, having been brought up in a country like India.
But herein lies the dilemma for the new migrant. Those who migrated here and became citizens in the last, say, eight years, will have seen a Liberal Conservative government in India under PM Modi. This intersects largely with the time of a similarly attuned Coalition government in Canberra, mostly under PM Morrison. And yet as new migrants, education and healthcare are uppermost in their minds. Stretched financially, they rely on public education and health systems, and see the ALP as better responding to these needs. So, Indian-origin voters have the potential to swing both ways - and yes, they have been known to progressively change over the length of their life in Australia.
Indian Link’s online election survey gathered data on voting intentions from 1,218 nationwide respondents in the week 2-8 May 2022.
A substantial portion of the sample were those that have lived in Australia for over 20 years (55 per cent), while 25 per cent reported they have been here for 11-20
years.
By PaWaN LUthR a and R aJNI aNaND LUthR a60 per cent of respondents were in the age group 35-60, while 25 per cent were over the age of 60.
The genders were skewed, with more males than females (67 per cent and 30 per cent respectively, the rest falling in other categories).
The two leading political parties sit equally split amongst our surveyed sample, the ALP taking 43.14 per cent of the vote and the Coalition 42.98 per cent.The same level split is seen on the question of preferred Prime Minister, with Albanese taking 50.33 per cent of the vote and Scott Morrison 49.67 per cent.
The Indian-Australian sentiment seems to
be mirroring that of the mainstream, which is currently reporting a dead heat though the ALP seems to be gaining momentum.
The interesting observation though, is that despite this even split, there is an overall confidence in the Australian Labor Party on a number of issues of concern.
On subjects such as better engagement with the Indian-Australian community, better immigration policies, even the handling of cost-of-living pressures, the ALP saw more support than the Coalition.
Regarding better engagement with the Indian-Australian community, Labor came out ahead with 49 per cent of the votes; the Coalition took 45 per cent and Greens 6 per cent. A notable comment was, “Once again, no party has the vision or maturity to lead ethnic communities. History is evidence, please check how much any party has done
of substance. They only solicit votes to get elected so that their future is safe.”
On the issue of better immigration policies, more than half the community supported the Labor Party, while 43 per cent of the vote went to the Coalition. Interesting to see the rise of the Greens here, with 7 per cent support.
Also interesting, is the response to the question on cost-of-living pressures. While the Liberals have been making this a highlight of their campaigning and selling themselves as better managers of the economy, the respondents in this survey chose to believe otherwise.
55 per cent said the ALP will do a better job of handling cost-of-living pressures.
Point of note: this poll was conducted during the week the Reserve Bank of Australia increased interest rates by 0.25
per cent. Also noteworthy is the fact that prices have shot up significantly in recent weeks, which the Coalition is explaining off as a response to global pressures following a war in Europe and the after-effects of the pandemic.
These factors may have led to the respondents challenging the Coalition spin of being better economic managers, opting to go with the ALP instead.
Despite this support, the ALP was not able to see a stronger fall of the vote in their favour as the preferred political party.
The lack of a clear-cut choice for PM warrants a somewhat deeper analysis.
One could call this in Anthony Albanese’s favour: the Prime Minister has had many years to win the trust and faith of the Indian Australian community and a draw for him is as good as a loss here.
At the same time, could it be said that perhaps Anthony Albanese should have done more to present himself as a capable leader? It looks as though while there has been a vacuum left by ScoMo to better engage with the community, Albo has not
Which party do you think will do a better job in addressing cost-of-living pressures?
been able to grab the opportunity to make deeper inroads.
Two questions specific to the Indian community were raised in our poll.
One of these related to the Prime Minister’s frequent curry nights on social media.
The constant barrage has emerged as a flashpoint with about 23 per cent of respondents, who reported that they are now less likely to vote for Scott Morrison. 8 per cent of the respondents though did say that the curry posts had a positive impact on their voting intentions. (One cheeky comment suggested that perhaps Scott Morrison should participate in Indian Link’s MasalaChef 2022 competition.)
An overwhelming majority of 69 per cent reported that Morrison’s curry habits had no impact on their voting intentions.
The second Indo-specific question was on
Have two years of closed borders and 2021's temporary ban on travellers returning from india, intended to protect Australians during the pandemic, influenced your voting intentions?
the government’s border closures, especially with India at the height of the pandemic in early 2021, and threatening returning Indian-Australians with imprisonment and hefty fines. The dismay in the community was well reported, with the rhetoric coming out that the government would see a backlash at the hustings.
It is rhetoric that has seen some, but not overwhelming, support.
31 per cent of the respondents reported a negative view of the government on taking this hard stance, claiming it will affect their voting intentions. 25 per cent admired the government for their hard approach in keeping Australians safe. The large majority of 44 per cent said that it made no impact on their voting intentions.
Perhaps the Indian-Australian voter is appropriately discerning, not swayed by such posturing. When it comes down to action, the decision is made by factoring in relevant information, assessing alternatives and weighing the evidence.
(Indeed, one respondent wrote, “Wearing saris or achkans, greeting with namastes,
Have PM Scott Morrison's frequent 'curry nights' on social media influenced your vote in any way?
and showing off your curry skills make for some great social media posts. They may be liked and shared by hundreds each time, but that’s all they are – social media posts.”)
As expected, cost of living is highest on the mind of the Indian-Australian voter. Healthcare and education follow at numbers two and three. These three issues directly affect the hip pocket, and as largely first-generation migrants with limited financial means, better access to good healthcare for the older respondents and good education for the more recent migrants, are paramount. National security for Indian-Australians was less of a concern: coming from India which sees border skirmishes frequently as well as insurgency within, the safety in their new home seems to take at least that issue off their minds.
The fact of growing international tension militarily, some of it in our own surrounds, has perhaps not hit home yet.
This is unlike the constant clamour about climate change, the dangers of which our social narrative has finally begun to take notice of, and with greater frequency.
Environment concerns stood at number 5 while social inclusion and sadly, women’s issues brought up the rear, a year after #March4Justice rallies took place across the country. Now on the campaign trail, both parties continue to field questions on their plans to make Australia safer for all women, most recently poked at the second leader’s debate to ‘define a woman.’ Perhaps one might be tempted to blame this low rank on a skewed gender ratio in the survey, a sobering thought when advocating for women’s rights should be a genderneutral issue.
The issue of a federal integrity commission, too, came up frequently in comments. “It will be terrible if corrupt practices creep into the system with outcomes as one sees in countries such as India,” one respondent observed.
In summary, it seems neither party or leader has cut through or outdone each other in the Indian Australian community. As one jaded respondent noted, referring to a rise in divisive politics this past year, “there is no united Indian community in Australia, so… no one [party] can do any good to the community.”
But with the last few days of this campaign still to play out, it is a good time for both leaders to reach out and talk to this strong and influential voting bloc. The keys to the lodge may well rest with the Indian diaspora.
With inputs by Rhea
L NathIn order of importance, rank the following issues of concern that have influenced your voting decision. Eg: If 'health' is the most important issue for you, rank it as #1 Co S t of LI vING
It’s important that you understand how to vote correctly.
On election day you need to complete two ballot papers:
• a green one for the House of Representatives
• a large white one for the Senate.
On the green ballot paper you are voting for a representative of your local area or electorate in the House of Representatives.
On the white ballot paper you are voting for representatives of your state or territory in the Senate.
Don’t worry if you make a mistake.
Just ask for another ballot paper and start again.
White ballot paper – you can choose to vote either above or below the line
but with falling wages and cost of living increases, it does get hard for many,” he noted.
BY PAWAN LUTHRAThe leader of the Australian Labor Party Anthony Albanese met with select members of Sydney’s Indian community at Western Sydney on 6 May.
As a guest of the Hindu Council of Australia HCA, he was joined by leading members of his team including Kristina Kenneally Shadow Minister for Home Affairs, Michelle Rowland (Member for Greenway), Andrew Giles (Member for Scullin), and Chris Bowen (Member for McMahon), as well as Andrew Charlton and Sally Sitou, Labor’s candidates for Parramatta and Reid respectively.
The Hindu Council of Australia had invited leaders of both political parties to address issues of concern from the Indian community, and the ALP took the offer up first.
