Nepalese Voice September 2014 - Issue 16 by Nepalese Voice

Nepalese Voice Australia

linking Australia to Nepal ----------------------------------------------------

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Vol 02 | Issue 16 | September 2014 | www.nepalesevoice.com.au

event management Opportunities and Challenges

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46 | COVER STORY

Nepalese Voice

October2014 2013 | September

Australia

Election-Lesson for Unity of Nepalese community purpose Editorial

Contents

Record number of South Asian candidates Time for us to give it a go! Nepal Festival is being held across all Australian cities this year. Perth successfully held one, Sydney is all geared for 6th of September and Melbourne is preparing rigorously to stage best ever Nepal festival event on November 2nd. As an organiser, Non Residential Nepalese Association Victoria has By Ramjee Poudel done tremendous job in driving the mega event to the fruition.

Thisustralia year’s festival is thegeneral third time had its 44th electhe House on September 7thistobeing thattions an event of this sort andcommunity senate under heldofinrepresentative Victoria, many the Commonwealth of Australia Constitumembers have their own experiences tion from Act, 1900. In this the past two.election, Those, Liberal who directly and got National Liberal wonones 58 and seatsjust involved or the that22were respectively making it 90 for Liberal National spectators, they all have some -would Coalition giving 35 seat advantage against have been- and should have been-from the opponent Australian Labor Party. the previous two Nepal festival events. Subsequently, leader of the Liberal National Some Tony were Abbott proud the went,in as Coalition, has way beenitsworn some are still holding bitterness about a Prime minister of Australia for next three the things that did not go too well. years. In theofhistory of time Australian elections, Lots money, and other resourctwo major parties Australian Labor Party es got put into it. Was the investment and The Liberal Coalition have dominated worth the return? that can be argued. the lower house. Since the foundation of the However, should forget, the Liberal Party inwe 1944, thesenot two groups have first two laid the foundation for thewas formed every government and this year third. Nepal festival is not a cheap no different.

event to organise. This year’s estimated

Ramjee Poudel | Editor Email: editor@nepalesevoice.com.au

budget is around hundred thousand dollars. Within the same context , people opine “is it necessary to spent such large sum of money to promote Nepal? But the point here is, we are not just talking about how many Australians can we attract from this festival to go to Nepal. The essence of it is, in what other program in Australia, twenty thousands of us get to gather and shout out to “Nepal” together? It’s the common sentiment- it’s the sense of connection that we will demonstrate through the event- that no money can buy.

Skills and knowledge transfer in eastern Nepal | 15

A total of 26 candidates from South Asian origin stood up in the election.

There might have been weaknesses in Both major political parties made an the past two Nepal festivals from the attempt to inculcate South Asian candidates organiser point of view, but it’s about in their election campaign. Labor intended Concerned over dodgy Football signsManoj learning from them and moving on. toYeti capitalise on votersClub by recruiting Being judgemental, being dismissive migration agents| 23 former player | 33 for lower Kumar fromAPF Menzies in Melbourne doesn’t serve the cause. The success house and Bhupinder Kumar from Chibber in NSW for senate. Liberal however had four of Nepal festival is directly linked South Asian origin candidates jostling for with the pride of our community. The Disclaimer : the seat in parliament, three of them from success of this event lies in our hands. All the articles and photos published in Nepalese Voice are not necessarily endorsed by the Victoria. Green also had four candidates It is again time for us toMinister unite for Recently elected Prime ofaAustralia Mr Tonypublisher. Abbott All copy rights reserved to Nepalese Voice. No materials are to be copied and for them, the mostphotographs prominent being purpose. reproduced without the consent of Nepalese Voice.running All the articles, information,

Record Number of South Asian and Subcontinent candidates This election Voters got spoiled for Cover Photo Courtesy: Sabin Thapa, NNN Media

Number of Political Parties proliferated

This year’s election remained quite signifchoices as the number of registered politiicant for Asian and Subcontinent community cal parties have more than doubled since as we witnessed largest number of candidates the 2010 election, and is at a record high. from the region actively participating in Many termed the proliferation of parties a Publisher : Nepali Voice Pty. Ltd. the election. A total of 26 candidates from triumph for democracy, and the other called Executive Editor : Ramjee Poudel it opportunistic individuals and groups Graphic Designer : seeking publicity. More political parties wereRakesh Maharjan this year’s Result Web Designer : Gurung registered to contest the federal election thanRupert Community Liaison : Bom Yonzon ever before, with the Australian Electoral Party NSW VIC Commission approving the most: applica- Tara Gaire Marketing/Distribution Australian Labor Party 18 19 tionsAdelaide since party registration was: introducedHem Khanal (0401 572 176) Representative Liberal/National Coalition 30 16 in 1984. As theRepresentative entry criteria made Darwin : too easy Basudev Marahattha (0420 800 432) 24 more parties registered with Australian Liberal 14 Nepal Representative : Rajendra Upacharak (Nepal Editor) 23 Electoral Commission than Federal election Advisors : Dr. RajuLiberal Adhikari National Party 0 0 2010. Dr. Jagadish Timsina The Nationals 7 2 With some interesting names and (Sydney) manifesto, parties like Fishing and Lifestyle Rishi Acharya Country Liberals (NT) 0 0 Parties, Motoring Enthusiast Party, Austral- Dr. Anupam Pokhrel The Greens 0 1 ian Sports Party, Bullet Train for Australia, No Carbon tax Climate Sceptics and shooters Katter’s Australian Party 0 0 and Fishers Party took part. Some even voted Palmer United Party 0 0 for Australian Sex Party, Coke in the BubIndependent 0 1 blers party, Help end Marijuana Prohibition party, Smokers Right Party or Pirate Party Australia. Amongst the new entrants the Palmer United Party and the Katter’s Australian party left its entry mark in Australian politics with one seat each in their hand. And while 54 registered political parties may be a record high, given the two-party system and the rarity of minority governments, it’s still low when compared with some other countries.

Huge statue of Lord Shiva unveiled in Sydney | 16

AlexareBhathal from Batmanthat electorate from and advertising material published in Nepalese Voice on the understanding the supplier Melbourne’s North. Voice to use them. Southhas Asian origin up in the election obtained thestood necessary copyrights and grant permissions to Nepalese it islies the newer and Any liability or misunderstanding arising to obtain such enough permission entirely representing different political parties or asfrom failure Interestingly and exclusively theofprovider. The publisher does notknown guarantee the qualities of products lesser parties that had stronger presindependent for thewith seats both houses. and services Nepalese Voice.to ence of South Asian candidates representing This number mayadvertised not seeminbig compared them. Newly registered Palmer United Party the wide range of political platforms across had nine and the WikiLeakes Party had two Australia; but this certainly indicates the Subcontinent origin candidates standing in increasing Subcontinent interests in mainelection.(Sydney) stream Australian politics. Contributors/ Columnists : Bishamthe Thakuri

QLD WA SA TAS ACT 6

Radhika A. Poudel Nabin Pokhrel (UK) Bhadra Sharma (Nepal) Kamal raj Chapagain(Norway) NT National Won Last Election Sushil Pandey 1

Nepalese Community notices, newsletters, free write ups 22 12Voice6welcomes 3 0 1 90 73 and feedback including information about errors and suggestions to

editor@nepalesevoice.com.au 22 0 0 0 0 0

Office: 28-32 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, 0 Chefs 0 lead 0 the 0 way 0 in 0 9 VIC 3000 7 getting Postal Address: G.P.O. 5466, Melbourne, VIC 3001 0

0Australian 0 0

PR0| pg 134 1

Contact Number: 04490 913 0133 0 0 0 0

Not yet determined

TOTAL

150

DECLARED

two party count nationally Party / Coalition

Votes

Percentage %

Swing %

Australian Labor Party

5,069,128

46.63

-3.57

Liberal/National Coalition

5,802,835

53.37

+3.57

(Although the Australian government has been based on two-party system, for the Senate, the upper house – has the proportional representation and single transferable vote system in use since 1949, with optional group voting tickets since 1984.)

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September | October 2013 2014

COVER STORY | 75

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We can give it a go! Despite increasing South Asian representation in mainstream Australian politics, no Nepali has yet risen up to this challenge. As the fastest growing community in Australia, it would have been timely to see someone from the community advancing into the mainstream political platform to voice our concerns to a government level. “We are relatively new in compared to other South Asian Community, most of our population is a first generation migrants and has survival as the first priority however we don’t lack intelligence, awareness and education to compete and integrate into Australian politics. It is now the need of hour that someone begins chipping it away” says a community leader. A political science student from Latrobe University says “the awareness of political participation is directly related to the history of migration. Lack of familiarity with the political system would translate into lack of participation.” In our case, we have hundreds

of Nepalese who have made noteworthy achievements in businesses and academia, many hold extensive backgrounds and distinguished careers, we have produced hundreds of affluent personalities but we are lagging political participation. That said, off late we are starting to see many Nepalese youths showing promises leading the community. And that is a step closer for us to be able to capitalise on the democratic platform provided by our adopted country, the great nation Australia. We can do this and all we need to do is to give it a go. Unlike in the US where many Nepalese have gained clout in mainstream politics, such as Darshan Rauniyaar who ran for congress in 2012 election, we are still to have the privilege of voting for a Nepali candidate in Australia. As a community we are hungry for the real leadership. Hopefully the day comes sooner than it looks.

TA-0033139 Dr Ali Khan - Liberal (second from left) during his election campaign

Discover Nepal, Discover Yourself

South Asian origin candidates from Victoria in 2013 Federal Election Candidate

Party

Position

Electorate

Dr Ali Khan

Liberal

HOR

Calwell

Alex Bhathal

Greens

HOR

Batman

Dinesh Jayasuriya

Greens

HOR

Gorton

Palmer United

HOR

Holt

Palmer United

HOR

Isaacs

Liberal

HOR

Lalor

Labor

HOR

Menzies

Liberal

HOR

Scullin

Shilpa Hegde

Liberal

HOR

Wills

Gurminder Sekhon

Greens

Senate

Binoy Kampmark

Wikileaks Party

Senate

Jatinder Singh Avtar Singh Gill Nihal Sharma Manoj Kumar Jag Chuga

Cargo & Courier Services

many Nepalese youths showing Travel promises leading the community. Insurance And that is a step closer for us to be ...off late we are starting to see

able to capitalise on the democratic platform provided by our adopted country, the great nation Australia. We can do this and all we need to do is to give it a go.

