On October 29, 2024, the Australian India Society of Victoria (AISV) held a pivotal meeting at the Parliament to address the evolving needs of Indian Australians within a multicultural society. The gathering marked a significant milestone in AISV’s ongoing efforts to promote cultural integration, social cohesion, and community engagement.
Key Highlights
AISV Vice President Manjit Singh began the session by acknowledging the land's traditional owners and outlining AISV’s mission to foster meaningful discussions on the role of Indian Australians in Australia. He emphasized the importance of cultural respect and the community’s aspirations for integration and growth.
AISV President Anou Khanijou McPherson shared her vision for the organization, drawing from her personal experiences as a migrant in 1987. She highlighted the need for stronger support networks for new migrants and youth. Anou also introduced initiatives to mentor young entrepreneurs and create platforms for Indian Australians to thrive, reflecting her broader commitment to social impact and community development.
Addresses by Distinguished Guests
Keynote Address: Hon. John Pesutto, Leader of the Opposition and Shadow Minister for Multicultural Affairs in Victoria, highlighted the vibrant cultural contributions of Indian Australians. He emphasized the need for intercultural engagement and proposed actionable steps to integrate cultural events into the broader social fabric.
Guest of Honour Address: Dr. Sushil Kumar, Consul General of India in Melbourne, stressed the importance of fostering people-to-people exchanges and promoting educational and trade collaborations between India and Australia.
Special Address: Melissa Kay, Regional Director for VIC/TAS at the Department of Home Affairs, shared insights on government initiatives, including the multicultural grassroots initiative grant round and the Office of Community Cohesion. She encouraged strategic partnerships for community-led projects.
Special Address: Vivienne Nguyen, Chair of the Victorian Multicultural Commission, underscored the significance of cultural exchange and the need for capacity building among nonprofit organizations to address social cohesion challenges.
Special Address: Jaya Manchikanti, President of IndianCare Inc., emphasized the critical role of social welfare agencies in addressing the specific needs of Indian Australians. She highlighted the importance of cultural sensitivity and transparent governance in service delivery.
Collaborations and Opportunities
Discussions emphasized actionable steps, including:
Organizing awareness sessions for new migrants on critical issues such as legal rights and domestic violence.
Strengthening community organizations’ governance and financial management to build trust with donors.
Promoting cultural exchange programs and entrepreneurship mentorships.
Exploring corporate social responsibility (CSR) funding from Indian companies in Australia.
Path Forward
The session concluded with a commitment to developing an annual action plan and organizing workshops to address community challenges effectively. AISV aims to build stronger ties across diverse groups while ensuring that Indian Australians have a voice in shaping Australia’s multicultural landscape.
This meeting reaffirms AISV’s dedication to creating a vibrant, inclusive, and empowered community. Stay tuned for updates on our initiatives and how you can get involved!
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