INDIA NEWS
Feb 1-15, 2024 - Vol 4, Issue 13
COMMUNITY NEWS
Tragic drowning incident shakes Melbourne’s Indian Community in the heartbreaking incident recently, said a report from Times of India, an Indian daily.
Melbourne, January 26 (Australia India News Newsdesk) The Indian community in Australia is in mourning following the tragic death of four compatriots, including three women, who drowned at an unpatrolled beach in Phillip Island this week. The victims, identified as Jagjeet Singh Anand, Suhani Anand, Kirti Bedi, and Reema Sondhi, lost their lives
According to the Times of India report, the group of about 10 people, including Sondhi, who was visiting her family in Australia, were enjoying a day out at Phillip Island, near Melbourne in Victoria, when the tragedy occurred. While Sanjeev, Sondhi's husband, survived, the community grapples with the loss of their loved ones. Ravinder Singh, a close associate of the victims' families, expressed profound sadness, stating, "It is the darkest day of my life." Singh
emphasized the need to raise awareness about the dangers of swimming at unpatrolled beaches, urging the community to understand rip currents to prevent similar tragedies in the future, said the Times of India report. In response to the devastating loss, friends initiated a GoFundMe campaign to support the families of the victims. Ankur Chhabra, the campaign organizer, highlighted the selflessness of the victims and called for solidarity in assisting the families during this difficult time, the Times of India reported.
According to the Times of India report, the Indian High Commission in Australia and the Consulate General of India in Melbourne extended support to the affected families, acknowledging the heartbreaking nature of the tragedy. Bass Coast Mayor Clare Le Serve also conveyed condolences, emphasizing the somber reminder of the ocean's unpredictability. Victoria Police Eastern Region Assistant Commissioner Karen Nyholm reiterated the dangers of unpatrolled beaches, emphasizing the need for caution. Off-duty
lifeguards and emergency services worked tirelessly to rescue the victims, but the incident stands as a poignant reminder of the perils of the sea, reported the Times of India. As investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy, the community mourns the loss of Jagjeet Singh Anand, Suhani Anand, Kirti Bedi, and Reema Sondhi, emphasizing the importance of beach safety and collective support during times of grief, the Times of India reported.
Pakistan Australia War Memorial inaugurated in Brisbane The inauguration ceremony of the Pakistan Australia War Memorial took place on January 25 in
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Memorial Corner, Roma Street, Brisbane. The ceremony was attended
by dignitaries, politicians, community leaders and was officiated by special guest H.E.
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Mr Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri, High Commissioner for the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to
Commonwealth of Australia.
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