Over dinner with 200 other invited
guests, the Vice President of the HCA Surinder Jain put to Mr Albanese questions on behalf of the community.
In his opening speech, Albanese praised the Indian community for the diligent work they do and their contributions to Australian values. He stressed that Australia is a
microcosm of the world as to the benefits of multiculturalism.
To this point, he added that his was the first non Anglo-Celtic surname in the history of Australian politics to be vying for the prime ministership of the nation.
“Australia is a land of opportunities
In the interaction with Albanese, the first issue raised was the support the Indian community could expect from the Labor party for culturally appropriate aged care. Ethno-specific care for our elders continues to elude the South Asian community and remains a major discussion point.
“One of the things that I know and admire about your community is the respect you have for your elders – it is a defining characteristic. They want to cherish the culture of their origin and itis particularly important to have appropriate aged care,” Mr Albanese agreed.
He took the opportunity to stress the big difference between the two parties on aged care and the importance for ethno-specific aged care.
“Our plan for aged care, that I announced inbudget reply, [is that] we will address these issues consistent with the findings of the Royal Commission report. It is imperative that we allow older members of the community to live with dignity and
Anthony Albanese explains Labor’s position on a variety of issues of relevance to the Indian community
respect in their elder years. That means making sure food, language, practices are culturally sensitive.”
He had a similar approach when questioned about Labor’s plans to support Indian language and culture for the next generation.
“One of the strengths we have here in multicultural Australia is […] the youth learn the culture of their parents that’s passed down. It’s important that they participate in Australian culture, but that doesn’t mean forgetting the culture of their parents. That’s something the Indian community has been very good at,” Albanese noted.
He reiterated Labor’s grants program, announced recently, of $30,000 to community language schools, observing that it is an “asset” for Australia to have individuals with language skills that can be used to help deepen bilateral ties.
Another recent attempt at deepening ties between the two countries has been the much-discussed Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), which according to Albanese, “isn’t comprehensive enough.”
"We’ve said there should be an IndianAustralian economic dialogue meeting each and every year. We would also support India’s participation in APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) and if India chose to apply to RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership), we would support that very much,” he explained.
He added,“The relationship between Australia and India has only been one that strengthens both of our economies going forward.”
On the question of Labor’s refugee policy in light of the persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh, Anthony Albanese noted his Shadow Home Affairs Minister Kristina Kennelly has raised the issue of the rise of extremism and persecution. Adding to this, Ms Kennelly stated that refugee intake “must be non-discriminatory and support those most in danger”. She took
the Coalition to task that they have cut the humanitarian intake – and provided no post-COVID plan. She said that the Labor government will look at a community sponsorship program that will provide for additional numbers, by associating with faith, civic, and business communities to sponsor refugees. “Getting the communities involved can increase intake without increasing cost to the taxpayer,” she noted.
To the question of quicker and less expensive parent migration visas, another major issue of concern especially to more recent migrants, there was no clear answer from the Leader of the Opposition. Rather, Mr Albanese spoke about the long delay in partner visas and other current roadblocks. It would appear the ALP have no policy so far on better parent migration experience.
The possibility of a Labor-Greens deal at the end of the elections was also brought up. Mr Albanese was asked his position on ‘Hinduphobia’, such as the claims being voiced by Greens MP David Shoebridge. What would Mr Albanese do to stop these, and would the Labor Party consider not giving their preference to the Greens?
In his answer, Mr Albanese side-stepped most of the issues, other than state the Labor wants to win this election in its own right.
The question of swastika being preserved for the Hindus, Buddhists and the Jains, rather than being banned as a Nazi symbol of hate was also raised. Both Mr Albanese and Ms Kenneally promised to advocate on behalf of the community.
It turned out to be a well-planned interactive session and Mr Albanese seemed friendly and forthcoming. However, as there were no follow-up questions, both politicians on stage Mr Albanese and Ms Kenneally were able to circumvent a number of issues in their replies. Nonetheless, it was an evening where guests got to interact in a formal manner with potentially the next Prime Minister of Australia.
Andrew Charlton, Labor candidate for Parramatta, has announced $3.5 million towards a Little India precinct around Wigram St in Harris Park.
Of the total funds, $1.5 million will go towards streetscape beautification, street furniture, and seasonal lights. Businesses will also be able to improve their signage and shopfronts through co-investment grants worth $10,000.
Safety issues were also spoken about, including improved lighting and security cameras worth $500,000 and a $1 million grant for a modern car park to improve
access and encourage visitors. Mr Charlton said, “As a business owner, I understand the role that small business plays in our economy, and how tough the past few years have been for small business owners.”
He added that conversion of the cultural precinct into a “dazzling tourism hub” will be a terrific result for Harris Park.
Following “Golden Mile” in Leicester, Little India in Singapore, and “Brick Lane” in London, Mr Charlton also discussed working with the council and community groups to land on a name for the Little India precinct at Harris Park.
As we head into winter, it is important to stay up-to-date with your COVID-19 vaccinations.
What does that mean for you, your family and your community? The Department of Health has the answers to your booster and winter dose questions.
Why are COVID-19 boosters important?
Boosters are recommended to maintain immunity against COVID-19. Boosters not only increase your protection against severe disease but also help to continue protecting your loved ones and community against COVID-19.
The protection against COVID-19 provided by your primary course vaccination will decrease over time. However, as seen globally, staying up-to-date with your COVID-19 vaccinations means that you are:
• less likely to get COVID-19, and
• far less likely to get extremely sick from COVID-19 than people who are unvaccinated.
You can get the first COVID-19 booster dose if you have completed your primary dose course of COVID-19 vaccination at least 3 months ago.
Talk to your doctor or visit health.gov.au to find out about eligibility for booster doses.
What is a COVID-19 winter dose and do I need one?
You should get another COVID-19 booster dose, also referred to as a winter dose, if you have had your booster dose 4 months ago and you are:
• 65 years or older
• a resident of an aged care or disability care facility
• severely immunocompromised
• Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and aged 50 years and older.
If you have had COVID-19 after your first booster, wait at least 4 months before having a winter dose.
Do I have to wait between getting the Influenza (flu) and COVID-19 booster dose?
COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same time as the flu vaccine. However, if you are not yet eligible for your booster or winter dose, you should not delay your flu vaccination.
What type of booster vaccine should I get?
The Comirnaty (Pfizer) vaccine is approved and recommended for booster doses in young people aged 16 to 17 years.
If you are aged 18 years and over, ATAGI recommends the Pfizer or Spikevax (Moderna) vaccines for boosters.
You can also receive the Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca) vaccine as a booster
dose only if it is recommended by your medical professional.
The Nuvaxovid (Novavax) vaccine is not currently approved as a booster dose.
COVID-19 booster and winter doses are available for free through doctors’ clinics, participating pharmacies, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services, and government vaccination clinics.
To book an appointment, speak to your doctor, visit the Vaccine Clinic Finder at covid-vaccine.healthdirect. gov.au or australia.gov.au or call 1800 020 080 and press 8 if you need an interpreter.
With a strong economy, the Liberal plan will deliver:
"You wanted me to make your last event a big thing," Rasan Gujral told his dad Surjit Singh at his funeral in Sydney on 28 April.
"Are you happy now?"
Some 500 people turned out to farewell Sydney's best-known Indian restaurateur. From the North Chapel of the Northern Suburbs Memorial Gardens, they spilled on to a second and then a third chapel, listening in via video feed.
Among those who attended were friends and family, fellow restaurateurs, those from the cricketing fraternity, and anyone who's anyone in Sydney's Indian community.
Speakers recalled happy times and significant moments from their time with Surjit - at his restaurants, at a variety of cricketing experiences, or at his many music concerts.
Hartley Anderson, Australian former cricketer and a close friend, shared memories from the various events in his own family that were all organised by Surjit. The Anderson and Gujral families formed a close bond over the years, having first met nearly 40 years ago.
"Surjit loved his family. 'They're all I have', he would say," Anderson recalled.
Aussie cricketer and commentator Lisa Sthalekar choked up as she paid her own tribute, to a man who became family when she did not know anyone else in the community. "With Surjit and Rasan, I knew I would always have a home here," she said.
