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Fostering Empowerment: MAC and GOPIO’s Digital Literacy Workshops for Seniors (27/08/23)

MAC (Multicultural Association of Canberra) and GOPIO (Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin) teamed up once again to organised a workshop aimed at empowering seniors to become iPhone savvy.  

The workshop proved to be highly engaging, allowing seniors to acquire a wealth of knowledge such as messaging, document sharing, folder organization, email reading, and the creation of WhatsApp groups.  Facilitator Ashvin Raj’s commendable efforts were pivotal, as he adeptly communicated in both Hindi and English, ensuring comprehensive understanding for all participants. Ashvin’s patience throughout the process is greatly appreciated and acknowledged. The impeccable MC Aradhna captivated the seniors with her enchanting vocals, evoking nostalgic memories for everyone present. Your time and talent are truly appreciated.  

Following the workshop, a delicious lunch was served, and our heartfelt gratitude goes to Shonnan for consistently delivering an exceptional culinary experience. We extend our thanks to the ACT government for their unwavering support throughout.

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MAC and GOPIO Celebrated -A belated Women’s Day with a Meal, Meeting, and More on 15/04/2023

The event was attended by women from different backgrounds, including business owners, entrepreneurs, community leaders, and professionals. The evening kicked off with a warm welcome from the representatives of MAC and GOPIO, who emphasised the importance of gender equality and the need to embrace diversity in all aspects of life.

The event featured several activities, including a panel discussion with inspiring women speakers who shared their personal and professional journeys, the challenges they faced, and the strategies they used to overcome them. We thank our inspiring speakers AlO Enlightened Women founder Lubna ALAM, president of the ACT Law Society Farzana Choudhry, ACT Women of the Year Betty Maracha, and Minister Rebecca Vassaroti for their powerful message. Powerful talks by the speakers are incredibly impactful and inspiring that create a positive change in the CALD community. We appreciate David Smith MP, MAC Patron MLA Peter Cain – Liberal for Ginninderra, and Deepak Raj Gupta Senior Advisor to Chief Minister for their encouraging message on women empowerment.

MAC and GOPIO acknowledged the contribution of community leaders and unsung heroes and presented certificates of appreciation to Chin Wong, Amardeep Singh Ravi Krish MAC treasurer Kranti Amar and our quiet achiever Rashmi Malik for their valuable contributions to community service. We thank our MC Aradhna Rastogi, our photographer Udaya and Jewel of India for their help and support.

In conclusion, the belated Women’s Day event at Jewel of India, Manuka, was a fantastic celebration of women’s achievements and a reminder of the importance of gender equality.

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Insights from an Invited Panelist: Addressing Cost of Living and Multicultural Community Issues with the ACT Legislative Assembly – 13/04/2023

MAC (Multicultural Association Canberra) President Nishi Puri had the pleasure of being invited to the ACT Legislative Assembly to discuss cost of living pressures and general issues facing the multicultural community. It was an incredibly enlightening experience and one that we are grateful for.

During the discussion, we talked about a range of issues that impact the multicultural community. One of the main topics of conversation was the importance of access to affordable housing. With rents and house prices continuing to rise, many families are struggling to find suitable accommodation. This can have a knock-on effect on their ability to access employment, education, and healthcare.

Overall, it was an incredibly valuable discussion, and we came away feeling inspired and motivated to continue working towards a more inclusive and supportive community. We are  grateful to MLA Peter Cain, Shadow Multicultural Minister, for extending the invitation.

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MAC & GOPIO – Celebrating Holi, Harmony Day, and Meditation in Cowra – 26/03/23

The Multicultural Australia Community (MAC) and GOPIO  organised a Holi, Harmony Day, and Meditation event at Cowra Japanese Garden to celebrate multiculturalism, inclusiveness, and harmony. The event started in Canberra, and the attendees traveled together to Cowra to participate in the festivities.

Holi, Harmony Day, and Meditation event organised by MAC & GOPIO was a wonderful celebration of diversity and community. The peaceful meditation session added an extra element of relaxation and positivity, creating a unique and unforgettable experience for all who attended.  
The event provided an opportunity for attendees to connect and learn about different cultures while enjoying the festivities of Holi. Moreover, it was an excellent opportunity for the community to promote multiculturalism, inclusiveness, and harmony.

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Australia Day celebrations by MAC and GOPIO 22/1/23

MAC (Multicultural Association of Canberra) and GOPIO (Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin) celebrated Australia Day by organising an event at Jewel of India.  The event was a way to bring together people from different cultural backgrounds to celebrate the diversity and multiculturalism of Australia.

The event featured traditional Australian and Indian food, music, and dance performances.  The event had speeches by High dignitaries, highlighting the importance of celebrating diversity and promoting cultural understanding.

  MAC and GOPIO, would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to all the high dignitaries and sponsors who came forward to support our Australia Day celebration. Your presence and support helped make this event a huge success.

