AISV Past Achievements

    Australia India Society of Victoria Inc. (AISV), established in 1963, is the oldest and largest integrated non-sectarian Indian association in Victoria, representing all Indians irrespective of their place of origin. It is recognised and respected as such by the Governments of India and Australia. It also has a significant Australian membership.

    The main aim of AISV is to assist in fulfilling the aspirations of Indians in their adopted country (Australia) and to encourage their active participation in, and contribution to, a just and culturally diverse society.

  • Promotion of understanding and friendship between new migrants from India, those from other countries and indigenous Australians.

  • Serving as a medium for established Indian-Australians to assist newly arrived fellow countrymen and women.

  • Promotion of Indian culture for improved understanding of India's heritage, preferably through demonstrated support of activities of established Indian dance/ Music/ other arts schools.

  • Involvement with Local, State and Federal Government agencies to ensure that in addressing issues affecting migrants, Indian-Australians' needs are not overlooked.

  • Engaging in charitable activities to help Indian-Australians and other deserving persons in dire circumstances who do not qualify for mainstream social service support.

  • Encouraging and facilitating networking and mentoring between established Indian-Australians and newly arrived Indian-Australians to help the latter succeed in a new and competitive environment.

  • Enhancing quality of life through entertainment and other varied activities.



  • Since its establishment in 1963 the Australia India Society of Victoria has contributed extensively in all of the above-mentioned activities.

    Some of AISV's noteworthy achievements have been:


  • Establishment of the Indian Visa issuing facility in Melbourne.

  • Establishment of the Victorian Indian Community Charitable Trust (VICCT). This is a recognised charitable agency approved by the Australian Taxation Office. It is endorsed as a deductible gift recipient (DGR). Donations of $ 2.00 and above are TAX DEDUCTIBLE. Its aim is to provide help and support to underprivileged and aged members in the community. Several hundred members and local Australians have been assisted through this charitable trust.

    Submissions to various governmental bodies such as:


  • Law Reform Commission of Australia regarding changes to the Equal-Opportunity Act and on Multiculturalism and Law.

  • Council on Overseas Professional Qualifications on recognition of Indian Qualifications.

  • Immigration Department on matters relating to Immigration policy and Acts of Parliament.

  • The Premier's Department on the Racial and Religious Tolerance legislation, to protect the rights of Indian-Australians.

  • Established special arrangements with Australian Unity for medical insurance for elderly Indians visiting Australia (a mandatory requirement for visitors).

  • Establishment of the Koori scholarship fund (in association with the Victorian Aboriginal Education Australia Inc. and the B'nai B'rith Jewish community relations group) to support Koori students through their secondary education.

  • Organisation of cultural and social activities for the community, actively encouraging and promoting members talents along with visiting overseas artists.

  • Participation in local community events such as the Australia Day celebrations.

  • Celebration of the two Indian National functions-Republic Day and Independence Day.

  • Helping victims of domestic violence in the Indian community

  • Helping International students to assimilate in the Australian way of life and to understand the Australian culture


    FUTURE DIRECTIONS


  • While remaining focused on the Society's vision and mission (by pursuing similar activities to those mentioned above), the major initiatives in the medium term will be to actively canvass ways of addressing the requirements of those in need and the elderly in the community.

  • With the maturing of the community, social challenges similar to the ones faced by the mainstream Australian community such as marriage break ups, deaths of spouses, drug and alcohol dependency, desertion by children, domestic violence, loneliness and poverty may need to be managed from an Indian perspective.

  • The aging of first generation Indians who reach the retirement age poses issues of low care accommodation as well as nursing home care.

  • The needs of second generation Indians will have to be understood and addressed in order to ensure they stay well connected with their heritage. The community needs are many and varied. There are ample opportunities for members to get involved and make a difference to the quality of life of Australians of Indian origin.