She also recalled how Surjit always obliged when she called in to pull favours for friends, such as the Indian women's cricket team only recently, when they wanted an Indian meal at 11.30pm.
She also read out a tribute by former Australian captain Steve Waugh, a friend and great fan of Surjit’s food.
Amar, Surjit's older brother currently in India, recounted the journey of how he trained his "baby brother" in the industry, in which he blossomed so well and developed his own particular identity.
Rasan for his turn spoke of how Surjit mentored him to develop his own identity in the same industry, by having him work at McDonalds. He recalled how his dad would chuckle as he himself struggled to mop the floors.
"He told others of how proud he was
of me, but never said that to me," he said in a tribute that saw him become quite distraught at times.
Manjit, the Gujral family's equally wellknown personality, referred to Surjit as his ‘friend more than brother’, and said they never saw each other as competitors. "We would disagree frequently of course, and declare we would not talk to each other again, but our distance would not last more than seven days."
Perhaps the most poignant tribute came
from Benny Sebi, Surjit's closest friend. He recalled the joint birthday parties and the music, and the love of cricket and of art and of travel. He also spoke of the love of food and the late night dinners, and how after one such all-night bender, Surjit found himself in trouble.
More than one speaker mentioned that he was not perfect, but his fine qualities of generosity, magnanimity, warmth, acceptance, friendship, and an inexplicable capacity to connect with others, more than made up.
Surjit's constant support and nurturing of his own staff was also brought up.
This very publication owes him a great debt of gratitude –one of the earliest and longest of supporters, not only as an advertiser but also in his advocacy.
Anthony Albanese, Leader of the Opposition, paid his own tribute shortly after the funeral. Surjit’s Indian Restaurant is situated in Grayndler, Mr Albanese’s constituency.
“Surjit’s is a cultural institution in the Inner West (of Sydney), and I know many people who have felt welcomed and enjoyed an exceptionally delicious meal (there),” Mr Albanese said in a message. “It is clear from the sharing of stories, grief, and memories that he had an immense and profound impact on his customers, the Inner West and the cricketing community. He will be dearly missed.”
Surjit passed away on 20 April 2022 while on a brief visit to Melbourne. He is survived by his son Rasan, daughter-in-law Raini, and grandsons Manbir and Dilraj. The rest of Sydney will continue to have Surjit as they have had these past 40 years: in his restaurants and in his food.
"The name will continue," Rasan vowed in front of all of his dad's friends and supporters.
Rajni Anand Luthraa sad goodbye to a top restaurateur in Sydney’s Indian community, foodie, and lover of cricket and music and artBroken Hill
BY RAjNI ANAND LUTHRA
When Col Avtar Gill marched in the Anzac Day Parade in Brisbane this year, he paid a special tribute to his forebears at Gallipoli.
The 14th Sikh Regiment is mentioned with much reverence in discussions on the Indian links of the ANZAC campaign at Gallipoli in 1915. For Col Avtar Gill of Brisbane, that regiment has much emotional significance.
“It’s my regiment,” he told Indian Link.
Well, not exactly, the former Indian Army officer went on. “I am from the Sikh Regiment myself, yes. And the 14th Sikh Regiment has been the most decorated batallion of the Indian Army in history. After Independence, it was redesignated as the 1st Sikh Regiment, and the decision taken that in honour of its men, the number 14 in Sikh Regiments will never be raised again. That is the level of regard with which we look upon the men of the 14th Regiment.”
The 14th Sikhs suffered the highest casualty rate in Gallipoli, returning home with only four of its 383 men.
“We march each year to honour all soldiers who have fallen in the line of duty, but particularly those that were in
Gallipoli,” he told Indian Link. He marched this year with 13 other former Indian defense personnel - including one woman officer. Brisbane’s Anzac Day Parade has had an Indian contingent since 2017, and Col Gill has been participating since.
Leading the Sydney parade this year was Charanpreet Anand, who has just left the Australian Defence Force after 15 years.
At the head of 24-strong contingent, he marched in civilian clothes for the first time. But the sentiments were the same as in previous years. His own links to World War I are more direct - his great grandfather fought in the war.
It’s a fact he learned not so long ago.
“I’ve been posting a particular photo of Sikh soldiers as my Anzac tribute for years now,” he told Indian Link. “Imagine my surprise when I showed it to my grandmother one time, and she said, that’s my father.”
Charanpreet knows now that the soldier being offered a rose in the image is his great grandfather Havildar Nanak Singh of the Indian Army’s 107 Pioneers Regiment.
“When we march, we remember men like him, and all those soldiers who came before us. We remember what they didand what we did - for our country.”
In his own service, Charanpreet has been able to make a mark.
“I was the first turbaned Sikh to be to be commissioned as Leading seaman,” he revealed. “I saw a lot of sea time, in fact 12
of my 15 years were spent on ships. Equally gratifying was my work in recruiting. Given my own background I was able to educate people about diversity. There wasn’t much awareness before then.”
In Melbourne, Col Rajesh Kaswan organised this year’s Indian contingent. It included some 30 participants, men and women, many of them former officers of the Indian forces, some veterans visiting from India, and some surviving family members. Four first-time marchers joined in this time.
“Participants wore their medals and Regimental caps, and marched as ‘Commonwealth Veterans’. All Allied Forces and those who are Commonwealth countries, are clubbed together as suchthough we all march under our respective countries’ flags,” he described. He added, “This is an occasion for us veterans to showcase the spirit of camaraderie and paying our homage to the fallen soldiers, not only in the battle of Gallipoli but even in battles
The Indian contingent at the Perth parade earlier and later.”
He himself was commissioned in 6 Sikh Light Infantry in 1990, later commanding the 1st Sikh Light Infantry.
In Perth, Cdr Rajesh Mittal joined the Indian Veterans contingent again this year.
“We were keenly looking forward to the parade, the last two years being a damp squib due to COVID,” he revealed.
“It felt wonderful even though we had a low turnout this year of 16 members only. It’s great to see how the Anzac tradition has evolved. It started off as a memorial to Gallipoli but now it is a tribute to all combat deployments since then. Every village, town, even suburb, has a memorial to its military sons. It’s very heartening also to see youngsters undertake a pilgrimage to Gallipoli to pay respects to their family members who lost their lives there.”
Col Avtar Gill lamented that India’s own military history in the World Wars is not well recorded. “There has been much interest in defense circles, as this history is unearthed, but the civilian population is still quite unaware. That’s why movies like Kesri are appreciated – the story of 21 brave soldiers who stood up to a force of 10,000 in Saragarhi, is now common knowledge.”
Do these veterans think that India should also honour their military sons in this fashion?
Col Rajesh Kaswan was cautious in his reply.
“This is a contentious issue and can unnecessarily lead to an avoidable debate. In any case, we have our own Martyr's Day, Vijay Diwas, Kargil Diwas, etc.”
Cdr Rajesh Mittal was more accepting.
“I think such an event is long overdue,” he stated. “Perhaps even the Military has not done enough. Much more needs to be done to recognise and remember our soldiers who have laid down their lives for the country. Australia has not let the memories of its soldiers die out. In fact, it has taken pains to keep them alive. The Australian example should be emulated.”
There’s one thing, though, about which these former Indian officers are equally passionate - the memories of their service, especially when they saw action as protectors of the nation.
Col Gill smiled as he recounted his time in the line of duty.
“I served in Siachen in 1999-2001, flying helicopters into the glacier. When I arrived there, one of the first things I was told, was that there are 21 of our helicopters lying under the glacier. That was the extent of our casualties then, but that’s the kind of challenge the Army had prepared me for.”
Clearly, the spirit of the 14th Sikhs who lie at Anzac Cove today, lives on the 1st Sikhs.
The Indian community in Adelaide have rallied together to raise funds to help two young children after their parents were killed in a car accident in India in late April.
Hemambaradhar “Hems” Peddagamalla and Rama Batthula were on their way to visit Rama’s family after the recent loss of her father, when their taxi crashed into a wall near Suryapet, Telangana, killing them both. The children, 9-year-old Bhavagna and 6-year-old Palvin, were grievously injured in the crash, as was the taxi driver, and are currently undergoing treatment at a hospital in Vijaywada.