We would like to specifically thank our sponsors MP David Smith and Akhilesh and Amandeep Singh , for their invaluable contributions. Their support helped us create an inclusive and diverse atmosphere that truly showcased the multicultural spirit of Australia.

  The event was a great success and brought together people from different backgrounds to celebrate Australia Day in a unique and inclusive way. 

Once again, thank you for making this event a memorable one.

Child Safety Workshop Empowers Families and Childcare Professionals – 24 May 2026

The Multicultural Association of Canberra (MAC) and the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) successfully hosted a well-attended Child Safety Workshop on 24 May, bringing together childcare professionals, parents, grandparents, and members of the wider community.

The workshop featured an informative presentation on “One Talk at a Time,” a Federal Government initiative focused on preventing child sexual abuse. Participants gained practical guidance on how to have important conversations with children about personal safety and wellbeing.

We extend our sincere thanks to Maab and Salma from Culture Perspective for facilitating the session and providing valuable resources to attendees. We also thank all participating families and childcare staff, the Labor Club for hosting the event, and Udaya for capturing the occasion through photography.

The event concluded with attendees enjoying delicious pizzas and the opportunity to connect with one another in a welcoming community atmosphere.

Serving Humanity During Reconciliation Week – 1/6/26

As part of Reconciliation Week, the Multicultural Association of Canberra (MAC) and the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) donated new blankets and non-perishable food items at the Gungahlin Mosque, providing practical assistance to those in need.

MAC and GOPIO remain committed to fostering inclusion, supporting vulnerable communities, and serving all members of society to the best of their ability.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Tehseen Dhal, Mainul Haque OAM, ACT Fruit and Veg Gungahlin, and the dedicated MAC and GOPIO committee members for their generosity, support, and presence.

A special thank you also goes to Udaya, whose outstanding volunteer efforts and ongoing dedication continue to make a positive difference in our community initiatives.

Together, we can build stronger, more connected, and more compassionate communities.

Emergency Readiness Workshop – Building Safer Communities

Multicultural Association of Canberra (MAC) and Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO), in collaboration with the Multicultural Hub and the Australian Red Cross, successfully delivered an engaging workshop on emergency readiness on 17/05/2026.

The session provided participants with valuable knowledge on emergency safety, evacuation procedures, and the importance of having a well-prepared Emergency Readiness Plan. Zakia Patel, a volunteer with SES and President of Multicultural Hub, shared insights into the role of SES and its critical contribution during emergencies.

The workshop was highly engaging and well attended, with a strong turnout from MAC and GOPIO members, filling the venue.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Zakia Patel and her team for delivering such an informative session, as well as for the refreshments provided. We also thank Udaya for his continued support in capturing the event through photography.

Our appreciation goes to all members and friends who attended, and special thanks to Dr Nalini Pati and Dr Fuxin Li for their valued presence.

An Interactive Workshop on Fatty Liver Disease Awareness

Multicultural Australia Canberra (MAC) and Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) conducted an informative and highly interactive workshop on fatty liver disease, facilitated by LiverWise.

The session was highly engaging, with participants asking a wide range of questions. To ensure inclusivity and better understanding, one of the facilitators, Smriti, also explained key aspects in Hindi.

We extend our sincere thanks to LiverWise for their valuable time and expertise, and we look forward to future collaborations. We also thank the Labor Club for their excellent arrangements and Udaya for capturing the event through photography.

Holi & Harmony Day Celebration – (7/3/26)

Multicultural Australia Canberra (MAC) and Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) and successfully hosted a vibrant Holi and Harmony Day celebration on 7 March at Taj Agra.

We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who attended and contributed to making the event a joyful and memorable occasion. Special appreciation goes to Manish Ahuja for his beautiful musical performance and Chabbra ji for his heartfelt poetry celebrating the spirit of Holi.
We would also like to thank Taj Agra for their warm hospitality, Udaya for capturing the event through photography, and Owen for managing the sound arrangements.

The event truly reflected the spirit of cultural harmony and community connection.

Australia Day Celebration – 26 January 2026

On Australia Day 2026, Multicultural Association of Canberra (MAC) and Global Organisation People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) hosted a vibrant community celebration at Taj Agra.

The house-full event brought together community members, multicultural leaders, and political representatives to reflect on the meaning of Australia Day and celebrate the diversity that strengthens our nation.

We sincerely thank David Smith, Peter Cain, Nicole Lawder, and Barry Chaika for their valued participation. Community leaders shared thoughtful reflections on the day, recognising that while Australia Day represents pride and opportunity for many Australians and migrants, it also marks a difficult historical moment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The evening highlighted the importance of unity, respect, and inclusion as we continue building stronger communities together.

MAC and GOPIO also honoured outstanding community members for their achievements and service. Ravi Sood was recognised for his inspiring achievement of becoming a weightlifting champion at the age of 82. Monika Jokhan was acknowledged for her dedicated volunteer work, and Shanti Reddy for excellence in community service.

