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.

Multicultural Association of Canberra (MAC)mhonored with a Volunteer Recognition Award alongside our esteemed Treasurer, Kranti Amar, and website designer, Esha. The recognition was bestowed upon us by MP David Smith at the prestigious Parliament House.MAC

We extend our sincere gratitude to MP David Smith for recognizing the value of MAC volunteerism and taking the time to honour our contributions. This award serves as motivation to continue our efforts in service to the community.

Multicultural Association of Canberra recently turned its focus towards the mental well-being of the residents at Blue Door Community, a haven for homeless men under the umbrella of St Vincent de Paul. Canberra Daily Friday December 1,2023

Our day began with organising a lavish barbecue at Ainslie Village, where we prepared and served hearty meals for the men. Beyond the food, this event provided us with a wonderful opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with the residents, sharing stories and creating connections. As a gesture of support, we also made a substantial donation to the Blue Door Pantry—a trolley laden with non-perishable essentials.

The success of this event wouldn’t have been possible without the invaluable help of our volunteers. Despite the scorching weather, their enthusiasm and hard work made the entire process a breeze, and we successfully completed our mission in just three hours. Together, we were able to provide a nourishing lunch to more than 80 individuals.

Special thanks are due to Paul Potter, the coordinator of Blue Door, and his team. Their collaboration in cooking and serving made the event not only successful but also deeply rewarding.

Multicultural Association of Canberra (MAC), in collaboration with GOPIO Canberra, organised an enlightening audiology workshop at the Labor Club (19/11/23). The focus of the workshop was early intervention for hearing loss in adults. Facilitated by Hear Life audiologists Sanyogeeta and Ann Mary, the session delved deep into topics ranging from the intricacies of ear structure to the causes of hearing loss, the role of nutrition in ear health, managing tinnitus, insights into cochlear implants, and practical guidance on using hearing aids.

The workshop garnered significant interest and was well-attended by members of the community. Gratitude was expressed to Hear Life for their informative session, MLA Nicole Lawder for her presence and words of appreciation, Mr. Ashok Jain for the introduction to Hear Life, and volunteers Jennifer and Hrishi for their assistance. The beauty of the workshop lay in its inclusivity, bringing together individuals from various cultural backgrounds, each with unique perspectives on health and wellness. Anticipating another workshop in the coming months, further updates will be shared soon.

In the spirit of Diwali, the Multicultural Association of Canberra (MAC) is set to ignite the festive season with a heartwarming initiative. With a commitment to community, diversity, and the joy of giving, MAC is spreading Diwali cheer by making a significant donation of groceries and traditional Indian sweets to the University Canberra (UC) Pantry.

MAC’s contribution encompasses a thoughtful selection of items. From essential groceries that form the backbone of sustenance to the rich and delightful Indian sweets that symbolise the sweetness of shared moments, this donation is more than a gesture — it’s a celebration of diversity and care.