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CoverSTORY story 66 | COVER

October2014 2013 | September

Nepalese Voice Australia

Election-Lesson for Nepalese community Melbourne Band “Mokshya” Photo: Sabin Thapa, NNN Media

Record number of South Asian candidates Time for us to give it a go!

event management A By Ramjee Poudel

Opportunities and Challenges

ustralia had its 44th general elections on September 7th to the House of representative and senate under the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act, 1900. In this election, Liberal and National Liberal won 58 and 22 seats respectively making it 90 for Liberal National Coalition giving 35 seat advantage against vents are way of life in modern society. They are form munity based activities, it poses a topic of discussion for the the opponent Australian Labor Party. of expressions, whether it is private celebrations, pocommunity as to how profound and impactful these events are Subsequently, leader of the Liberal National litical rallies, public grief, sports tournaments, musical being for us. Coalition, Tony Abbott has been sworn in as concerts or even fund raising gathering, events mirror the a Prime minister of Australia for next three As it stands: society. It’s a show of strength and solidarity. In modern society years. Only till half a decade ago Nepali events in Victoria were In the history Australian organised eventsofare used forelections, multiple purposes and the basic rare occurrences. Apart from family and festival gatherings, two major Australian Labor Partyis a proper management. criteria forparties all the successful events there weren’t many public events happening as such. Few years and Nepali The Liberal Coalition have dominated community is the fastest growing field for event on, the scenario has changed dramatically. Commercial event the lower house. Since the foundation of the managers. Rapidly growing Nepali population has led to the Liberal Party in 1944, these two groups have management companies, community organisations such as proliferation of large number of event management firms and formed every government and this year was NRN and and Mr sports Recently elected Prime Minister ofNAV Australia Tonyclubs-they Abbott all use events to meet individuals no different. that are appraising their future prospect into it. their aspirations. We now see pubic events being held almost

There are few

Both major political parties made an established event attempt to inculcate South Asian candidates in their election campaign. Labor intended management firms but to capitalise on voters by recruiting Manoj Kumar fromare Menziessome in Melbourne for lower there new house and Bhupinder Kumar from Chibber ones lackhowever what’s in NSW forthat senate. Liberal had four South Asian origin candidates jostling for required to put up a the seat in parliament, three of them from Victoria. Green also had four candidates successful event. running for them, the most prominent being Alex Bhathal from Batman electorate from Melbourne’s North. Interestingly enough it is the newer and lesser known parties that had stronger presence of South Asian candidates representing them. Newly registered Palmer United Party had nine and the WikiLeakes Party had two Subcontinent origin candidates standing in the election.

In Victoria alone there are over half a dozen event manevery second day. It is South a natural progression for events and acAsian origin stood up in the election agement companies that areParties active. Most are Record commercial Number of South Number of Political tivities to occur as by-products of growingpolitical Nepaliparties population representing different or as firms and their motive behind organising events is effectively Asian and Subcontinent proliferated but the disproportionalindependent supply versus demand can have for the seats of bothalso houses. to make bucks and there are few that also want to use their candidates This election Voters got spoiled for negative effects to all stakeholders. events to givenumber back toofcommunity. Since these are theyear’s com-election remained quite signif- This number may not seem big compared to This choices as the registered politithe wide range of political platforms across icant for Asian and Subcontinent community cal parties have more than doubled since Australia; but this certainly indicates the as we witnessed largest number of candidates the 2010 election, and is at a record high. increasing Subcontinent interests in mainfrom the region actively participating in Many termed the proliferation of parties a stream Australian politics. the election. A total of 26 candidates from triumph for democracy, and the other called it opportunistic individuals and groups seeking publicity. More political parties wereNepalese Association Non Residential Nepalese Association, this year’s ResultMost event management companies rely on the sponregistered to contest the federal election than sorship from businesses and the ticket sale. As there are of Victoria and other community organise various activities ever before, with the Australian Electoral Party NSW VIC QLD WA SA TAS NT limited number of Nepali businesses, there is onlyACT so much as part of their event the calendars. NAV’s Dashain festival , Teej Commission approving most applicathey can offer. Leave a couple, there aren’t too many busiAustralian Labor Party 18 19 6 3 5 1 2 1 Mela , Childrens’s Day arewas increasingly tions since party registration introducedpopular. These events nesses that can allocate significant marketing budget. So play an important role in preservation of our traditional Liberal/National Coalition 30 16 22 12 6 3 0 1 in 1984. As the entry criteria made too easy event managers are left with no options but to turn to same Whatregistered NAV does with its festivals is an extraordinary 24culture. more parties with Australian Liberal 23 14 0 12 6 3 0 0 businesses again and again for sponsorships.“Too many, Electoral Commission thanharmony. Federal election example of community Highly participated and Liberal National Party too soon”0 has also 0 affected 22 the 0revenue 0 from0 ticket0 sale. So 0 2010. thoroughly embraced. For instance, Teej Mela, a yearly NAV The Nationals 7 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 the shrinking budgets have directly effect on the quality of With some interesting names and event is probably the biggest of Nepali women gathering not manifesto, parties like Fishing and Lifestyle the event. Country Liberals (NT) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 only in Australia but in the whole Nepalese Diaspora. Such Parties, Motoring Enthusiast Party, AustralThere are few established event management firms but events are a pride of the community. The Greens 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 ian Sports Party, Bullet Train for Australia, there are some new ones that lack what’s required to put Events become a means for businesses to proNo Carbon taxhave Climate Sceptics and shooters Katter’s Australian Party 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 up a successful event. The recent trend also suggest that 0 mote their products andSome services. As they could get their and Fishers Party took part. even voted Palmer United Party 0 organisers 0 0 the glamour 0 0 many new do1 these 0events 0just for straight to the target formessage Australian Sex Party, Coke in themarket, Bub- many Nepalese of it rather than with a long term vision. This has resulted 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 businesses areend hosting community events orIndependent sponsoring blers party, Help Marijuana Prohibition

Opportunities

A total of 26 candidates from South Asian origin stood up in the election.

Challenges

National

Won Last Election

58Norgen 44 Norboo Solangture 9 Our name 7is self explanatory about our

vision. Solangture represents Society, 1 Language and Culture. The work that 1 we have done 1 is like an open book for 1 everyone in 0 the community to see. Hava few years into this we 1 ing spent quite 0 are now clear about our direction as an 2 4 event management company. in many unsuccessful events, an embarrassment for the party, Smokers Right agents, Party oreducational Pirate Party institutes them. Migration Notand yet colleges, determined 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Event is not just about a rock organiser, performers and the participants. Australia. Amongst restaurants the new entrants travel agencies, theythe all seem to be on board. So TOTAL 48 37 30 15 11 5 2 2 150 - colleagues who have just concert. Our In conclusion, events should have some sort of positive Palmer United and events the Katter’s its suffice toParty say that haveAustralprovided a great platform DECLARED 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 - field should know that there entered this iantoparty its entry mark Australian impact on community. After, having spent so much in linkleft businesses to itsinprimary customers directly. In is unlimited possibilities that we can politics with one seat each in their hand. organising it, there should be some sort of an effect that that sense, it’s a win-win for businesses, event management And while 54 registered political parties explore. Corporate events to wedding two party count nationally could better us as community. If we intend to just gather companies thegiven general community members. Business may be a recordand high, the two-party parties, there is so much we can do. and party, by all means, it’s an individual right. But if we get toand reach out tooftheir potential clients, organisers get Party / Coalition Votes Percentage % Swing % system the rarity minority governManaging events requires creativity. are promoting, publicising and selling it as a public eventsponsored and the community get to know about more ments, it’s still low when compared with Australian Labor Party 5,069,128 46.63 -3.57be thinking about innovaWe should we need to be careful. service some otherproviders countries. to choose from. Liberal/National Coalition 5,802,835 53.37 +3.57 tive ideas for each project. Everyone is Events have also become a way of recreation for the fantastic in their own unique way, but community, specially for youths that would(Although otherwise the Australian government has been based on two-party system, for the Senate, the upper house – has the we need to do a bit more reflection on proportional representation and single transferable vote system in use since 1949, with optional group voting tickets since 1984.) work around the clock, to just chill and enjoy some times our own work and find ways to improve with mates. ourselves.

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cover COVERstory STORY | 77

September | October 2013 2014 Events are very good way to show our existence to the broader Australian society. Such activities are also important in promoting Nepal’s tourism and investment potential. There are many emerging firms and individual doing events front left and centre. At this moment we need to collaborate and plan a yearly event calendar. That’s a suggestion to all my colleague, but Smart Access Entertain Australia is publishing a calendar of its of Nepalese whoyear. have made noteworthy own for next

In Melbourne’s context, It’s encouraging to see lots of new event companies are coming up. We can do bigger and better events if all organisers work together to benefit each other’s project.