Special thanks go to our patron Surender Nagar for serving as Master of Ceremonies, our photographer Udaya for capturing the evening’s moments, and the team at Taj Agra for their warm hospitality. Most importantly, we thank our wonderful audience and the dedicated MAC and GOPIO teams whose support made this celebration a great success.

Together, we continue to promote unity, Respect, and Multicultural Harmony within our community.

Workshop on Elder Abuse Law & Community Gathering

On 16 November 2025, the Multicultural Association of Canberra (MAC) and the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) successfully hosted a well-attended event at the Kaleen Bristol Club. The primary focus was an informative workshop on Elder Abuse Law, facilitated by Ms. Alison Clarke, a lawyer from Legal Aid.

The event was attended by MP David Smith; MLAs Peter Cain and Chaika Berry; Cain Blackett, CEO Carers ACT; Sonia Mezze, CEO MARRS; community leaders including Divya (FINACT), Ravi Krish (AMAN), Amardeep Singh, Tess Manuel, Shahira; and patrons Ron and Monika, and Surender and Monika Nagar.

A vibrant cultural segment featured performances by Krisha (Zumba), Aradhna, Aisha, Aayan, Monica, Sonia, Nikita, Ashu, Shilpa, Meera Mishra, Sophia Manuel, and Sophia Thomas. Surender ji served as an excellent MC and hosted a trivia session, while Udaya supported with photography and music.

We thank the Kaleen Bristol Club for their hospitality and all committee members and friends for their support. Congratulations to Senthil on receiving an ACT Children’s Week award, presented at the event. The program concluded with a Bhangra session.

We also thank the High Commission of India for organising a Consular Camp and Open House to provide life certificates for senior citizens of the Indian diaspora.

🏆 MAC Honoured with Mental Health Week Award – 10 /10/2025

It was a true honour for MAC (Multicultural Association of Canberra) President Nishi Puri to receive the Mental Health Week Award in recognition of her outstanding community contributions.

We sincerely thank Mental Health ACT (MHACT) and CEO Lisa Kelly for this meaningful acknowledgement and for recognising our ongoing efforts to support community wellbeing and inclusion.

This award inspires us to continue our commitment to promoting mental health awareness and fostering a supportive environment for all. 💙

A Successful AI-Themed Event by MAC and GOPIO – 4/10/ 2025

MAC and GOPIO jointly organised a houseful event on 4 October 2025 at Taj Agra Restaurant, where over 75 participants gathered to explore the fascinating world of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The session focused on various AI tools and practical ways to integrate AI into everyday life safely, highlighting how to avoid scams and misinformation online.

The event was facilitated by Mr. Akhilesh Arora, who shared valuable insights and practical tips on using AI effectively. Our Master of Ceremonies, Mr. Surender Nagar, did a remarkable job in engaging the audience, conducting an informative AI Quiz, and sharing key points on the growing influence of artificial intelligence.

The evening also featured captivating poetry recitations by Anaya and Chabbra ji, adding a touch of art and creativity to the occasion. A special thank you to Ms. Naheed Khan for distributing laddoos and celebrating her birthday with everyone.

In the spirit of togetherness, we also celebrated an early Diwali by distributing sweets to all participants — adding joy and colour to the evening!

We express our sincere gratitude to MLA Peter Cain, Mr. Rajeev ji from the Indian High Commission, and Ms. Nicole Lawder for their presence and support.

We extend heartfelt thanks to our patrons — Ravi and Hema Nayyar, Mainul Haque ji, Niranjan Aggarwal ji, Ron and Monika Jokhan, Akhilesh ji, Surender ji, and Monika ji — for their continued encouragement and contribution to our community initiatives.

Special appreciation goes to Udaya for photography, Owen for managing the music system, and Monika Nagar for her invaluable help and coordination. Our sincere thanks also to Taj Agra Restaurant and Sami for their warm hospitality and excellent service. The event was a great success, reflecting the strong community spirit and enthusiasm for learning and collaboration.

✨ Stay tuned for our next event on 16 November!

Empowering Our Seniors: Packed House for Our Senior Fall Prevention Workshop (1/6/25)

What an inspiring day! The Labor Club in Belconnen was filled with energy and learning as the Multicultural Association of Canberra (MAC) and GOPIO hosted a vital workshop on fall prevention for our senior community.

Our seniors learned invaluable strategies to prevent falls and maintain mobility through targeted diet and exercise advice. The workshop was both informative and empowering!

We are grateful to the Labor Club Belconnen for providing the perfect venue and to Udaya for beautifully capturing the event’s spirit through his photography.

Most importantly, we also thanks to our incredible audience. Your enthusiastic participation and thoughtful questions are what make these events so rewarding. We are proud to serve our community and look forward to seeing you at our next event!