The massive fundraising effort towards funeral expenses of the parents, medical expenses of the children, and paying off the family’s mortgage was undertaken by the Telegu Association of South Australia (TASA).
As of 7 May, they have raised $234,798.
“Both parents (had) vast dreams and aspirations for their children’s future. Unfortunately, both are no more. So, we hope both children get the life wished by their parents with our helping hands,” wrote organiser Sivaji Pathuri on the GoFundme page.
The family had lived in Flagstaff Hill,
Adelaide for over ten years. Hems is remembered as a lively individual, an active member of TASA who was involved in fundraising and cultural activities, while his wife Rama worked in child protection and volunteered with children over the weekend.
“In all my dealings with him, Hems was a true gentleman; polite, honest and hardworking, as well as an excellent cook,” wrote one donor.
“(They were) our beautiful kind neighbours here in Flagstaff Hill who we
will miss every day. Hems often walked up two doors for a chat and even brought us curry to thank my husband for helping his wife in the garden and just any time to share his food. I hope and pray their children will heal in time but it’s a sad loss to them,” reads another comment on the fundraiser.
A member of Adelaide’s Indian community, Sudhir, a GP himself, has flown to Telangana to be with the children. He is currently looking after the kids’ treatment.
Family friend Dr Sridhar Nannapaneni
told Indian Link, “It is a terrible terrible situation – one that no parent, no grandparent, no child, should ever have to face. Palvin and Bhavagna are English speakers only, have visited India only briefly, and the grandparents are in no position to pay the hospital bills.”
While that is now sorted, days after the April 25th accident, efforts are underway to bring the children home.
Sivaji Pathuri tearfully told 9News, “They’ve lost their parents, they can’t lose their friends and everyone else here.”
“Many families here are ready to foster them,” Dr Neni added.
The couple were fondly remembered by the community at a service in Lockleys Primary School, where TASA’s Telegu language school is based.
“Some 500 families turned up,” Dr Neni recounted. “It is heartening to see regular mums and dads offering this support – it’s not easy to raise $200,000 in a matter of four days – while community leaders have yet to come forward.”
Dr Neni is appealing to the wider Indian community in Australia to help make representations to the government to bring the kids back home.
Critically acclaimed author Geetanjali Shree’s novel Tomb of Sand, translated from Hindi by Daisy Rockwell, has been shortlisted for this year’s International Booker Prize – the first time the translation of a Hindi language book has been so nominated.
Tomb of Sand was first published in Hindi as Ret Samadhi in 2018 and Penguin India released its English translation in March 2022. This book has also been the winner of the English Pen Award.
The International Booker Prize is one of the most prestigious awards in translated literature, giving both the author and translator a platform to showcase their exemplary work in translations.
One of the finest works by Geetanjali Shree, Tomb of Sand has received a lot of appreciation from readers, who have applauded it as engaging, funny and utterly original. Based on a tragic premise, the story however has a playful tone and exuberant wordplay. At the same time, it is an urgent and timely protest against the destructive impact on borders and boundaries, whether between religions, countries, or gender.
The central figure is a north Indian woman, 80 years old, who slips into depression after the death of her husband, and then resurfaces to gain a new lease on life. Her determination to fly in the face of convention – including striking up a friendship with a transgender person – confuses her bohemian daughter, who is used to thinking of herself as the more ‘modern’ of the two.
To her family’s consternation, she insists on travelling to Pakistan, simultaneously confronting the unresolved trauma of her teenage experiences of Partition, and re-evaluating what it means to be a mother, a daughter, a woman, and a feminist.
“The nomination is recognition of a very special kind,” Geetanjali Shree, 64, said.
“When a work appeals to unknown people sitting in faraway places, then it must have the ability to transcend its specific cultural context and touch the universal and the human. That is true ratification. The work must be good, the translation must be excellent! It is a great moment for Daisy and me. Shows how rich our dialogue has been. That is what translation is about,” she added.
Renowned translator Daisy Rockwell said, “I
am honoured and overjoyed that the International Booker Committee has chosen to include Tomb of Sand for the shortlist.
The longlisting had brought the book many new readers around the world, in English and in Hindi as well.”
“It has also created an awareness of Indian literature written in languages other than English, and I sincerely hope that awareness will grow into a desire for more. The Subcontinent has so many talented translators and amazing translated works to offer to readers of world literature. Here’s to many more International Booker nominations for South Asian literature,” she added.
Author of three novels and several story collections, Geetanjali Shree’s work has been translated into English, French, German, Serbian and Korean. She has received and has been shortlisted for a number of awards and fellowships, and lives in New Delhi.
Daisy Rockwell is an artist, writer and translator living in northern New England, USA. Apart from her essays on literature and art, she has written Upendranath Ashk: A Critical Biography, The Little Book of Terror and the novel Taste. Her highly acclaimed translations include, among others, Upendranath Ashk’s Falling Walls and Bhisham Sahni’s Tamas, published in Penguin Classics. Geetanjali’s Tomb of Sand is up against Heaven by Mieko Kawakami, Elena Knows by Claudia Pineiro, A New Name: Septology VI-VII by Jon Fosse, The Books of Jacob by Olga Tokarczuk and Cursed Bunny by Bora Chung. The winner of the International Booker Prize will be announced on May 26.
His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj (1921-2016), Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s fifth spiritual successor who was revered throughout the world yet, was ever humble. He was praised by both politicians and paupers, royalty and religious leaders, tribesmen and technocrats.
Yet, despite such widespread praise and honour, Pramukh Swami Maharaj was always humble, deflecting the tributes towards God and guru.
Measuring the praise Pramukh Swami Maharaj received is as futile as measuring the water in the ocean with a mere cup. However, the experiences of others give an insight into how Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s life touched people from different backgrounds all over the world in multiple ways.
“If the world learnt from Pramukh Swami Maharaj, then it can become a place free of crime, war and terrorism, and become a more peaceful place to live.” So spoke the former Solicitor General of Canada, Bob Kaplan.
Head of the Ramanuj Sampradaya, Pujya Varad Yatiraj Jeer Swami, said, “By the presence of such a sadhu, all of humanity is uplifted.”
Such was the world’s exalted opinion of Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s spotless
character, selfless service to society and spirituality.
Mahant Swami Maharaj highlights that though Pramukh Swami Maharaj was praised by all, he remained ever humble.
After the Akshardham temple opened in New Delhi, India on November 6, 2005, many lauded Pramukh Swami Maharaj for building such a breathtaking monument. Instead of accepting this, he adamantly attributed all the achievements and glory to his guru Yogiji Maharaj.
Everyone chases fame; however, fame follows great sadhus such as Pramukh Swami Maharaj wherever they go. And yet, they do not desire it at all, and choose to pass it on to others.
In 1985 in Amdavad, India, at the conclusion of the grand 59-day bicentenary celebrations of Gunatitanand Swami (the first spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan), all praised Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s ability to execute such a remarkable festival. On the final day, during the concluding volunteers assembly, Pramukh Swami Maharaj said to the 15,000 volunteers, “Nothing is achieved by one person. This festival was a success because of all of you. Everyone contributed in their own way. We are truly blessed by God and guru. Your efforts have made this all possible.
Pramukh Swami Maharaj praised the devotees for their selfless service, sacrifice and claimed to have done nothing himself. However, the previous two years leading to the bicentenary celebrations highlights the depth of Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s humility. Pramukh Swami Maharaj had suffered a serious heart attack causing all spiritual travels to be immediately cancelled. Doctors advised him to avoid any form of exertion, speak only for short periods and eat at regular times. However, his journey for the next two years shows nothing less than derision for his own fragile health.
In a period of 888 days, he visited a dizzying 737 villages, towns and cities worldwide. During his travels, there was only one certainty — that nothing was certain. His rest and meal times were erratic. The 20 visits to devotees' homes scheduled in the morning would become a 100 in the blink of an eye. During this time, he travelled a staggering 133,404 km. To put this into context, in 888 days, he circled the globe more than three times!
Such was Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s humility, that despite his immeasurable efforts, he could openly praise his devotees for the outstanding success of
the festival.
All the praise for Pramukh Swami Maharaj, however, is not enough.