We can give it a go! Despite increasing South Asian representation in mainstream Australian politics, no Nepali has yet risen up to this challenge. As Pranish Manandhar the fastest growing community in Australia, Mila Creations it would have been timely to see someone Our aim is toadvancing bring ourinto commufrom main the community the mainstream to voice ourbe nity closerpolitical throughplatform entertainment, concerns a government level. it moviestoor events at the same time “We are relatively new compared not missing out on the in element of to fun. other South Asian Community, most of our Capturing those moments on photos population is a first generation migrants and reliving the event through videos. and has survival as the first priority however I Solangture andawareness S-Eventsand ‘were wethink don’t lack intelligence, and still are’ the pioneers of Nepalese education to compete and integrate into Event Management comers Australian politics. It is and now new the need of hour can learn from them. that someone begins chipping it away” says a community leader. With the growing number of A political studentmedia from Latrobe events beingscience held, social such University says “the awareness of political as Facebook has made it easier to participation is directly related to the history promote them. said, wewith gotthe to be of migration. LackThat of familiarity careful that we don’ttranslate oversupply our political system would into lack of participation. In our case, wemass have hundreds activities to” the broader just so

achievements in businesses and academia, many hold extensive backgrounds and distinguished careers, we have produced hundreds of affluent personalities but we are lagging political participation. That said, off late we are starting to see many Nepalese youths showing promises leading the community. And that is a step closer for us to be able to capitalise on the democratic platform provided by our adopted country, the great nation Australia. We can do this and all we need to do is to give it a go. Unlike in the US where many Nepalese have gained clout in mainstream politics, such as Darshan Rauniyaar who ran for congress in 2012 election, we are still to have the privilege of voting for a Nepali candidate in Sunod Shrestha Australia. As a community we are hungry for S-Events & Multi Media the real leadership. Hopefully the day comes sooner than it looks. For us it’s all about quality and profes-

Prakash Thakuri Yours Events

Yours events is related to our life style. It’s been eight months since it was established. In our short existence we have tried to present some experimental ideas through our events. We did ‘Dhaka Sudeep Neupane topi(Nepali Hat) and Masquerade’, that Brotherhood Nepal had patriotism written all over it. We recently completed ‘Sounds of Spring’ Brotherhood Nepal came to Melwhere more than thirty artistes from all bourne’s event management scene to over Australia participated. We do event support various social causes. I, having for happiness. It’s our passion and we been an undergraduate student of event will follow it regardless of the commermanagement course, had conceptucial outcome. alised Brotherhood Nepal. My close We also want to take this opportufriends Bhushan Shrestha, Gyanendra nity to show respect to our seniors in Bastola and Raghav also share the Dr Ali Khan - Liberal (second from left) during his election campaign the industry, specially Solangture and sionalism. S-Events wants to not just do same vision. We wanted to bring about events does not lose its charm. All in S-events. They have done a tremendous events in Nepali community but also something fresh. Our company’s name all, the positives definitely outweigh service to the community. Our respect enter mainstream. Our track record has suggests what we want to achieve, that the negatives .If origin allof us can work to- from also goes to Mr Tonnu Ghothane, who South Asian candidates Victoria in capable 2013 Federal Election shown that we are of executing is to spread the feeling of brotherhood in a sense is a founder of this concept. gether that will lead us to better Nepany kind of events. We have got the skill, among community members. Candidate Party Electorate Our advise to the upcoming event alese Events in the future. We also knowledge andPosition expertise to pull off any There are plenty of event compamanagers is that it’s a serious job. Do sort of event managements. However, get new nies in Melbourne who are doing a...off late Dr to Aliexplore Khan new possibilities, Liberal HOR Calwell we are starting to see your research and study feasibility of there are challenges and we are prepared great job to organise fantastic events. venues, new methods of marketing, Alex Bhathal Greens HOR Batman many your Nepalese youths project before youshowing start it. to overcome them with new and fresh As audience ourselves, we attend varnew artists, talents, acts etc there is Dinesh Jayasuriya Greens HOR Gorton strategies. ious events, movies and concerts and always something to learn from one promises leading the community. We would like enjoyed them. But our goal is to add Jatinder Singh Palmer HORto tell our upcoming Holt another. A healthy competition is United And that is a step closer for us to be folks to do enough research, and at the aspect of charity to those events. something after, Avtar Singhthat Gill should be sought Palmer United HOR Isaacs least gain certain knowledge about Therefore, we created the company able to capitalise on the democratic while not forgetting fun and Liberal enterNihal Sharma HOR before you take up Lalor event management with the motto “Supporting social tainment for all. platform provided by our adopted a project. causes through entertainment” that Manoj Kumar Labor HOR Menzies country, the great nation Australia. reflects the true meaning of BrotherJag Chuga Liberal HOR Scullin hood Nepal. We can do this and all we need to Shilpa Hegde Liberal HOR Wills In terms of management, we all Gurminder Sekhon Greens Senate -make mistakes along the process. do is to give it a go. It’s about learning from them and Binoy Kampmark Wikileaks Party Senate improving ourselves. We appreciate all the other existing event companies who welcomed us with open arms and supported our cause. In a short period of time Sree Rudra Silwal we have been able to do quite a few Chahalpahal Melbourne events and that was all possible due We established Chahalpahal Melbourne to to all your help. help out in Nepal’s social sector. We also aim to promote new artist while honouring the old. From our recent event we raised some Bibhusan Joshi (Sun) Sanjay Shah fund for Sindupalvhowk victim. We also Smart Access Entertain “A healthy competition sponsored the local football club in Pokhara. Neplay Events Australia In that sense, Chahalpahal Melbourne is all is something that Nepaly Events is focused on deliverabout giving back to the community. Our entry in event management is due ing a quality events. We want to give should be sought We have lots of other event organisation to the passion that we had to present our unique twist to each event that we in Melbourne but not everyone maintains after, while not a top class event to Melbourne Nepali do. We want to maintain professionalprofessionalism. We see lots of them just community. With due respect to our ism and give our followers what they forgetting fun and focused on making profit. Community predecessors, we wanted to do it bigger want. Whether it’s a movie or a musical events should not always be used as cheap and better. With each of our events, we entertainment for all.” concert, we want to make sure that advertisement strategy. want to work towards promoting Nepali we make it all worth for our audience. In sharing our experience with other music, Nepal instruments and Nepali - Pranish Manandhar Being a event management company, we colleagues, we would like to say that having culture to the world. Our followers will see it our responsibility to also promote a good strategy, creativity, planning and Mila Creations see all those elements in our upcoming Nepal’s music and artists and that’s what enthusiasm is important, otherwise your projects. arrival won’t make any mark. we are here for.

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ASTROLOGY STORY 86 | COVER

October2014 2013 | September

Nepalese Voice Australia

Election-Lesson for Nepalese community

Nepalese Voice YEARLY MEMBERSHIP

Horoscope September 2014

Aries

AA good month for working towards your financial, professional, and leadership goals. All three are in sync at various points this month. Health and social life looks average. You also have a huge amount of playful and adventurous energy promoting the idea that you should love.

involving your ability to get along with local friends and family and includes all of those lovely electronic gadgets that we love as well as your ability to bargain hunt, negotiate, communicate, and get yourself around town.

Virgo

Financial and romantic relationships are benefitting from excellent conversations, negotiations, and finding ways to compromise and to create a sense of security in the relationships. At times, your financial goals are clashing with your playtime activities, luxury shopping, or date nights.

tion. You are fun to hang out with and an excellent team player. This is also an excellent time for Internet activities and networking projects. And yet, as you juggle work, home, and social obligations, your heart is mostly interested in playtime activities, creative pursuits, hobbies, loved ones, travel, cultural studies, and intelligent things that will broaden your horizon.

If you are a regular readers of Nepalese Voice and would like to subscribe the copy of our magazine, sign up now.

Capricorn

Record number of South Asian candidates Time for us to give it a go! Libra Taurus

You are more interested in your romantic and financial partnerships at this time. Things appear to be going fairly well within these types of partnerships too. You are in the mood to bond with a loved one and to focus on what it is that entertains the two of you.

Gemini

By Ramjee Poudel Things are going much better at work

now that all of last month’s drama has ended. You are able to get a lot accomplished and win the respect of your peers. Next 44th For general elecmonth, it ustralia should behad evenits better. all of your th House tions September productivity andon great work ethic,7doto notthe forget to representative and take someoftime out for playtime thissenate month.under

the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act, 1900. In this election, Liberal Cancer over a won year, Uranus and NationalFor Liberal 58 andwas 22 trapped seats battle from your success and respectively in making it 90within for Liberal National leadership sector in which against he could Coalition giving 35 seat advantage not help you to shine as the uniquely talented, clever, the opponent Australian Labor Party. and creative person that you are.Liberal Now that the battle Subsequently, leader of the National is once again on hiatus, he is able to work with both Coalition, Tony Abbott has been sworn in as your personal wealth sector and your productivity a Prime minister of Australia for next three sector to help begin making progress again. years. In the history Leoof Australian elections, two major parties Australian Labor Two areas of your chart are Party lighting up and The Liberal have One dominated withCoalition positive activity. is the area the lower house. Since the foundation of the Liberal Party in 1944, these two groups have formed every government and this year was no different.

Number of Political Parties proliferated

This election Voters got spoiled for choices as the number of registered political parties have more than doubled since the 2010 election, and is at a record high. Many termed the proliferation of parties a triumph for democracy, and the other called it opportunistic individuals and groups seeking publicity. More political parties were registered to contest the federal election than ever before, with the Australian Electoral Commission approving the most applications since party registration was introduced in 1984. As the entry criteria made too easy 24 more parties registered with Australian Electoral Commission than Federal election 2010. With some interesting names and manifesto, parties like Fishing and Lifestyle Parties, Motoring Enthusiast Party, Australian Sports Party, Bullet Train for Australia, No Carbon tax Climate Sceptics and shooters and Fishers Party took part. Some even voted for Australian Sex Party, Coke in the Bubblers party, Help end Marijuana Prohibition party, Smokers Right Party or Pirate Party Australia. Amongst the new entrants the Palmer United Party and the Katter’s Australian party left its entry mark in Australian politics with one seat each in their hand. And while 54 registered political parties may be a record high, given the two-party system and the rarity of minority governments, it’s still low when compared with some other countries.

You and your romantic, social, or business partner began experiencing quite a bit of fun, profits, and/or good luck while socializing, or working on Internet, team, or group oriented activities. This month you still have plenty of that going on, but now the two of you are also getting along with extended family, neighbors, and community members.

Scorpio

This month is a bit of a hodgepodge. At various times, you have excellent professional, social, financial, and community-oriented opportunities. The annoying things still happen, but not as intensely as they were a few months ago and they are mostly overshadowed by the good times.

Your social life, home life, and career are all busy with a lot of good things happening. Yes, there is the occasional argument or challenge, but mostly you are just running around like crazy as you juggle all of the exciting and productive developments in your life. You manage to find time to continue learning and exploring new ways of seeing the world too.

Aquarius

Political, legal, cultural, religious, academic, travel, and/or media related challenges are causing some headaches this month. People are argumentative know-it-alls. There are a number of times when it seems as if everything that can go wrong will go wrong within these topics. But the good news is that you are still doing really well financially, professionally, romantically, and socially.

Annual Subscription: $50 A total of 26 candidates from Yearly South Asian origin Half stood up in the election. Subscription: $30

Pisces

You and a partner or rival are disagreeing about something. However, the two of you are able to find diplomatic solutions and you could even have some fun while opening your minds to learning new things together. You also have some excellent opportunities to work towards achieving your financial, fitness, leadership, and professional goals.

