INDIA NEWS
Dec 16-31, 2023 - Vol 4, Issue 10
COMMUNITY NEWS
Empowering women leaders: WISL program strengthens ties between Victorian and Indian schools Victoria’sIndia Strategy: Our Shared Future and is one of three school education initiatives enhancing engagement between Victorian and Indian schools by the Victorian Department of Education. Diwali celebrations took on a special significance this year for the twelve Victorian schools participating in the Women in School Leadership (WISL) program which connects women principals between Victoria and India.The festivities includedspecial assemblies, performances by Indianbackground students and staff, rangoli and candlelight holder making, and of course a delicious spread of Indian cuisine. These events were an opportunity to acknowledge a holiday that the second fastest growing community in Victoriacelebrates (FIAV) and brought the spirit of the festival to their school
communities. The Victorian school leaders participating in the WISL program recently concluded a two-week immersion experience in India, during which they spent some time in their Indian partner principals’ schools. Tania Sorbello, Principal of Fitzroy North Primary School, highlighted the unexpected discovery of ‘deep commonalities between the Australian and Indian education systemsas we strive to improve the academic, personal and social outcomes for the children entrusted in our care.’ The program is part of
The schools represent the department's four major regions, including metropolitan and regional areas which will showcase the breadth of experience Victoria's educators have to share. Ann Turner-Calleri, Principal of Edgars Creek Primary School, emphasized ‘the incredible connection with Indian families and children’, underlining the lasting impact of the program on fostering cultural ties with the Indian diaspora in her school community. The WISL program, spanning from August 2023 to May 2024, supports school leaders in engaging in online professional learning and reciprocal
immersion experiences in India and Victoria, focusing on the theme ‘Leading schools for social change’ with an emphasis on learning and well-being. One of the program’s highlights has been the formation of a strong network of inspiring women school leaders. Asha Prabhakar, Chair of the National Progressive Schools’ Conferenceand Principal of Bal Bharati Public School, Noida, India, expressed her gratitude to the Victorian school leaders, acknowledging the special connection forged during the program. “May this beautiful coming together of the IndiaAustralia family forge new bonds of togetherness and collaboration” she said. As the program progresses, Victorian and Indian school leaders are eagerly anticipating the reciprocal Victoria immersion experience in May 2024. Meanwhile, they will continue
to collaborate, engage in online workshops, and participate in coaching sessions, fostering a strong foundation for future collaboration and cultural exchange. The Women in School Leadership (WISL) Program, an initiative by the Victorian Department of Education, is developed and delivered by Asia Education Foundation (AEF) in partnership with the Australia India Institute and Melbourne Graduate School of Education at The University of Melbourne in Australia, and the National Progressive Schools’ Conferenceand O.P. Jindal Global University in India. For those interested in learning more about the WISL program, additional information can be found on the Asia Education Foundation website at www. asiaeducation.edu.au. Follow #WISLVicIndia on social media for program updates.
Seniors avail 10 million free public transport trips, so far
Brisbane, December 13 (Australia India News Newsdesk) Brisbane’s seniors have taken 10 million free trips and saved more than $13 million as part of Council’s free seniors’ offpeak travel initiative. Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the impressive milestone proved the success of the program that was introduced in October 2019. “Everyone is feeling cost of living pressures at the moment, so we want to make it affordable for our seniors to get out and about,” Cr Schrinner said.
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“This initiative was introduced around four years ago but continues to grow in popularity, with almost 2.8 million free trips taken last financial year, which is a 24 per cent year on year increase. “During October there were more than 410,000 free off-peak trips made, which is more than 13,200 a day, making it one of the busiest months since the introduction of the program. “This cost-saving initiative has put more than $13 million back into the pockets of our
city’s seniors and this relief is something we’re committed to continuing.
time - it saves me using the car and petrol, and of course saves money,” Ms Lawrence said.
“Our seniors make a huge contribution to shaping Brisbane and free off-peak travel is a simple way we can give back to those residents.”
Eva Broadbent, President of the 50 Plus Centre, said many attendees take public transport to events at the centre.
Using a Translink senior go card or Seniors Card +go, a senior travelling in their local area once a week could save around $148 a year. For residents travelling on a return journey from the outer suburbs into the CBD once per week, the savings are around $181 dollars a year. The Gap resident Kerry Lawrence, 81, often makes use of the offpeak travel initiative to get into the city, including Council’s 50 Plus Centre classes at City Hall. “I really appreciate senior’s free off- peak travel. I use it all the
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“For our members, the location is just so ideal as they know they can just get a bus, and seniors’ free off-peak travel makes it very easy,” Ms Broadbent said. “After going to work all their lives, it’s nice to get something back.” Cr Schrinner said Council's free and affordable activities gave seniors plenty of reasons to catch public transport. "There are plenty of great reasons to chalk up some free trips, including Origami at Sandgate Library, Zumba at Zillmere, TaiChi at New Farm Park or standup paddleboarding at Manly,” he said.
“Council offers a range of health and wellbeing activities for seniors all year round, including our Growing Older, Living Dangerously (GOLD) program, which has had more than 54,000 people participating in almost 4000 events over the past year. “Our 50 Plus Centre also offers a range of social events at City Hall including dancing and art classes for residents over 50. “Whether it's visiting friends and family, or attending one of Council’s Active and Healthy activities, free off-peak travel is a safe and reliable option for getting where you need to be.” Free off-peak travel is available to seniors on Council buses, CityCats and ferries between 8.30am-3.30pm and 7pm-6am on weekdays. Seniors can also travel for free on Council buses on weekends and public holidays.
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