There is not an aspect of Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s life that has not touched someone. Countless are impressed by his humanitarian work, while others are moved by his spotless character. Many are astounded by his mandir-building capabilities or how he continues to inspire the youth to renounce worldly ambitions. Others are left speechless when they learn of his devotion to God and his gurus.
The mountains of praise Pramukh Swami Maharaj received bears testament to this. Amidst this, he remained untouched by ego; in fact he shunned the tributes, and showered praise on everyone else. His life is a pinnacle of humility.
This year marks Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s centennial birth year, and this article series is a celebration of his life.
Just like Pramukh Swami Maharaj, today, His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the present spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan continues that legacy. Through his association, people have been transformed to experience inner peace.
To learn more about Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s life and work, please visit: www.pramukhswami.org
Idon’t go to the temple every day, but Ther (Chariot Festival) is one event I attend every year at my temple.
Since we came to Australia in 2004, the Sri Vakrathunda Vinayagar temple has been my family’s home for religious ceremonies and events, birthdays, weddings, and anniversaries, before and after exams (in high school I prayed to do well and now I just pray to pass in university) and generally for when things are going well in life and when they aren’t. I have seen the temple expand, surrounding buildings and structures come and go and many people enter through its doors.
But I am not a regular temple go-er. I have work, uni, a fledging social life, and other unavoidable responsibilities and commitments of adulthood.
(As a young person of colour and as one living in Australia, it is a real balancing act to navigate between two different cultures.)
And yet, for Ther, I will put off studying, switch shifts at work, and make no other plans for the day.
Ther is one of my favourite events on the highly soughtafter temple calendar.
It occurs on the penultimate day of the Mahotsavam, which is a ten-day celebration held in honour of the temple’s patron god Ganesha and with Ther as its climax. Like election day, Ther always takes place on a Saturday and this year it fell on 24 April.
The main event is the chariot procession of Lord Ganesha and the attending priests who perform rituals in honour of the god, around the exterior of the temple grounds. The chariot is pulled along by devotees, with one of the two ropes designated for women and the other for men. Everyone from babies to the elderly do their best to touch and pull the rope at least once. As the five faced-red garbed Ganesha is taken around the entire temple grounds (on the road as well!), He absorbs the negative thoughts, emotions, and
bad energy from the people in the procession and surrounding area. To cool down and purify Him before he re-enters the temple, his clothes are changed to green and after he descends from the chariot and is lifted onto the shoulders of the men, water is splashed on Him and those carrying Him.
While I’m completely unqualified and unknowledgeable to comment more on the religious aspects of the day, I can say that Ther is a social event as much as it is a religious one. I’m always guaranteed to see childhood friends, old classmates from language school, family friends, people who I have seen for years but still don’t know what their names are, and recently discovered relatives connected to us via a sprawling family tree. There is also a lot to see and take in besides the socialising: the exclamations of the young men carrying the god to and from the chariot, and their grimacing as they cop an ice-cold pail of water to the face and bare chest, the women out-pulling the men in their eagerness to finally be physically involved, everyone inside the temple waiting with bated breath for the greenclothed Ganesha to emerge from behind the
curtain, and everyone else releasing a sigh of relief that lunch will finally be served. It’s a real endurance test to patiently wait for the food.
In more recent years, the temple’s youth group Melbourne YUVA (of which I am a committee member), has been selling drinks, snacks and henna to fundraise for its social work and running events to allow young people to be more engaged with culture. This year saw the return of henna, our signature falooda (a rose flavoured milk drink topped with jelly) and the introduction of pani puri (basically an explosion of flavours and textures in a single mouthful), a refreshing lemon and tamarind juice kindly donated to us, and tender coconuts to drink from. All the money raised is used for community service and youth initiatives.
Our aim as a non-profit organisation is to empower the bright, passionate, and driven young minds in our community and give them a platform to make an impactful difference to those who are less fortunate through charitable activities.
Sri Vakrathunda Vinayagar temple is at1292 Mountain Hwy, The Basin VIC 3154
Have you ever had your toddler or preschooler say to you, “I don’t want to go to school, no one wants to play with me,” or “X hit me, X is being mean to me.”
As parents, this can be quite a common occurrence, and whilst our natural instinct is to want to protect our children, there are ways to navigate these scenarios with them and equip them with techniques to handle friendship troubles or unfavourable situations.
Role playing allows children to better understand situations to help with their interactions. Coming up with various scenarios that children might face or have faced in social situations helps them to practice appropriate interactions. You could do this with props like cuddly toys or puppets or just do it amongst yourselves or with siblings.
An example of an interaction that you could play out for your child at school/ playground is:
X: “Hi can I play with you?
Y: “No.”
At this point your child’s reaction will be likely one of feeling unhappy or deflated or accepting the ‘no’ as the norm.
In this instance it is important to build your child’s confidence and explain that this is okay, and how to be persistent in the face of rejection.
Therefore, role-play this with your child:
X: “Hi. Can I play with you?”
Y: “No.”
X: “Well, I’m just going to sit next to you and build a house with blocks.”
After a few minutes of playing side by side:
X: “What are you building?”
Y: “I am building a house.”
X: “Oh wow. How many rooms does the house have?”
And there you go, you’ve now created
room for conversation which is the start to building any kind of friendship/relationship with another chid.
Another example of an unfavourable interaction that could occur is X (your child) is using an equipment or toy that Y wants to use and just goes ahead and takes it. X will either get annoyed or angry that this has occurred, or X will not say anything for fear that Y might get rough.
In this instance, it is important that you equip your child with the ability to share their feelings in a respectful way to resolve the situation. Here is one way that you can model this:
X: “I didn’t like that you took my toy. Please give it back to me.”
Y: “I don’t want to give it back to you, it’s mine now.”
X: “Well I was playing with it first, and I only need it for another few minutes and then you can have it. Let’s take turns with it.”
Y: “Okay, here you go.”
X and Y play with toy together. They have learned how to resolve conflict together, thereby strengthening their friendship. Another example of an unfavourable situation is if X (your child) gets hit by Y. What does X do now?
In situations where X gets hurt physically, it’s important to teach your child the words that they can use,and also tell them what do explicitly.
X gets pushed by Y.
X: “Please stop pushing me. I don’t like it.” Y continues to push.
Teach X to walk away and tell them to immediately seek help from an adult around them (a teacher or you the parent) by telling the adult what has occurred so that the adult can help to resolve the situation.
Sometimes these situations get resolved and sometimes they don’t. When it doesn’t get resolved, it is important to reiterate that it’s perfectly fine for them to feel the way they do, and that if they are still uncomfortable with Child Y’s behaviour, they should express it to all adults and maintain a distance from Child Y.
Have books at home where characters face and navigate various social interactions. Whilst reading, you could pause and discuss the particular behaviour that a child is displaying, how the characters are handling themselves and what your child would do in the same situation.
Some recommendations of books are George and Martha: The complete stories of two best friends and How do dinosaurs play with friends.
Children are observant, so showing appropriate interactions like being kind and caring towards your friends and relatives will encourage them to repeat similar behaviours in social situations.
An example of this: if a friend of yours is sick, and you’ve brought them a care package, share this with your child and express that you are being friendly and caring.
Our relationships are rarely conflict-free – whether at work, with friends, family members, significant others, even strangers. When it comes to our little ones, it is possible to equip them with the confidence and resilience needed to build better friendships when faced with scenarios that might be tough for them.
BY IQRA SAEED
Eleven years ago, my Mum started her own driving school business. She would drop my siblings and I off to school at 8:30am, a 40-minute drive that was often littered with tantrums and sibling rivalry, come back home, do the housework, and leave again at 2:10pm for a swift pick-up.
When we came home, there would be hot dinner on the table, two different dishes in case one of us (normally the youngest), turned our nose up at it and refused to eat. Magically by the next day, our uniforms would be cleaned, dried, and ironed, and she did it all over again the next day – for years until we were old enough to catch the train independently.
Although, she never sat down to have dinner with us because she had to go and do her new, second job – the first of course, being a mother. Until 2006, the Australian census overlooked this job that a lot of our mothers inherently have: unpaid domestic work.