Both major Email us political on parties made an attempt to inculcate South Asian candidates editor@nepalesevoice.com.au in their election campaign. Labor intended call on usvoters on 0449913133 to or capitalise by recruiting Manoj Sagittarius Kumar from Menzies in Melbourne for lower You end up with a bit of a tug of war www.nepalesevoice.com.au house and Bhupinder Kumar from Chibber between work and home, but it is your in NSW for senate. Liberal however had four social life that really has your attenSouth Asian origin candidates jostling for the seat in parliament, three of them from Victoria. Green also had four candidates Recently elected Prime Minister of Australia Mr Tony Abbott running for them, the most prominent being Alex Bhathal from Batman electorate from Melbourne’s North. South Asian origin stood up in the election Record Number of South Interestingly enough it is the newer and representing different political parties or as Asian and Subcontinent lesser known parties that had stronger presindependent for the seats of both houses. !"Mul&ple"Chef"de"Par&e"roles candidates ence of South Asian candidates representing This number may not seem big compared to This year’s election remained quite signif!"Work"across"all"sta&ons them. Newly registered Palmer United Party the wide range of political platforms across icant for Asian and Subcontinent community had nine and the WikiLeakes Party had two Australia; but this certainly!"Beau&ful"Yarra"Valley"loca&on indicates the as we witnessed largest number of candidates Subcontinent origin candidates standing in increasing Subcontinent interests in main!"Visa"sponsorship"op&ons from the region actively participating in the election. stream Australian politics. the election. A total of 26 candidates from

Chef%de%Par*e%Victoria%0%Sponsorship%& pathway%to%Permanent%Residency

Party

NSW VIC

Australian Labor Party

Liberal/National Coalition

NextMove"Recruitment"has"mul&ple"Chef"de"Par&e"roles"working with"our"Client"who"is"a"5"star"Vineyard"Resort"&"Spa"located"just 50"minutes"from"the"CBD"in"the"stunning"Yarra"Valley."The"kitchen QLD WA SA TAS ACT NT National Won Last Election currently"operates"with"a"team"of"9"and"have"a"proven"history"of 6 3 5 1 2 1 55 72 22 12 6 3 0 promo&ng"within. 1 90 73

Liberal

Liberal National Party

The Nationals

Country Liberals (NT)

The Greens

Katter’s Australian Party

Palmer United Party

Independent

Not yet determined

TOTAL

0 your"sponsorship"commitment"with"a"great"salary"and"provide"a 0 0 0 0 0 0 -

DECLARED

this year’s Result

The"successful"candidate’s"will"have"a"proven"background"working 22 0 0 0 0 0 22 21 with"buﬀet"style"and"a"le"cart"menus."Pastry"skills"will"be"highly 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 7 advantageous."As"a"Chef"de"Par&e"you"will"get"to"work"across"all 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 kitchen"sta&ons"and"learn"and"develop"your"skills"from"a"highly 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 successful"and"driven"Exec"Head"Chef"who"encourages"his"team"to 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 add"their"own"touch"to"the"menu. 0 0 1 0 0 2 4 If"you"are"currently"on"457"Visa,"our"client"is"happy"to"take"over

30pathway"to"permanent"residency"for"the"right"applicant.""Foreign 15 11 5 2 2 150 0 na&onals"that"are"currently"in"Australia"and"looking"for"business 0 0 0 0 0 0 -

Party / Coalition

sponsorship"must"meet"the"English"language"requirements"as dictated"for"the"grant"of"an"Australian"visa"as"sponsorship Votes Percentage % Swing % opportuni&es"ARE"available.

Australian Labor Party

5,069,128

two party count nationally

Liberal/National Coalition

46.63

-3.57

5,802,835 53.37 +3.57 For"further"informa&on"and"a"conﬁden&al"assessment"of"your

experience,"please"contact"Peta"Murphy (Although the Australian government has been based on two-party system, for the Senate, the upper house – has the admin@nextmoverecruitment.com.au. proportional representation and single transferable vote system in use since 1949, with optional group voting tickets since 1984.)

www.nepalesevoice.com.au | Email: editor@nepalesevoice.com.au | Phone: 0449 913 133

inclusion, integration & collaboration through media...

Nepalese Voice Australia

community COVER STORY | 79

September | October 2013 2014

Protect yourself when booking holidays, says Australian government

We can give it a go! A

new campaign by Australia’s consumer protection agencies is reminding travellers of the simple steps they can take to protect their travel and holiday bookings. Director of Consumer Affairs VictoDespite increasing South Asian representationDr in Claire mainstream Australian politics, no ria Noone says that increased Nepali has yetand risenthe upgrowth to this challenge. competition of onlineAs the fastest growing community in Australia, bookings has changed the way people it would have been timely to see plan and purchase their trips. someone “For some from the community advancing into the people, booking a holiday might be a mainstream political platform to voice our quick and simple process, while others concerns to a government level. put “We a lotare of relatively time andnew effort into planning in compared to their trips.” other South Asian Community, most of our “We know thatgeneration Australians love population is a first migrants and has survival as the go firstback priority however travelling, and many to their we don’t lack awareness countries of intelligence, origan to visit familyand and education says to compete and integrate into friends,” Dr. Noone. Australian politics. is now the need ofmade hour Statistics showIt that Australians that someone begins chipping it away” says a nine million trips overseas in the past community leader. year.A “It is easy to get too excited about political science student from Latrobe aUniversity holiday says and “the forget about the simple awareness of political precautions you should be taking participation is directly related to the to history protect your Lack purchase.” of migration. of familiarity with the political system says wouldthat translate of Dr Noone apart into fromlack proparticipation. In our case, we have tections that”all consumers havehundreds under the Australian Consumer Law, there are

some basic steps they can take to protect their purchases. “Reputation and customer service is a really simple way of making sure that your holiday is going to be a great one,” says Dr Noone. of Nepalese who have made noteworthy achievements businesses “Look at in reviews andand askacademia, family, many hold backgrounds and distinfriends andextensive others in your community guished we have produced hundreds for theircareers, recommendations. If you are of affluent personalities but we are lagging booking with a travel agent, check that political participation. they are accredited. Any business you That said, off late we are starting to see book with, either in person or online, many Nepalese youths showing promises should have clearly stated refund leading the community. And that is a and step complaint policies.” closer for us to be able to capitalise on Consumersplatform can alsoprovided protectby themthe democratic our adoptedby country, the great Australia. selves choosing how nation they pay for We can do this and all we need to do is to their travel. give“Credit it a go. cards can be a more expenthe US many but Nepalese siveUnlike way toinpay forwhere purchases do have gained clout in mainstream politics, offer some protection as consumers may such as Darshan Rauniyaar who ran for conbe able to seek a reverse payment from gress in 2012 election, we are still to have the their bank if theyfor book and do not getin privilege of voting a Nepali candidate what they paid for.” Australia. As a community we are hungry for Consumers can ask theirthebank to the real leadership. Hopefully day comes sooner than it looks. if it was made with reverse a payment credit cards or by selecting ‘credit’ on Mastercard or Visa debit cards, not

if they paid by ‘cheque’ or ‘savings’ on debit cards, cash, cheque, money transfer, direct debit or BPAY. Holidaymakers are strongly encouraged to take out comprehensive travel insurance when they are travelling, and check what circumstances and activities are not covered by their policies. For more tips and information on how to book your next holiday safely, visit www. packsomepeaceofmind.gov.au

“Look at reviews and ask family, friends and others in your community for their recommendations. If you are booking with a travel agent, check that they are accredited. Any business you book with, either in person or online, should have clearly stated refund and complaint policies.” Dr Ali Khan - Liberal (second from left) during his election campaign

South Asian origin candidates from Victoria in 2013 Federal Election Candidate

Party

Position

Electorate

Dr Ali Khan

Liberal

HOR

Calwell

...off late we are starting to see

Alex Bhathal

Greens

HOR

Batman

many Nepalese youths showing

Dinesh Jayasuriya

Greens

HOR

Gorton

Jatinder Singh

Palmer United

HOR

Holt

promises leading the community.

Avtar Singh Gill

Palmer United

HOR

Isaacs

Nihal Sharma

Liberal

HOR

Lalor

Manoj Kumar

Labor

HOR

Menzies

Jag Chuga

Liberal

HOR

Scullin

Shilpa Hegde

Liberal

HOR

Wills

Gurminder Sekhon

Greens

Senate

Binoy Kampmark

Wikileaks Party

Senate

inclusion, integration & collaboration through media...

And that is a step closer for us to be able to capitalise on the democratic platform provided by our adopted country, the great nation Australia. We can do this and all we need to do is to give it a go.

Phone: 0449 913 133 | Email: editor@nepalesevoice.com.au | www.nepalesevoice.com.au

6 | COVER STORY 10 community

Nepalese Voice

October2014 2013 | September

Australia

Election-Lesson for Nepalese community Record number of South Asian candidates Time for us to give it a go! By Ramjee Poudel

A total of 26 candidates from South Asian origin stood up in the election.

Nepal sets world’s largest

human flag record

anthem played, participants held up crimson, blue white coloured cardNumber of and Political Parties board for 10 minutes on an open ground proliferated in Kathmandu’s city centre to form the This election Voters got spoiled for national flag. choices as the number of registered politiCries of “Nepal!” rang out assince particcal parties have more than doubled ipants theand cardboard pieces in the the 2010threw election, is at a record high. Many termed the proliferation of parties a triumph for democracy, and the other called it opportunistic individuals and groups seeking publicity. More political parties were registered to contest the federal election than ever before, with the Australian Electoral Commission approving the most applications since party registration was introduced in 1984. As the entry criteria made too easy 24 more parties registered with Australian Electoral Commission than Federal election 2010. With some interesting names and manifesto, parties like Fishing and Lifestyle Parties, Motoring Enthusiast Party, Australian Sports Party, Bullet Train for Australia, No Carbon tax Climate Sceptics and shooters and Fishers Party took part. Some even voted for Australian Sex Party, Coke in the Bubblers party, Help end Marijuana Prohibition party, Smokers Right Party or Pirate Party Australia. Amongst the new entrants the Palmer United Party and the Katter’s Australian party left its entry mark in Australian politics with one seat each in their hand. And while 54 registered political parties may be a record high, given the two-party system and the rarity of minority governments, it’s still low when compared with some other countries.

