Indian cook went unpaid for more than two years in Australia

Pawanjeet, who moved to Australia in 2008 as a student, was underpaid by almost AUS $200,000.

leave, asking her to come to work even when her appendix burst in August 2015.

provoking Q&A and interactive fun activities kept the attendees on their toes. They were treated to an abundant array of delicious

Hi-Tea with a wide variety of savories and sweets. It was well attended by ladies across Gold Coast and Brisbane.

Domestic & Family Violence Prevention & Awareness Seminar

GOPIO Gold Coast launched the Domestic & Family violence prevention & awareness campaign and seminar at their recent International Women’s Day celebration on 19th March 2023.

They are organizing a seminar on 14th May 2023 at the Southport Community Centre. It is free to attend but registration is required for catering purposes.

Melbourne, March 15 (IANS) A cook from India employed with a restaurant in Australia's Adelaide remained unpaid for two years after the owners threatened her with deportation if she reported the issue, media reports said.

Pawanjeet Heir received no wages, no overtime, no annual leave and no superannuation while working at Darshana's Curry and Tea House, an Indian restaurant in Mawson Lakes between 2013 and 2015, the ABC News reported.

According to her lawyer,

After finishing a course in cooking and hospitality management, Kiranbahai Patel offered her a position as a cook at the Darshana's Curry and Tea House restaurant in May 2013, to which she agreed. He initially paid her for four weeks in June and July 2013, the South Australian Employment Tribunal heard.

Further, Patel told Pawanjeet that she had to pay him AUS$30,000 for fees needed by the Department of Immigration and the Australian Taxation Office or he would get her visa canceled.

Patel also refused Pawanjeet's requests for sick leave and carers'

The tribunal also heard that Patel would credit salary into Pawanjeet's bank account, and she would withdraw it from the ATM and hand the money back to him to create a record showing he was paying her the correct amount, ABC News reported. Another hearing will be held to work out the penalties Patel will have to pay to Pawanjeet. Pawanjeet, meanwhile, has to take separate civil court action to reclaim her unpaid wages and superannuation.

The Department of Immigration audited the business that owned the restaurant and barred it from sponsoring any more visa holders.

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan temple, Brisbane welcomed more than 200 plus women on Saturday 25th March 2023 to celebrate IWD 2023 with an inspiring conference, titled ‘Make It Happen’. International Women’s Day, was ratified by the United Nations, as a way to honor the significant contributions of women throughout the course of history.

BAPS Brisbane held this event for a second year in a row through the conference to acknowledge the achievements of women and aimed to empower them with new skills, values, and motivation. The delegates’ aimed to reinforce resilience, build their self-belief, and harness their inner strength.

The keynote Speakers of the event were, Christine Castley, CEO of Multicultural Australia, Veena Goverdhan, Magistrate of Brisbane Court, and Jacqui Honeywood, Multicultural Unit lead QPS.

Addressing the gathering, Christine Castley expressed her feelings by saying she was “delighted to be here” and shared her experience through personal examples to explain what International Women’s Day means to her – “passion for helping” and being “mentally and physically prepared to take and face challenges.” She discussed her journey to reach the current level and urged the audience to have self-confidence and belief in their own efforts.

The second speaker of the evening was Jacqui Honeywood, who shared her inspiring experiences of resilience in balancing various roles as a woman and urged others to also fulfill their dreams and duties.

She instilled the importance of communal harmony and commended the efforts of BAPS towards working hard for spreading Love, Peace, and Harmony, and appreciating the values of tolerance taught at the BAPS temple.

The last keynote speaker of the evening was Veena Goverdhan and she lauded the efforts and initiatives of BAPS women volunteers for organizing such a wonderful and inspiring event. She showed her readiness for helping and supporting the women to make their dreams come true.

Other guests attended the event including Vernita Pennington, PLO Logan Police, and her team along with other invited community leaders. The event proved highly educative and inspirational for the delegates, as one young attendee later shared: “I genuinely believe in myself more now. The keynote addresses and the many informative video & activities have given me the tools to achieve more and make a greater impact in life.”

Upon departing from the temple, Veena Goverdhan further shared: “The temple is simply beautiful, divine, and very peaceful. The work done by women of all ages is equally inspirational and the spirit of volunteerism is unmatched.”

The theme “Make it Happen”, were artfully conveyed through various activity, video presentation, cultural performances, and addresses by esteemed guests who shared their inspiring testimonies and experiences.