The 2016 data showed that 60 per cent of men did ‘nil or less than five hours’ of unpaid domestic work per week, compared to 36 per cent of employed women.
Now multiply the responsibilities of running your own business and raising six children, and in my eyes, you have yourselves a hero.
It’s easy to forget just how much our mothers sacrifice for us, when they seem to have perfected their schedules to suit their children. My Mum, Kamal Kanti, was only 23 when she left her family, her own mother, in Fiji to pursue what many migrants are familiar with: ‘A better life’.
Working as a nurse’s aide at the St John Ambulance Association in Fiji did not translate as enough qualification for the Australian workforce, so for her livelihood, she landed a job at her local Sizzlers.
Years later, now with a family of six, her new business venture started out as a favour to friends. She noticed that a lot of her friends, who were also mothers, did not have their driving licence. For them, short errands and trips were either turned into long journeys, or just not an option for them where they waited for their husbands to come home.
Driving was a form of agency that my Mum believed every woman should have at no cost. She would sit with many of
her friends, all of my Aunties taking turns behind the wheel of my family car for a few hours a week, until they would come back months later with gratitude, a wide grin, and mounds of mithai, with their Red P plates.
For some of them, they would already have their P1 Provisional licence, but just not the confidence to drive on busy roads, so she would tag along in their cars and support them whilst they ran errands. Again, she did not see this as work, and
did not accept any fees because her friends getting their license was payment enough.
After some nagging from her friends, and the realisation that this was her niche, my Mum worked up the confidence to return to school, having left in Year 10, and successfully completed a TAFE course to become a professional driving instructor in her 40s.
What started off as a small favour for friends turned into a flourishing business, where she just keeps driving forward.
How my Mum turned a regular favour for friends and family, into a thriving businessKamal Kanti, Iqra's Mum
By day 6, I'd found myself on a golden sand beach, shaded by clumps of pandanus and coconut past towards the water's edge. So far that day I’d gone kayaking, snorkelled alongside a coral reef with brilliantly coloured rainbow fish, and managed to stand upright on a paddleboard.
Captain Cook Cruises’ Reef Endeavour to discover the far flung islands of northern Fiji, with visits to traditional villages, historic towns and hikes through lush rainforests. drive familiar from Nadi’s international airport
to Denarau Island, passing open air markets, souvenir and spice shops, Indian restaurants and the Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple, the largest in the South Pacific. Within an hour of landing, I’d plunged into the resort's infinity pool, and witnessed a sunset of deep crimson and orange, the air an aromatic blend of coconut, scented frangipani and hibiscus.
and ramshackle hotels filled with memorabilia and old photographs. Many of the trading stores have been operating for generations, such as the haberdashery store owned by the Vallabh family that opened 98 years ago. I continued walking along the coastline past sandy bays and villages set among coconut, papaya and mango trees, the locals greeting me with Bula!
• Fiji Airways flies direct to Nadi from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, and with offices at many Fiji resorts, you can check in ahead of your flight home. Staff are exceedingly helpful
For unravelling all stresses and cares, you can’t do better than Fiji
• For entry you’ll need an International Covid Vaccination Certificate (MyGov), Travel insurance covering Covid, and a pre-booked RAT for after arrival most resorts. For re-entry to Australia complete a digital passenger declaration on your iPhone. For www.fiji.travel
Taveuni is known as Fiji's garden island with rich volcanic soil and luxuriant vegetation. In an open-air bus we followed the scenic coastline past villages, coconut plantations, and long stretches of golden sand beach, to Bouma National Park where a trail led to several waterfalls. While visitors swam in the deep plunge pool, I hiked further through the rainforest, across a river holding onto a rope while hopping from one boulder to the next. The second waterfall was even more impressive and from a viewing platform I was able to see across the mountainous terrain. With over 100 bird species found here, many were twittering in the tree canopy above.
The cruise also provided the opportunity to visit traditional villages where we were given a rousing welcome. At Naselesele village on Taveuni, drums pounded as we were offered
a traditional Melanesian welcome of Kava, followed by a Lovo feast, from an underground oven of hot stones, piled high with seafood, meat and vegetables wrapped in banana leaves.
On the island of Makogai, we attended Sunday Hymns joining in with churchgoers, their melodious voices filling the air and hiked through a rainforest to the cemetery of a former leper colony.
On Kioa Island we were greeted by the entire village. Originally from Tuvalu they migrated to Fiji after being displaced by rising sea levels, buying the island in 1947. Their dance and rhythmic pounding of the drums was in the tradition of their Polynesian heritage at full throttle, with singers and rhythmic dancers swaying their hips, one of many highlights of the cruise. When it was time for us to go, we were given a rousing send off with lots of waving and clapping.
Fiji is a multicultural country with a vibrant cultural heritage of Fijians and
descendants of Indians brought here to work in the sugar cane industry. The diversity is reflected in the cuisine that offers unique dishes found nowhere else in the world, with dishes that incorporate local ingredients, like fish Suruwa, a curry cooked in coconut milk.
On my final day, before my evening flight home, as I swam in the Hilton Resort’s infinity pool one last time, I reflected on the 9 days I’d just experienced. Of balmy tropical days, crimson sunsets, and a cruise that took me to stunning remote islands with dramatic rocky peaks, beautiful beaches, coral reefs and lush rainforests.
But most of all it was the people of Fiji that made this trip so memorable. At every port of call, and every town and village, we were met with a warm welcome of singing, dancing, waving, and calls of Bula - everyone appreciative to see visitors back again.
Fiji is the perfect destination to relax, recharge and be happy.
A ‘social comedy’, this is the story of how timid Jayesh turns jordaar. His wife is pregnant with – shock horror – a second daughter, while his political family wants a male heir. It‘s a perfect opportunity for Jayesh to rebel, not only against his feudal dad, but also a patriarchal system that perpetuates antiquated customs. releases 13 May.
So you’ve seen and loved Modern Love. Now try Modern Love Mumbai, in the same genre. This Indian adaptation looks at "love in its multitude of forms – including sexual, romantic, familial, platonic, and self love". Its eight half-hour episodes are directed by Vishal Bharadwaj, Hansal Mehta, Shonali Bose, Dhruv Sehgal, Alankrita Shrivastava and Nupur Asthana. releases 13 May.
They’re calling it an ‘Indian neo-Western’. There’s plenty of dry landscapes (it’s the desert after all) and horses, and Anil Kapoor and real-life son Harshvardhan manage to look rugged. It’s dark and gritty, and add to that a series of deaths and at least one gruesome torture. Enter a veteran cop who sees a chance to prove himself. releases 6 May.
Seeking qualified match, working professional only, from Sydney for ’85-born Hindu girl, IT professional. Must be a long term resident, preferably citizen. Email rukrghrmn@gmail.com with details.
Seeking professionally qualified match (working professional, not self employed) from Australia for ‘88 born 5"3" Hindu Punjabi girl (divorced, issueless), working with a government organisation in Sydney. Must have Aus PR and preference to Radha Soami follower teetotaler. Email: matrimonial.ml@gmail.com
Seeking a professionally qualified match, teetotaller, of good family background, preferably Australian
This touching drama film is based on the true story of a mother’s fight for her most precious possession — her own children. Mrs Chatterjee is struggling against authorities to be reunited with her children, even as she battles cultural differences, racism, and mental health stigma. Rani Mukerji stars as Mrs. Chatterjee. releases 22 May.
citizen or PR holder, for highly qualified careeroriented Brahmin girl 35, 5’2” , vegetarian, of good family background, working and well settled in Sydney. Please contact aussyd08@gmail.com
Hindu bride of Tamil origin (Australian citizen, locally educated, professional, preferably vegetarian, never married) between 23-28 years residing in NSW, sought for 31-year-old Hindu groom (Australian citizen, qualified engineer, government employee). The family has been settled in Sydney for the past 18 years. The boy is 165cm tall, athletic, and values trust, spirituality, family, and the outdoors.
Please SMS 0404 484 766.