Both major political parties made an attempt to inculcate South Asian candidates in their election campaign. Labor intended to capitalise on voters by recruiting Manoj Kumar from Menzies in Melbourne for lower house and Bhupinder from Chibber now submit its claimKumar with photographic in NSW for senate. Liberal however had four and video evidence for a new record to South Asian origin candidates jostling for the headquarters of Guinness World Rethe seat in parliament, three of them from cords in Green London. expect Guinness Victoria. alsoThey had four candidates World Records to give a ruling on their running for them, the most prominent being submission two months. Alex Bhathal within from Batman electorate from The current record for the world’s Melbourne’s North. Interestingly enough itflag is the newer and largest human national was set in lesser known parties that had stronger February 2014 when 28,957 peoplepresence of South Asian candidates gathered in Lahore, Pakistan,representing to create them. Newly registered Palmer United Party a Pakistani flag, according to Guinness had nine and the WikiLeakes Party had two World Records. Subcontinent origin candidates standing in the election.

air to celebrate after the attempt. Nepal’s peace process begun after the end of a flag is the world’s only one which is not a ten-year civil war in 2006. Leaders have quadrilateral. Instead it is comprised of promised an inclusive constitution and two triangles. federalism, ending gender and casteRecently elected Prime Australia Mrbased Tony Abbott “We conceived thisMinister idea to of spread discrimination. Numbered tickets were handed out the message that all our countrymen are united under one flag,of ” said Bhawesh to participants to stood keep up a count how South Asian origin in theof election Record Number South representing different political parties or as Khanal, president of Human Values for many took part in the flag event. “Our Asian and Subcontinent independent for theThousands seats of bothofhouses. vision came true. people Peace and Prosperity, the group that candidates This maytonot seem bigcountry’s comparedflag to camenumber together form our spearheaded the event. This year’s election remained quite signifthe wide range of political platforms across and claim a new world record,” Khanal is inand theSubcontinent process of drafting a icantNepal for Asian community Australia; but this certainly indicates the new a key step in a stalled told the media. He said the group will as we constitution, witnessed largest number of candidates increasing Subcontinent interests in mainstream Australian politics.

from the region actively participating in the election. A total of 26 candidates from

this year’s Result Party

NSW VIC

QLD

TAS ACT

National

Won Last Election

Australian Labor Party

Liberal/National Coalition

Liberal

Liberal National Party

The Nationals

Country Liberals (NT)

The Greens

Katter’s Australian Party

Palmer United Party

Independent

Not yet determined

TOTAL

150

DECLARED

two party count nationally Party / Coalition

Votes

Percentage %

Swing %

Australian Labor Party

5,069,128

46.63

-3.57

Liberal/National Coalition

5,802,835

53.37

+3.57

www.nepalesevoice.com.au | Email: editor@nepalesevoice.com.au | Phone: 0449 913 133

inclusion, integration & collaboration through media...

community

6 | COVER 12 NRN STORY

October2014 2013 | September

Nepalese Voice Australia

NRN Victoria highlights it’s Election-Lesson for accomplishment from the first year

Nepalese community

W Record number of South Asian candidates e take immense pleasure in sharing NRNA Victoria’s accomplishment in the past one year. After the formation of a new committee with the unanimous vote last year, NRNA Victoria has not only maintained its position as an umbrella organisation by binding all Nepalese living in theRamjee state ofPoudel Victoria in one rope but also By reinforced our responsibilities towards our motherland as NRNs in various ways. There is still a lot to be done but ustralia had its 44th general elecas the saying “Morning shows the day”, tions on September 7th to the House it has been a very encouraging first year of representative and senate under for the state council and I would like the Commonwealth of Australia Constitushare some ofInthe highlights. tion Act, 1900. this election, Liberal partnered and NRNA NationalVictoria Liberal won 58 and 22with seats respectively making it 90 for National Nepalese Association of Liberal Victoria in Coalition giving 35 seat advantage preserving Nepali culture andagainst trathe opponent Australian Labor Party. dition by celebrating all our major Subsequently, leader of the Liberal National festivals such as Dashain, Tihar and Coalition, Tony Abbott has been sworn in as New Year. We collaborated with other a Prime minister of Australia for next three community bodies in line with our years. agendas to maintain the unity and In the history of Australian elections, harmony through various activities two major parties Australian Labor Party in the The state. and Liberal Coalition have dominated the lower house. Since the foundation As a regular calendar event ofof the Liberal in 1944, these two groups have NRNA Party Victoria State Council, works formed every government and thisNepal year was are underway for this year’s no different. Festival-2014 that is scheduled for November 2nd. To make this year’s Number ofmore Political Parties festival a bit innovative we will proliferated be conducting a workshop “Tourism

and Business Promotional Workshop” a day prior to the actual event. The main objectives of this workshop will be to foster the economic and cultural The main relationship between Nepal and Australia. In this process, we have been objectives of this concerting with other community workshop will be to organisations to ensure the maximum participation in the festival. We have foster the economic commissioned various sub-commitand cultural tees to get the job done in the most organised manner. relationship As our attempt to strengthen orbetween Nepal and ganisation’s financial position as well as to endorse the artist and musicians Australia. from Nepal, NRNA Victoria organised a fund raising musical night with very talented Nepali singer Hemanta Rana. NRNA Victoria has always reached out to the community when they needed us the most. When we lost a motherland, our duties towards our community member Jiblal Basel in a parents and elderly can never been tragic incident, we extended our helpignored. It was greatly satisfying that ing hands by collecting fund to send NRNA Victoria took part in the fund his body back to Nepal. Even though raising campaign initiated by NRNA the amount was not as significant Australia to construct an elderly home but our willingness to help mattered in Nepal. I would also like to take this a great deal to his family in those opportunity Recently elected Prime Minister of Australia Mr Tony Abbott to express my gratitude difficult times. towards everyone involved in the We take pride in having been infundraising dinner that was held in volved in Number the fundraising of “Pathivara South Asian origin stood up in the election Record of South Melbourne raising approx $25000 Jestha Nagarik Pratisthan”. Despite representing different political parties or as Asian and Subcontinent dollars for the cause. independent for the seats of both houses. the fact that we live away from our

Time for us to give it a go!

candidates

This year’s election remained quite significant for Asian and Subcontinent community as we witnessed largest number of candidates from the region actively participating in the election. A total of 26 candidates from

This number may not seem big compared to the wide range of political platforms across Australia; but this certainly indicates the increasing Subcontinent interests in mainstream Australian politics.

As we all know, constructing its own office building has been one of the topmost priority for NRNA and its leadership. On behalf of NRN SCC, It was our privilege to be part of global initiation to raise fund for our own common home in Nepal. As the slogan said,“Our building Our responsibility”, NRNA Victoria fulfilled its responsibility by raising around 70 lakh rupees from the gala dinner that was held in 26th of July. This was possible only due to the faith and belief laid by community members on candidates NRNA and its A total of 26 long from term vision towards prosper South Asianthe origin and developed Nepal. stood up in the election. Lastly, I would like to express my sincere thanks to those organisations and individuals that have always guided us through this journey. We are Both major political parties made an highly indebted Nepalese Consulate attempt to inculcateto South Asian candidates Office, Nepalese Association of Victoin their election campaign. Labor intended riacapitalise and all on thevoters otherbyorganisations to recruiting Manojfor Kumar from Menziessupport. in Melbourne for lower their continuous I would also house Bhupinder Kumar from Chibber like toand acknowledge Victorian Multiin NSW for senate. Liberal however had four cultural Commission for recognising South Asian origin candidates jostling Nepalese Community in Victoria for as an the seat in parliament, three of them from integral part of Victorian society and Victoria. Green also had four candidates for partnering us in all our missions. running for them, the most prominent being lookfrom forward toelectorate the samefrom supAlex We Bhathal Batman port from you all in the years to come. Melbourne’s North. -NRN Victoria Interestingly enough it is the newer and lesser known parties that had stronger presence of South Asian candidates representing them. Newly registered Palmer United Party had nine and the WikiLeakes Party had two Subcontinent origin candidates standing in the election.

NRN updates Nepal Festival - 2014 progress

Nepal Festival updates

workshop that has been scheduled a day to contribute what they can to make this prior to the festival day. “ With great Nepalese community media event a successful one.” “We are currentParty on the status of Nepal FestiNSW VIC ly looking QLD WA SA TAS NT National Won Last Election deal of appreciation and respect to the for volunteers and ACT dancers, Australian 5 anyone 1 who 2 wants 1 55previous organizers, 72 Nepal Festival-2014 val-2014. ALabor mediaParty brief was held18 in Mel-19 we6would 3welcome bourne on 23rd of Coalition August to circulate Mr Liberal/National 30 the16 to participate”, 22 12 he6informed. 3 0 Kandel 1 90Co-ordination 73 team is prepared to take that legacy further with this year’s progress made so far by the organisation also clarified the questions asked by the Liberal 23 14 0 12 6 3 0 0 58 44 event,”it says.” The statement further and the festival coordinating team. media in various NRN related topics. Liberal National Party NRN Victo0 0 22 0 NRN 0 Victoria 0 0 22reads “we 21 have been concerting with Opening the meeting, On the0 occasion, The Nationals 7 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 and private agencies ria’s Nirajan Gauli, touched upon the member and Entrepreneur Mr Tonnou 9 various government keyCountry achievements the organisation Ghothane Liberalsof(NT) 0 0 0 0said, an 0 interaction 0 0 such as 1 1 from both1countries to use Nepal festival throughout this0 is important The Greens last year. He said, “we0 are 1 0 0in maintaining 0 0 the 0 1 as a platform 1 to explore new investment possibilities in Nepal. Guided by satisfied with what we have accomharmonious and coherent community. Katter’s Australian Party 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 this very objective, we are organizing plished since the formation of the new He said ” it’s great to see NRN festival Palmer United 0 there0 1 0 0 0 the0 media0 1 “Tourism 0and Investment Promotional committee last Party year. We have been co-coordination team and Independent 0 0 0to cultivate 1 0the best0 2 Workshop”, 4 a day prior to the actual whenever the community needed0 us. 1 working together Whether it was by raising fund, or strategy towards of Not yet determined 0 just 0 0 0 0the success 0 0 Nepal0 0 event, for the - first time in the history of Nepal festival, by extending our moral support, NRNA festival -2014. ” TOTAL 48 37 30 15 11 5 2 2 150 - ” The co-ordination team also unveiled Victoria has stood behind the communiMr Raju Shakya, on behalf of proDECLARED 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 the name of the business houses that ty all along,” he said. gram management team gave a snap has been finalised as main sponsors of NRNA Victoria’s Co-ordinator Rishi shot of the event details. He said ” we are two party nationally this year’s Nepal festival. According to Kandel thankedcount the media for their trying to experiment with lots of our which, Swing % AECC Global has been decided support and said “ media plays vital role presentations this year. The challenge Party / Coalition Votes Percentage % as main event partner, and Melbourne inAustralian despatching information to a broadfor us is to be innovative while mainLabor Party 5,069,128 46.63 -3.57 taining the essence of Nepali culture and Institute of Technology (MIT) and Royal er mass. Local Nepali media has been Liberal/National Coalition 5,802,835 53.37 +3.57 Gurkhas Institute of Technology (RGIT) traditions.” quite supportive in this process.” He ashouse Platinum leaving only one statement was outthe to upper said “ as the is fast approaching (Although thefestival Australian government has been basedAonpress two-party system, forhanded the Senate, – hasSponsors, the more spottickets undersince the 1984.) category. thevote media about “ Tourism and Investwe as Nepalrepresentation festival coordination team proportional and single transferable system in use since 1949, with optional group voting ment Promotional Forum”, a business would like all the community members RN Victoria has updated local this year’s Result

www.nepalesevoice.com.au | Email: editor@nepalesevoice.com.au | Phone: 0449 913 133

inclusion, integration & collaboration through media...

