On June 2nd, MAC and GOPiO organized a vital workshop focused on Elder Abuse Law. The event was facilitated by esteemed Legal Aid ACT lawyers Fiona and Karan, who provided in-depth insights into the legal protections available for elders.

We would like to express our gratitude to a long list of individuals and organizations who supported our event, including MPs David Smith and Peter Cain, MLA Rebecca Vassaroti, First Secretary Ms Rathod, MLA Nicole Lawder, MLA Elizabeth Kikkert, and more. We also appreciate the contributions of our new patron Jacob from the Liberal Party, as well as community leaders from various ethnic groups, including Hindu, Muslim, Chinese, Sri Lankan, and Indian communities. We extend our thanks to all attendees who made the event a success, as well as MAC and GOPIO committee members and volunteers for their help. We are also grateful to Owen for sound services, Udaya for photography, and Taj Agra for delicious food. Finally, we thank Senior Lawyer Fiona from Legal Aid for discussing the importance of EPOAs and wills for seniors.

Thank you once again to everyone involved for making this workshop a tremendous success.

In the realm of health and wellness, knowledge is power. Recently, the Multicultural Association of Canberra (MAC) teamed up with the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) Canberra to host an enlightening workshop focused on lowering cholesterol.

We express our sincere appreciation to Dr. Nalini Pati for orchestrating a remarkable interactive workshop cantered on Cholesterol Reduction. Dr Pati skillfully addressed and answered every participant’s queries and concerns. One of the main messages emphasised by Dr. Pati was the significance of maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. He highlighted the role of a balanced diet and the need to reduce the consumption of trans fatty foods

we would like to extend our thanks to the Labor Club Belconnen for their invaluable assistance.

Multicultural Association of Canberra (MAC) and GOPIO were privileged to receive an invitation for lunch on 26^th March 2024, from Their Excellencies, Honourable David Hurley and Madam Linda Hurley, to commemorate Harmony Day at Government House. The day was marked by a warm welcome speech from His Excellency, setting the tone for a memorable event.

It was an honour to address the gathering on behalf of Harmony Day, emphasising our belonging to Australia, which stands as one of the most diverse countries globally. The room was abuzz with representatives from a multitude of cultures, including India, Africa, Sri Lanka, Italy, China, Korea, Serbia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. These representatives are cherished friends of our Association, and we extend our gratitude to them for gracing us with their presence.

The occasion was made even more delightful as we indulged in a sumptuous three-course lunch provided by Government House. We were treated to enchanting renditions of “You Are My Sunshine” and a new song dedicated to the Multicultural Association of Canberra, performed by Madam Hurley. Our friend Eric Zhao also delivered a beautiful song, embodying the spirit of Harmony Day. We express our heartfelt appreciation to Their Excellencies for their gracious hospitality and to our Indian and multicultural friends for joining us today. Special thanks to Udaya and Vijay for capturing the precious moments through their photographs

Crews are cleaning up the city centre after another successful year of the National Multicultural Festival.

Multicultural Association of Canberra (MAC) and GOPIO on (04/02/24), came together for a belated celebration of Australia Day and Indian Republic Day, coincidentally falling on the same date, January 26th.

  The event was graciously supported and sponsored by MP David Smith, adding to its significance. The gathering was honoured by the presence of the new Indian High Commissioner, HE Gopal Baglay, who engaged the community with a thoughtful talk. Counsellor Sweety Ji from the Indian High Commission also accompanied the High Commissioner, making it a memorable occasion, especially since it marked his first attendance at the event.

Distinguished guests, including MLAs Peter Cain and Nicole Lawder, Deepak Raj, and community leaders Ravi and Radha Krish, among others, attended the event. MC Aradhna led engaging discussions about Australia Day, and President Nishi Puri highlighted the importance of reflection and education about Australia’s First Nation people. Cultural performances from various nations, captured by Udaya’s photography, and a curated culinary experience by Taj Agra added to the festivities. The fully sold-out event, featuring political perspectives and recognition for community contributions, showcased unity and celebration within the community.

Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to all our young talents for their efforts and infectious enthusiasm. Kudos to Team Bushra, Team Eric and Amy Zhang, Prathibha, Rathish, Aryan, Ayesha, and the children from El Salvador for a job well done. Special thanks to Owen for managing the sound system flawlessly. Our sincere appreciation extends to all the friends and community members who attended the event in large numbers, contributing significantly to its resounding success. It was indeed a fully sold-out affair.

President Nishi Puri had the honour of presenting His Excellency with a recently launched book on 50 inspiring women of Indo-Australia, compiled by Mr Harmohan Walia 

In a remarkable gathering at Castle Hill, Sydney, on January 27, Nishi Puri, OAM, President of MAC and GOPIO, graced a book launch that resonated with empowerment and recognition. The book, titled “Inspiring Indo Australian Women who Made a Difference,” is the work of Harmohan Singh Waliaji from Sydney, and it beautifully narrates the impactful journeys of 50 Indo-Australian women have emerged triumphant in making substantial contributions across diverse fields.

Nishi Puri expressed her honour and humility at being among these distinguished women, acknowledging the effort put forth by Harmohanji in creating a platform to showcase and empower women through their inspiring stories. The launch event brought together a diverse audience, including politicians, diplomats, and members of the diaspora community, further highlighting the importance of recognising and celebrating the achievements of women.

In her gratitude-filled message, Nishi Puri thanked Harmohanji for envisioning a space that shines a spotlight on women’s accomplishments, fostering empowerment through shared narratives. The event, attended by influential figures and dynamic women, marked not only a book launch but a collective celebration of inspiring journeys.The book launch served as a testament to the strength and resilience of Indo-Australian women, emphasising the collective power of their inspiring narratives.

A moment of pride and recognition, the Multicultural Association of Canberra (MAC) is thrilled to announce that MAC & GOPIO’s esteemed President, Nishi Puri, was honored with the NRI Karma Ratna Award on Pravasi Bhartiya Day, celebrated on January 9, 2024, in India, New Delhi. The award was graciously collected on Nishi’s behalf by a devoted cousin. This accolade reflects Nishi Puri’s unwavering dedication to community work and the impactful contributions she has made.

The award is a reminder that even from a distance, the impact of collective efforts resonates far and wide, creating ripples of positive change.

Multicultural Association of Canberra (MAC) and GOPIO celebrated Diwali, the festival of lights.

The event, marked by joyous festivities, cultural performances, and the spirit of togetherness, illuminated the community. Diwali, a symbol of hope and unity, was embraced with enthusiasm by MAC and GOPIO, fostering a sense of shared cultural heritage and community spirit.