SA rk A ru vAA rI PAAtA (theatre release)
Drama, comedy and action! A bank manager works on behalf of the government to catch a fraudster and bring them to justice. With bankable stars and banging songs, this one’s expected to deliver. releases 12 May.
bH oo L bH u LAI y AA 2 (theatre release)
We’re talking buckets of fun, haunted havelis and a healthy dose of nostalgia in this “supernatural horror comedy”. Tabu, Kartik Aaryan and Kiara Advani star, and look out for Akshay Kumar cameo! releases 20 May.
dHAAkAd (theatre release)
The tough and fierce Kangana Ranaut stars as Agent Agni, a tough and fierce international spy in India’s first “female led action thriller”. Guns blaze and swords clash as Kangana takes on woke ‘antinationals’ – no sorry, arms and human traffickers. releases 20 May.
tHE CoNvErSIoN (theatre release)
This romance-drama takes on a difficult topic: religious conversions for marriages in India, where “love jihad” has been widely discussed in the last few years. In this love triangle set in Benaras, Bablu, Dev and Sakshi tackle this controversial topic head on. releases 6 May.
A NE k (theatre release)
This one‘s a rollercoaster of thrill, action and politics. Ayushman plays an undercover cop in this Anubhav Sinha directorial highlighting a “mission for peace”. Look out for some beautiful landscapes of the north-east of India. releases 27 May.
f3: f u N AN d f ru S tr At I o N
This Telugu language romcom is a sequel to the 2019 F2. Actors Venkatesh, Varun Tej, Tamannaah, and Mehreen Pirzada reprise their roles from the original film. releases 27 May.
If you enjoyed director Umesh Shukla’ iconic previous films Oh My God and 102 Not Out, then try his latest. Centred around a ‘family of misfits‘, it is billed as the ‘The Most Eye-Conic Wedding Of The Year.’ releases 13 May.
This revenge action-drama features Keerthy Suresh and Selvaraghavan in lead roles. Ponni (Suresh) is a police officer-turned-murderer. The film boasts Tamil Telugu and Malayalam language versions. releases 6 May.
Follow the journey of two ‘plus-sized’ women in this film. It stars a glorious cast with Sonakshi Sinha and Huma Qureshi playing the leads. Hailing from Meerut and New Delhi respectively, they battle the beauty standards of Indian society. release date unspecified.
If you want a break from crime series on your watchlist, this one’s a ‘slice of life‘ kind of show. Follow the trials and tribulations of a Dehradun based middle-class family who are keen to build their dream house, after years of living in government-allocated quarters. releases 6 May.
If you’re after feel-good vibes, this one’s for you. Two young friends Ajay and Sameer, engineers by trade, are having a hard time professionally. With perseverance and big dreams, they take on rural India and become local legends, using their skills to make an actual difference to people’s lives. releases 6 May.
This is a story about a reality show based on social media. The participants are content creators who must produce the most viral content to win. As the contest heats up, the divide between real and virtual worlds begins to blur… releases 20 May.
BAAZAAR
DIRECTOR: Gauravv K. Chawla
STARRING: Saif Ali Khan, Rohan Mehra, Radhika Apte, Chitrangda Singh HHHHH
I can’t recall a single notable (or even non-notable) Indian film based on the plunging dips and giddying highs of the stock market. Do you remember Harshad Mehta? How could you forget the podgy stockbroker who made thousands of Indians rich overnight and then it all ended in a financial mess in no time at all?
Saif Ali Khan’s Shakun Kothari’s destiny run on the same lines. Except that Saif as the wily ruthless
Machiavellian stockbroker is everything that Harshad Mehta would have wanted to be. This is Saif’s most gloriously written and performed part, meaty witty and wicked. He chews into it exposing a sacred hunger that I didn’t notice in his last over-hyped outing.
Saif as Shakun is a true-blue Gujju who won’t let neo-affluence corrupt his cultural integrity. He slips into Gujjufications with the unrehearsed cuteness of tycoon, who has long ceased to be cute to everyone, including his own wife and children.
When debutant Rohan Mehra enters the plot as Rizwan there is no Shakun Kothari around. We know Rizwan idolizes Shakun and wants to be like
him have. Rizwan’s a bristling her finale. He down moment in of the come
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(Nikhil Arora)
This classic soup is one of the easiest you can make. It has something for everyone beans, zucchini, carrots, pasta. What more do you want?
Prep time: 10 mins
Cook time: 20 mins
I NG r E d IEN t S
n 1 tbsp oil
n 1/2 medium onion, chopped
n 1-2 garlic cloves, crushed
n 1/2 cup tomatoes, chopped
n 1/4 cup beans (cannellini beans and black beans, soaked for 4 hrs)
n ½ tbsp stock powder or2-3 cups warm water
n 1/4 cup carrots
n 1/2 cup pasta any type
n 1/2 cup zucchini, chopped
n 1 cup spinach/ kale, chopped
n Salt and pepper to taste
n Lemon juice optional
I NS tru C t I o NS
Wash and soak beans in water for 4 hours or overnight.
Heat oil in a saucepan; add onion and garlic. Mix well with a spatula.
Once onions turn translucent, add tomatoesand salt and let it cook.
Cook the tomatoes till they have softened.
Add beans along with 2 cups of warm water and stock powder.
Cover and cook for 15-20 mins or until they are soft. Add pasta, carrots and remaining water. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes or until the pasta has cooked
Add zucchini,chopped spinach and let it cook for a few minutes.
Optionally, add lemon juice before serving.
Note: You can also use canned beans for this recipe. Just run them through water to avoid extra salt. Soup also takes less time to cook this way.
Cold winter nights are here, and it’s soup time. Soups are comfort food for both your body and soul. Plus of course, you’ll spend less time in the kitchen, to give yourself a hearty meal that will see you to bed with your tummy full. The soups presented here are vegan and one-pot meals in themselves, and taste good with or without toasted bread.
Broccoli is packed with nutrients – vitamins, minerals, bioactive compounds, antioxidants and fibre. It’s also an easy veggie to cook with. Here we make it the star of a winter soup. This soup is made with nutritional yeast, a wonderful product you must try if you haven’t so far. It is known as the vegan alternative for cheese with a salty, nutty taste, and is great to use as a thickener.
Prep time: 10 mins
Cook time: 20 mins
I NG r E d IEN t S
n 1/2 tbsp. olive oil
n 1/4 cup onions, chopped
n 1-2 garlic cloves, chopped
n 1.5 cups broccoli florets (do not throw the broccoli stem)
n 1/2 medium potato, boiled
n 1 /2 tbsp vegan soup
stock powder
n 1 cup water
n 1 tbsp nutritional yeast flakes (optional)
n 1/4 cup carrots
n Salt to taste, grated thickly
n Few drops lemon juice.
I NS tru C t I o NS
Heat oil in a pan. Add chopped onions and garlic, along with salt. Stir for a few minutes.
Now, add broccoli stems and let them cook for a few minutes.
Add chopped potatoes and stir. Add half of the broccoli florets and mix well.
Now, add water, soup stock powder and let it come to a boil. Once the vegetables are soft, turn off the heat. Blend with a hand blender. After you blend, add nutritional yeast flakes to it. This gives you that yummy cheesy flavour like cheddar.
Start heating the soup base; add remaining broccoli florets and grated carrots to your soup and get it to a boil.
Add lemon juice and let it simmer for a few minutes. Best served hot with toasted sourdough bread.
Easy-to-make soups packed with the goodness of vegetables
I am an Australian, married to a lady of Indian descent. I occasionally read your columns and need an online dictionary to understand some of your gaalis, but on the whole, I think that you give good advice, and your directness and call-aspade-a-spade approach works well. I am hoping you can counsel me as well. We live in a large home in Sydney and my wife’s sons (early 20s) from her first marriage also live with us. Our home is loving, happy and harmonious, and I love my two stepsons as though they were my own. But Auntyji, as the boys are growing up, every now and again, one of them might get frustrated over something and may raise his tone with his brother. They never ever argue with their mother or with me. But when they debate something, I feel a bit of tension, because I can’t stand confrontation. So in those moments, I put on a record and I listen to my heavy metal at volume. My wife gets upset by this, because she says it’s too much stimuli for her and the music stresses her. But I say that I should be able to listen to my music in my house - and I do it to block out the noise of the debate. The boys don’t like my music much but they only complain when I do it when they are arguing. Am I wrong here, Auntyji? How do I tell them the music soothes me?