Nepalese Voice Australia

September | October 2013 2014

NRN | 13 COVER STORY 7

NRNA Australia signs MoU with FORWARD Nepal and IPNI for skills and knowledge transfer in eastern Nepal

We can give it a go!

MoU for an agriculture-focused project entitled, “Transfer, Farmers were extremely evaluation andAsian dissemination of Nepalese who have made noteworthy Despite increasing South representacooperative, enthusiastic, of achievements in businesses and academia, tionanininnovative mainstreamfertilizer Australianmanagement politics, no and were keen and and distintool (Nutrient Expert) Nepali has yet risen up tofor thisincreasing challenge. As many hold extensive backgrounds guished careers, we have produced hundreds the fastest growing community in Australia, crop yields and farmers’ income” interested to share their of affluent personalities but we are lagging it would have been timely to see someone was signed by the representatives of knowledge and experience from theAustralia, communityFORWARD advancing into the (a political participation. NRNA Nepal on farming to project That said, off late wethe are starting to see mainstream political platform to voice our Chitwan-based NGO) and International many Nepalese youths showing promises concerns to a government level. team members and showed Plant Nutrition Institute (IPNI), South “We are relatively new in compared to leading the community. And that is a step their full commitment and Asia NewCommunity, Delhi on 16 August closer for us to be able to capitalise on other Office, South Asian most of ourin Birtamod, Dr. Jagadish Timsina support toplatform participate population isJhapa. a first generation migrants the democratic provided byin our (Advisor, NRNA and Memadopted country, the great nation Australia. and has survival as Australia the first priority however the project. ber, NRNA ICC/NCC Committee), We can do this and all we need to do is to we don’t lack intelligence, awareness and give it a go. education and integrate into Mr. NetratoP.compete Sen (Executive Director, Unlike in the US where many Nepalese Australian politics. It is now the need of hour FORWARD Nepal) and Dr. Kaushik initially conduct management that someone begins chipping it away” says a have gained clout innutrient mainstream politics, Majumdar (Director, IPNI, South Asia) evaluation trials with active participacommunity leader. such as Darshan Rauniyaar who ran for consigned the MoU during their 2-days tion farmers and we local gressby in 2012 election, arestakeholders. still to have the A political science student from Latrobe hectic programme of farmers’ field University says “the awareness of political privilege of votingwork for awith Nepali candidate in It will initially 200 farmers visits and interactions with several Australia. a community are year hungry for participation is directly related to the history in the twoAsdistricts in thewefirst and groups of farmers Jhapa and Morang of migration. Lack ofin familiarity with the the real leadership. the day will upscale upto Hopefully 5000 farmers bycomes three districts on 15 would and 16translate August. The political system into lack of sooner than it looks. years. It is expected that after three Dr Ali Khan - Liberal (second from left) during his election campaign project proposal was presented the participation. ” In our case, we have by hundreds years project staff and stakeholders project leader Dr. Jagadish Timsina and farmers will learn about scienduring the NRNA Australia’s “Skills, tific method of nutrient management knowledge and innovation (SKI) trans- from Victoria in 2013 Federal Election South Asian origin candidates practices for the above three crops and fer” workshop on 19 July in Sydney. farmers’ income will increase substanThis project will be implemented from Candidate Party Position in crop yields. Electorate tially through increases the upcoming winter season with The objectives of this visit by the Dr Ali Khan HOR Calwell ...off late we are starting to see support from IPNI, initially forLiberal 2 years, joint team was (1) to sign the MoU (2) Alex Bhathal Greens HOR Batman and will be the NRNA Australia’s first many Nepalese youths showing to conduct the rapid rural appraisal of project under the “SKI transfer” theme Dinesh Jayasuriya Greens HOR areas, (3) to select Gorton the project command promises leading the community. to be implemented on the ground. The project villages,HOR and (4) to understand Jatinder Singh Palmer United Holt project will focus on improving nutrient And that is a stepth closer for us to be the farmers’ existing cropping systems, workshop on 6 October in Chandragaagement practices in each field. During Avtar Singh Gill Palmerfor United HOR Isaacs and fertilizer management practices and nutrient/fertilizer management able to capitalise the democratic the 2-days visit, four FORWARD staff, di, Jhapa whereon local stakeholders and rice, maize and wheat crops toLiberal increase Nihal Sharma HORthree crops so that Lalor practices for above two IPNI staff and Dr. Timsina traveled representatives from different agriculcrop yields and farmers’ income. FORplatform provided by our adopted economically-optimal Manoj Kumar Labor HOR nutrient/fertilizer Menzies together and interacted with two farmture organizations and NGOs will be WARD Nepal will be the implementing country, the Farmers’ great nation Australia. management recommendations could ers’ groups in Babia Birta and Itahara invited. field visits and interJag Chuga and NRNA Australia Liberal HOR Scullin organization will be made for each participating farmer’s villages in Morang district and two actions with more groups of farmersto in We can do this and all we need provide the skills and knowledge necShilpa Hegde Liberal HOR Wills field considering each farmer’s mangroups in Dhukurpani and Gauradaha other villages will also be orgnised on essary for the project. The project will do is to it a go. Gurminder Sekhon Greens Senate -villages in Jhapa district. At least 20-40 thegive 7th October where Dr. Timsina will farmers comprising of both males and represent from NRNA Australia and will Binoy Kampmark Wikileaks Party Senate females participated enthusiastically in lead the team. each village. Farmers were extremely During his visit to eastern Nepal, Dr. cooperative, enthusiastic, and were keen Timsina also visited the NRNA Austraand interested to share their knowledge lia’s Bridhashram (Sradhashram) project and experience on farming to the project site in Biratnagar together with the on Residential Nepalese new record by collecting two hundred team members and showed their full member secretary of the Bridhashram from the United States have and eleven thousand US dollar from a commitment and support to participate project and staff of Biratnagar Municcollected approximately Rs single event. NRNA Prez Shesh Ghale in the project. Farmers from nearby vilipality Mr Punam Dahal and obtained 40 million to construct NRNA Nepal was in the US all last month to drive lages also rushed to the interaction sites up-to-date information about the project. office in Kathmandu, breaking record fund raising campaign to build NRNA and requested the team members to hold (Prepared by Dr. Jagadish Timsina, of all fund raising events so far.. Nepal office in Kathmandu. such meetings to their villages too. Adviser to NRNA Australia and MemA fund raising campaign held in Earlier, US$ 21 thousand has been FORWARD Nepal and NRNA Ausber, ICC/NCC SKI Committee) New York on 24th of August set a collected from Seattle . Likewise, $ 29 tralia will organize the project inception thousand from California, 15 thousand from Boston, 10 thousand from Chicago, 17 thousand from Texas and 70 thousand from Washington DC have been collected.

US collects whopping $40 million rupees for NRN building

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6 | COVER STORY 14 Community

Nepalese Voice

October2014 2013 | September

Australia

Melbourne “Teejed” Election-Lesson for by Ladies in Red Nepalese community

Creations and Solangture in this event and thanks all media for covering this event. NAV would also like to express sincere gratitude to all the volunteers whose tireless effort, their valuable time and energy made this program a big success. The program was attended by Deputy Mayor of Moreland City Council Cr Meghan Hopper, Cr Angela Villella of Darebin City Council, Jian Xiao Darebin Ethnic Community Council and representatives of the Moreland and Darebin City Council.

Record number of South Asian candidates N epalese Association of Victoria (NAV) continued the tradition of organizing Teej celebration again this year on Sunday, 24th August 2014. The NAV Teej Celebration, which was organized at the Thornbury Theatre, was attended by approximately 700 ladies Poudel dressed up in red, colourful By Ramjee saris and glittering jewellery. NAV says while Teej has its own religious signification, this event is all about celebrating ustralia had its 44th general elechappiness, expressing womanhood and tions on September 7th to the House their individuality and at the same time of representative and senate under to maintain connection to Nepali culture the Commonwealth of Australia Constituand tradition. At this event, women tion Act, 1900. In this election, Liberal of all ages wereLiberal seen letting of22 their and National won 58go and seatsothrespectively making it 90 and for Liberal National erwise demure stature were dancing Coalition giving seatchoice, advantage against to the songs of 35 their including the opponent Australian Party.splatthose ones with doubleLabor entendre Subsequently, of the Liberal National tered all overleader the lyrics. Coalition, Tony Abbott has been sworn in as This year NAV endeavored to go bea Prime minister of Australia for next three yond years. singing and dancing, and attempted to hiddenoftalents among Nepali In find the history Australian elections, women in the community and made two major parties Australian Labor Party the TeejThe event a platform tohave display their taland Liberal Coalition dominated the lower house. Since the foundation of the ents. Among the talents was a group of Liberal Party in 1944, these twoperformed groups havea amateur theatre artists who formed every “Rato government thisdirected year was Teej drama, Sari”. and It was no by different. Niru Tripathi. The artists were able to mesmerize the audience with their Number of Political Parties beautiful performance. proliferated A group of twenty women did a This election Votersofgot spoiled for catwalk on the stage Thornbury choices as the number of registered polititheatre displaying latest fashion from cal parties have more than doubled since their personal collection. fashion the 2010 election, and is at a The record high. show was coordinated by Anamika Many termed the proliferation of parties a Rai. Thefor stage show concluded withcalled a triumph democracy, and the other beautiful Teej dance performance it opportunistic individuals and groupsby seeking publicity. MoreManisha political Lamichparties were Himalaya Club trio registered to contest the federal hane, Samjhana Parajuli and election Shikha than ever before, withAmid the Australian Electoral Dhakal Gaire. the dancing muCommission approving mostpatiently applicasic and flashing lights,the ladies tions since party registration was introduced queued up to have their elegantly in 1984. As the entry criteria made too easy dressed photosregistered taken. The star attrac24 more parties with Australian tion of the event was Roma Neupane, Electoral Commission than Federal election an inspirational one leg dancer from 2010. Nepal. lost her leg when WithRoma some had interesting names and she

was eight years of age. Instead of getting discouraged by the disability, she continued to follow her dream to become a successful dancer. She is an inspiration to many people with disability around the world. She is also an advocate of disability rights. She is currently travelling around Australia to raise funds for her non profit organisation Volunteers Association of Disability (VAD), which raises awareness against discrimination based on age, gender and disability. Roma danced to two Nepali songs. Her dance was able to win hearts of everyone. NAV thanks its event partner, AECC Global and major sponsors Melbourne Institute of Technology (MIT), Buyer’s Choice Home Loan Service, Australian College of Trade (ACOT) and Buddha Travels for their support. NAV is also grateful towards the gift sponsors Everest View Travels, Asta’s Tandoor Restaurant, Nepalese Crafts, Nepal Melbourne Shop, Buyers Choice, Ranjan Shrivastav, SK Nepali Translation and Basecamp Restaurant

and hopes the support will continue in the future as well. NAV acknowledges the contribution of Mila

Time for us to give it a go!

manifesto, parties like Fishing and Lifestyle Parties, Motoring Enthusiast Party, Australian Sports Party, Bullet Train for Australia, No Carbon tax Climate Sceptics and shooters and Fishers Party took part. Some even voted for Australian Sex Party, Coke in the Bubblers party, Help end Marijuana Prohibition party, Smokers Right Party or Pirate Party Australia. Amongst the new entrants the Palmer United Party and the Katter’s Australian party left its entry mark in Australian politics with one seat each in their hand. And while 54 registered political parties may be a record high, given the two-party system and the rarity of minority governments, it’s still low when compared with some other countries.

A total of 26 candidates from South Asian origin stood up in the election.

Both major political parties made an attempt to inculcate South Asian candidates NAV acknowledges the contribution of Mila Creations and in their election campaign. Labor intended Solangture in this event and thanks all media for this to capitalise on voters by covering recruiting Manoj Kumar from Menzies in Melbourneto forall lower event. NAV would also like to express sincere gratitude house and Bhupinder Kumar from Chibber the volunteers whose tireless effort, their valuable time and in NSW for senate. Liberal however had four South Asian origin candidates jostling for energy made this program a big success. the seat in parliament, three of them from Victoria. Green also had four candidates Recently elected Prime Minister of Australia Mr Tony Abbott running for them, the most prominent being Alex Bhathal from Batman electorate from Melbourne’s North. South Asian origin stood up in the election Record Number of South Interestingly enough it is the newer and representing different political parties or as Asian and Subcontinent lesser known parties that had stronger presindependent for the seats of both houses. candidates ence of South Asian candidates representing This number may not seem big compared to This year’s election remained quite signifthem. Newly registered Palmer United Party the wide range of political platforms across icant for Asian and Subcontinent community had nine and the WikiLeakes Party had two Australia; but this certainly indicates the as we witnessed largest number of candidates Subcontinent origin candidates standing in increasing Subcontinent interests in mainfrom the region actively participating in the election. stream Australian politics. the election. A total of 26 candidates from

this year’s Result Party

NSW VIC

QLD

TAS ACT

National

Won Last Election

Australian Labor Party

Liberal/National Coalition

Liberal

Liberal National Party

The Nationals

Country Liberals (NT)

The Greens

Katter’s Australian Party

Palmer United Party

Independent

Not yet determined

TOTAL

150

DECLARED

two party count nationally Party / Coalition

Votes

Percentage %

Swing %

Australian Labor Party

5,069,128

46.63

-3.57

Liberal/National Coalition

5,802,835

53.37

+3.57

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Community COVER STORY | 15 7

September | October 2013 2014

NAV celebrates Bal Diwas showcasing kids’ talent

We can give it a go! N Despite increasing South Asian representation in mainstream Australian politics, no Nepali has yet risen up to this challenge. As the fastest growing community in Australia, it would have been timely to see someone from the community advancing into the mainstream political platform to voice our concerns to a government level. “We are relatively new in compared to other South Asian Community, most of our population is a first generation migrants and has survival as the first priority however we don’t lack intelligence, awareness and education to compete and integrate into Australian politics. It is now the need of hour that someone begins chipping it away” says a community leader. A political science student from Latrobe University says “the awareness of political participation is directly related to the history of migration. Lack of familiarity with the political system would translate into lack of participation.” In our case, we have hundreds

of Nepalese who have made noteworthy achievements in businesses and academia, many hold extensive backgrounds and distinguished careers, we have produced hundreds of affluent personalities but we are lagging political participation. That said, off late we are starting to see many Nepalese youths showing promises leading the community. And that is a step closer for us to be able to capitalise on the democratic platform provided by our adopted country, the great nation Australia. We can do this and all we need to do is to give it a go. Unlike in the US where many Nepalese have gained clout in mainstream politics, such as Darshan Rauniyaar who ran for congress in 2012 election, we are still to have the privilege of voting for a Nepali candidate in Australia. As a community we are hungry for the real leadership. Hopefully the day comes sooner than it looks.

epalese Association of Victoria (NAV) organized 11th NAV Bal Diwas (children’s day) 2014 for children of Nepalese origin living in Victoria, Australia on 10th of August. NAV has been organizing Bal Diwas every year since 2003, with an aim to engage Nepalese children into the community through various activities. The organisation believes that program such as Bal Diwas

year. Mr Sudhir Shakya, President NAV welcomed the guests and talked about the history of the Bal Diwas program. Mr Chandra Yonzon, Nepalese Consul General to Victoria and Cr Meaghan Hopper, Deputy Mayor of Moreland City Council talked about importance of such program and the support Nepalese community has enjoyed from Moreland City Council. This program was also attended by NRNA

The program, which was attended by 140 children and almost equal numbers of parents started with lighting of candles in the ‘panas,’ traditional Nepalese lamp by two little girls in Haku Patasi, a traditional Newari outfit. It was followed by singing of Australian and Nepali National anthem by a group of children.

allows our children- our future generation, Australia Vice President Rishi Kandel, to acknowledge the culture and heritage of MIT Director, Mrs Jamuna Gurung, NAV their parents’ home country and appreciate past presidents Bom Yonzon and Ranjan cultural diversity in Australia. FurtherVaidya, NAV advisors and various other more, it fosters integration of children of community leaders and members. Nepalese Immigrants with each other and Former NAV President Mr Ranjan Dr Ali Khan - Liberal (second from left) during his election campaign the wider local Nepalese community. Vaidya conducted a workshop on chalThe program, which was attended by lenges of raising children as first genera140 children and almost equal numbers of tion migrants. It was attended by twelve parents started with lighting of candles in parents. The recommendations of the South Asian origin candidates from Victoria in 2013 Federal Election the ‘panas,’ traditional Nepalese lamp by workshop have been forwarded to NAV for two little girls in Haku Patasi, a traditional consideration. The program was coordiCandidate Party Position Electorate Newari outfit. It was followed by singing of nated by Kusum Pokharel, NAV Executive Dr Ali Khan Liberal HOR Calwell we Ms. arePokharel starting Australian and Nepali National anthem...off by late Member. said to thatsee it was a Alex Bhathal Greens HOR aBatman group of children. unique example of NAV and community many Nepalese youths showing The program showcased children’s coming together to make this program Dinesh Jayasuriya Greens HOR Gorton promises thesuccessful. community. talent, which included singing, dancing, widelyleading inclusive and Jatinder Singh Palmer United HOR Holt reciting and hula hooping. The poetry, NAV thanks its event And that is a step closerpartner– for usMelto be children also participated in a number of bourne Institute of Technology (MIT), and Avtar Singh Gill Palmer United HOR Isaacs onChoice the democratic fun filled activities- face painting, craftable and to thecapitalise sponsor Buyer’s Home Loan Nihal Sharma Liberal HOR Lalor colouring, and reading stories; and games Advisory Service; and also would like to platform provided by our adopted Manoj Kumar Labor HOR Menzies chairs, a general knowledge quiz -musical emphasise that it was the tireless effort of country, the great nation Australia. contest, volunteers who gave their valuable time Jag Chuga Liberal HOR Scullin spoon and egg race, cardboard race and pin the tail on donkey. The We can anddo energy that madeall thiswe program a big this and need to Shilpa Hegde Liberal HOR Wills fun-filled day was concluded with hitting success and express sincere gratitude to all give it a go. piñatas filled with lollies. Children left do is to of them. Gurminder Sekhon Greens Senate the venue with smiles on their faces and The next NAV event is NAV Teej Binoy Kampmark Wikileaks Party Senate pockets full of lollies. Celebration being held on Sunday, 24th United Football Club (UFC) providAugust 2014. This year’s program includes, ed a short football ‘fun-training’ for the Teej drama by local artists, Fashion parade, children. Manij Hada from UFC said chilphotography and more. There will be a dren, especially boys thoroughly enjoyed special performance by Roma Neupane, an the training and added that NAV should inspiration dancer with disability. organize such event more than once a

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6 | COVER STORY 16 Community

October2014 2013 | September

Nepalese Voice Australia

Election-Lesson for Nepalese community Huge marble statue of Lord Shiva unveiled in Campbelltown, Sydney

Nepali families from Yeunedumu host a dinner to help landslide victims in Nepal

N Record number of South Asian candidates epali origin families in the remote Yuendumu town of Northern Territory hosted a dinner with their local friends in a bid to collect fund to support Sunkoshi River landslide victims of Nepal. Madhu Panthi, Diwa Bhusal, Biblav Sapkota and Namita Pokharel organized the event in their own residence in the remote Australian town. Yuendumu lies 1500 km of North West of Darwin and 1800 km north of Adelaide. The nearest market from the town is Alice Springs which is 293 km far. It has just 817 populations, most of them are aboriginals. More