Listen up, Iblis ke nana, I will say this only once. Only a White man has the audacity to insist on having his own way, and having his selfish needs met over that of his family while declaring that he should be able to do what he wants in his own house. Seriously? Is this how you think, you individualistic shaitaan? So your wife has created a loving home for all of you. And when people live together, every now and again, there will be some disagreements - even if they are minor. And your response to this is to listen to black metal? Are you not aware of how music affects our emotions? And black metal - which some people say are the croonings of shaitaan, can be particularly jarring and unsettling. And you choose to play at volume? A most stupendous way to terrorise the family. So listen up you budtehzeeb, two brothers communicating, even if tones are raised, is all part of healthy family dynamics. What no one needs is Darkthrone or Neurosis screeching their incantations from hellinciting all to madness. I understand that you want to block out their voices, so use headphones - the hearing damage can be yours alone. Better yet, retreat to the pub where the rest of your people gather to get away from their families. And one more thing. Your house? Your house? Yes, this is the same attitude that all the goras had when they decide to come and pillage India. No, it’s not just your house. It belongs to all your family.
DEAR AUNTYjI
You are fairly blunt in some of your comments and advice, and I suspect you won’t mind if I do the same with you. I am beginning to suspect that you may be a latent racist. Your comments about White people - do you think they are the right thing to do in the spirit of harmony? Wouldn’t it be better if we didn’t look at our differences and instead chose to focus on our similarities? And is it necessary that you make White people the “others”? How are you making this world more connected if you focus on White people and their supposed failings? I look forward to your candid responses.
AUNTYjI SAYS
Oh, candid you want, haan? Candid you will get. Let’s start with your allegation of racism based on my making comments about White people (the British in particular). I would like to declare that I peddle in stereotypes, because as we all know, stereotypes save time. But my starting point really should be that I am a scold to all peoples everywhere. I don’t discriminate on the basis of race or nationality - unless it’s pertinent and makes sense. I challenge you to find any response of mine where I say something about the Japanese or Norwegians or even Papua New Guineans. And you know why? Because the Norwegians did
not take the Koh-i-Noor diamond under suspect conditions and then singularly failed to give it back. The Japanese did not denude an ancient country with a rich culture and heritage of its resources, including its people. No. It was under Pax Britannia that all this happened and much more, and I am well within my rights to point all this out. I am simply highlighting the injustices of history and if I choose to make a point - somewhat crudely - through the nationality of the reader who writes in with a question, then so be it. And another thing: it’s budtehzeeb log like you who insist that we shouldn’t look at differences and only see the similarities. Really? This is your pseudo intellectual perspective? Allow me to enlighten you, bewakuf. When we see people’s differences, we can seek to understand them better. When we see how different they are, only then can we understand how similar we are. When we learn that White people celebrate Christmas, we can see that just like us at Diwali or Eid, it’s about family. If we only strive to look at similarities, we will miss the opportunity to learn something new about other people. We will miss an opportunity for a connection. And as for being a racist. How am I a racist if I want the Koh-i-Noor back? If I am a racist, then you, sir, are an ignoramus. Take it and go.
हैं, इसकी संभावना बहुत
अधिक है फक हम COVID-19 के संपक में आएँगे।
इसलिए अब समय है फक बूस्टर के साथ अपनी सुरक्ा को मज़बूती दी जाए। यदद आपकी आयु 16 वर या इससे अधिक है, और आपको COVID-19 की अपनी दूसरी खुराक लिए हुए तीन माह से अधिक हो चुके हैं, तो आपका बूस्टर िगवाने का समय अब आ चुका है।
Minal Khona has been reading tarot cards for the last two decades. She uses her intuition and connect with the cards mostly to help people.
You may be looking at getting into a new line of work. Since the card for Virgo shows up, Arians could become a bit finicky this May. A break-up could be quite painful. The loss of a loved one could be traumatic. Health issues could impact your work. Someone could ditch you in the middle of a business deal or even on the eve of your wedding. A rocky marriage could come to an end. Take pleasure in solo activities and hobbies.
You can expect success due to past efforts. Someone younger may attract those who are single. Colleagues and bosses will be supportive. Any change you make on the personal or professional front will be a good one. A much longed-for break will do wonders for your health. Money held up will come to you. Something you had given up on will resolve in your favour. Expect a promotion at work. Things will fall into place in a very positive way.
A difficult month as you want to change your work trajectory but are confined due to circumstances. Beware of people trying to deceive you. Whatever challenges come your way, use your mind to fight them. Use gizmos at home with care and drive cautiously as accidents could happen. Finances that are held up will start to get cleared. Once you find a way out of your constricting environment, you will be free to think of the future. A new line of work could come your way.
The card representing the sign of Cancer shows up, indicating that what happens this month is meant to be. Expect spiritual growth, walking away from situations that no longer serve your interest and attaining mental and emotional balance. Your current fling could be just that – a fling as you don’t reveal how you feel. Matters related to property could see a sudden change. Slowing down is recommended. A chance to sell property will come your way and you could make money.
The Empress card drawn by Leos indicates the hand of destiny guiding them in May. Expect inner engineering to happen as you revel in being in the moment, travel and introspect. A longing for finding what is missing in your life will have you question your goals and your priorities. Upper back problems could slow you down. If money is delayed, worry not as it will come. Go with your gut instinct on any major decision you have to make.
A long-held dream could manifest for you; but don’t be impulsive with any decision. Spiritual quests and multiple interests keep you occupied. Singles who are dating could still be undecided about making a commitment. This month is about healing and choosing to live as you want. Some of you may start a new business. Guard against deception, even by a friend. If a project is stalled, you are likely to drop it. Let go of all that’s holding you back.
Librans seek clarity in everything whether it is money matters, love or work related issues. This will make life easier for you. Break down your challenges into manageable bits if pushed against a wall. Expect problems on the family or business front. Those in love will be thinking about their romance even as they accomplish work projects. If you make a decision based on emotions, you will have to make a compromise somewhere. Change yourself instead of trying to change your circumstances.
Events that make a permanent change in your life could occur. Paperwork and legal matters will get resolved. Your work and personal life seem to be at a standstill. Confusion on many fronts will weigh you down emotionally. If your anxiety gets worse, or you have other health issues, see a doctor. For any matter in your personal or professional life, don’t let your emotions get in the way of your decision; be clear and logical. What you want is within reach.
Women can expect some heartbreak or disappointment from their significant others. If you have broken up recently, you will not settle for anything superficial. Work pressures could lead to burnout. Ask for what you deserve at work for a better income. Stomach ailments could add to your woes. You will walk away from an uncomfortable situation or will let go of it mentally. In letting go, what you wish for will eventually come to you.
Social occasions, putting on a front even though you may be troubled within, and seeking spiritual growth keep you busy all May. You may be feeling exhausted emotionally, but a turbulent time is coming to an end. Someone in the family could get married or have a baby. Financially things look up as old and new money comes in. An engagement could be called off; an extra marital affair could also be going on that you don’t know about.
Personal life takes centrestage for Aquarians as emotions run high. An unexpected event could lead to monetary benefits. A workrelated trip is foretold. Work goes through highs and lows. Expect a period of emotional upheaval but if you have an attitude of gratitude, abundance will follow. Insomnia due to stress could make you ill. Delayed finances get paid up. Success comes but not in the way you anticipate. Don’t make hasty judgments or decisions and wait for the Universe to do its thing.
A good time to go down memory lane and relive one’s childhood. The card also implies you should have a childlike view of things and trust the Universe. You will want to let go of something and want something else in its stead. Colleagues are supportive and you can expect a raise or promotion. A job offer could also come along giving you a motivational boost. Singles will be open to dating again. More money than you expect will come your way.
Test and reset the safety switch on your switchboard to protect you from faulty wiring.
Stay safe and test your safety switch every year.
Go to esv.vic.gov.au
Keeping the economy strong and delivering local jobs
Achieving net zero and preserving our local environment
Promoting women’s economic security and safety
Investing in local infrastructure
Record funding for education
Investing in health
Supporting senior Australians and services for aged care
Building stronger communities
STRONG ECONOMY. STRONGER FUTURE.