Time for us to give it a go! By Ramjee Poudel

and a small drum. Shiva is wearing a snake and prayer beads all Parties carved from Number of Political the same piece of marble. proliferated This form of Lord Shiva is known This election Voters got spoiled for as the of salvation and freechoicesprovider as the number of registered politidom from cycle of birth and rebirth cal parties have more than doubled sinceto devotees. The statue withhigh. seven the 2010 election, and isisatfitted a record coloured LED and is striking Many termed thelights proliferation of partiesata triumph for democracy, and the other night, with colours changing everycalled minit opportunistic individuals ute over the seven coloursand forgroups a seven seeking minutepublicity. cycle. More political parties were registered to contest the federal election than A ceremony has been conducted ever before, with the Australian Electoral which is Hindu term has brought the Commission approving the most applicasacred image toregistration life. Therewas are introduced two ways tions since party to understand the ceremony. The first in 1984. As the entry criteria made too easyis as amore contract the Deity and dev24 partiesbetween registered with Australian otees. The Deity agrees toFederal descend into Electoral Commission than election 2010. the sacred image, and the devotee agrees Withfor some names and to care theinteresting Deity in the form of manifesto, parties like Fishing and Lifestyle service to the community. The ceremony

Parties, Motoring Enthusiast Party, Australian Sports Party, Bullet Train for Australia, No Carbon tax Climate Sceptics and shooters and Fishers Party took part. Some even voted for Australian Sex Party, Coke in the Bubblers party, Help end Marijuana Prohibition party, Smokers Right Party or Pirate Party Australia. Amongst the new entrants the Palmer United Party and the Katter’s Australian party left its entry mark in Australian politics with one seat each in their hand. And while 54 registered political parties may be a record high, given the two-party system and the rarity of minority governments, it’s still low when compared with some other countries.

than 15 Australian nationals attended the event where AU$550 have been collected. The amount has been handed A total of 26 candidates over from to Australia-based Non-Resident South Asian origin Nepali Association. An entire village was stood up in the election. swept away by the landslide killing about 200 and displacing 500 that occurred three weeks ago in Sindhupalchwok district of northern Nepal. Both major political parties made an

causes the Deity to awaken within the stone. The other view is more theological. By definition, God is all pervading attempt to inculcate South Asian candidates and omnipresent and so breath does not in their election campaign. Labor intended to capitalise on voters by recruiting Manoj need to be established within the statue Kumar from Menzies in Melbourne for lower because God is already there! On this house and Bhupinder Kumar from Chibber view, the purpose of the ceremony is in NSW for senate. Liberal however had four to awaken the minds of devotees to the South Asian origin candidates jostling for presence of divinity within the sacred the seat in parliament, three of them from image. At the start of the ceremony peoVictoria. Green also had four candidates Recently elected Prime of Australia Mr Tony Abbott ple see only stone but Minister by the end they running for them, the most prominent being see God. The real installation takes place Alex Bhathal from Batman electorate from not on the stone but in the minds of the Melbourne’s North. South Asian origin stood up in the election Record Number of South Interestingly enough it is the newer and representing different political parties or as participants. Asian and Subcontinent lesser known parties that had stronger presindependent for the seats of both houses. Lord Shiva is an exciting newcomer candidates ence of South Asian candidates representing This number may not seem big compared to to the of the CampbellThisattractions year’s election remained quite signifthem. Newly registered Palmer United Party the wide range of political platforms across town-Macarthur and acommunity great icant for Asian and region, Subcontinent had nine and the WikiLeakes Party had two Australia; but this certainly indicates the example of cultural brought as we witnessed largestenrichment number of candidates Subcontinent origin candidates standing in increasing Subcontinent interests in mainfrom the region actively participating by Australians of the Hindu faith. in the election. stream Australian politics. the election. A total of 26 candidates from The Mukti-Gupteshwar Mandir is the world’s first human built underground cave temple at 203 Eagleview this year’s Result Road Minto, 2566. More information NSW VIC QLD WA SA TAS ACT NT National Won Last Election isParty available at the website www.mukAustralian Labor .Party 18 19 6 3 5 1 2 1 55 72 tigupteshwar.org For further information, Liberal/National Coalition interviews 30 16 22 12 6 3 0 1 90 73 andLiberal photograph opportunities contact 23 14 0 12 6 3 0 0 58 44 Mr Prem Misra on 0413 13 9000 or Liberal National Party 0 0 22 0 0 0 0 0 22 21 Ms Rama Misra on 0422 22 6724. The Nationals 7 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 7 Email: info@muktigupteshwar.org s many Nepalese living around Australia are offering their support to SunCountry Liberals (NT) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 koshi landside Victim, Nepalese living in Gold Coast have organized a Teej The Greens 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 celebration program to show their solidarity towards the victim of deadly Katter’s Australian Party 0 0 natural 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 disaster. Palmer United Party 0 0 1Nepali0Community 0 0Gold Coast 0 0 1 organized0the event on 19 August at (NCGC) the Community Hall of the South Port, where Independent 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 the fund4raising program was held for those in need the most. Not yet determined 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Coastal Education, Pizza Keepers- Mermaid Waters, Touch of India and Little TOTAL 48 37 30 15 11 5 2 150 Curry Kitchen sponsored the2event likewise Himalayan- Delicacies catered for the DECLARED 0 0 participant. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Prasun Upadhaya, Suresh Sapkota, Naresh Shah, Anil KC, Kishor Tiwari, Pradeep Timilsina, Hem Kandel, Subash Khadka, Dev Nepali, Arpit Ananda as well as others two party count nationally have contributed substantially to make the event a grand success. Party / Coalition Votes Percentage % Swing % Likewise, Mona Gangol, Sabin Chettri, Shreya Nepal and Sunil Shrestha played Australian Labor Party 5,069,128 -3.57 significant role in managing 46.63 the program. Liberal/National Coalition 5,802,835 to the organizer, 53.37 +3.57 According the collected fund will be handed over to the landslide victims as soon as possible. (Although the Australian government has been based on two-party system, for the Senate, the upper house – has the About 200inpeople died andwith more than 500 have been displaced in a landslide at proportional representation and single transferable vote system use since 1949, optional group voting tickets since 1984.) Mankha VDC of Sindhupalchwok district last month.

Nepalese in Gold Coast show their solidarity towards landslide victim through Teej Program

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Community COVER STORY | 17 7

ECCV celebrates 40 years of advocacy in style, Nepalese Community leaders join in

We can give it a go!

Despite increasing South Asian representation in mainstream Australian politics, no Nepali has yet risen up to this challenge. As the fastest growing community in Australia, it wouldhe have been Communities’ timely to see someone Ethnic Council from theofcommunity advancing into the its Victoria (ECCV) celebrated mainstream platform to voice our16 40thpolitical anniversary on Saturday, concerns to a government level. August, with a spectacular gala dinner “We are relatively new in compared to at the St Kilda Town Hall. The night other South Asian Community, most of our marked 40isyears advocacy,migrants standing population a firstofgeneration up for equality, fairness and inclusion. and has survival as the first priority however Guest speakers on the night included we don’t lack intelligence, awareness and Premier Napthine, educationof toVictoria compete Denis and integrate into Australian politics. It isLeader now the need Merof hour Deputy Opposition James that someone begins chipping it away” says a lino and renowned writer Alice Pung. community leader. They praised ECCV for its remarkable A political from Latrobe work over thescience past 40student years with many University says “the awareness of political acknowledging ECCV as the peak body participation is directly related to the history promoting multiculof migration.and Lackencouraging of familiarityawith the tural Australia. political system would translate into lack of ECCV chairperson Micallef participation. ” In our case,Eddie we have hundreds

of Nepalese who have made noteworthy achievements in businesses and academia, many hold extensive backgrounds and distinguished careers, we have produced hundreds of affluent personalities but we are lagging born overseas. “I can announce that if political participation. the Coalition Government is re-elected That said, offthat latethe we are starting to see in November, ECCV whose many Nepalese youths showing promises funding under the current arrangement leading the community. And that is a step ceases in July 2015, that not only we will closer for us to be able to capitalise on continue that funding another four the democratic platform for provided by our year term but we’ll increase that funding adopted country, the great nation Australia. by to $312,500 year, We25 canper do cent this and all we needa to do”ishe to said. give it a go. Unlike in the US many Nepalese The message of where the night was clear have multiculturalism gained clout in mainstream politics,to that must continue such as Darshan Rauniyaar who ran for conbe acknowledged by the government to gress ina 2012 election, are stillAustralto have the build healthier andwe brighter privilege of voting for a Nepali candidate in ia. Deputy Opposition leader James Australia. As a community we are hungry for Merlino said multiculturalism usedcomes to the real leadership. Hopefully the day be a policy but now it was simply a way sooner than it looks.

of life. Dr Ali Khan - Liberal (second from left) during his election campaign said the organisation has followed the “One reliable measure of policy suctransformation of Australia over the past cess is when people stop referring to it four decades from a closed, largely moas a policy, diversity is now our principle South Asian origin candidates from Victoria in 2013 Federal Election no-cultural society to an open, vibrant and our pillar,” Mr Merlino said. and harmonious multicultural society In a video presentation, former Candidate Party Position Electorate and recognised that it was important to Prime Minister of Australia Malcolm Dr Ali Khan Liberal Calwell have organisations like ECCV to help Fraser, and otherHOR contributors to multi...off late we are starting to see create other culturally diverse organisaculturalism praised ECCV’s continuous Alex Bhathal Greens HOR Batman many Nepalese youths showing tions. commitment in constructing and supDinesh Jayasuriya Greens HOR Gorton promises leading the community. Premier Denis Napthine also porting a culturally diverse society. Jatinder Singhthe ECCV for 40Palmer HOR Holt congratulated years United Keeping with the theme of the night, And that is a step closer for us to be ofAvtar service andGill advocacy and said it wasUnited the audience was entertained by two Singh Palmer HOR Isaacs able to capitalise on the democratic important to continue to build a multiperformances from the Asanti Dance Nihal Sharma Liberal HOR Lalor Representing Nepalese community, many community leaders ECCV cultural Victoria. He said multiculturalTheatre, an internationally recognised platform provided byparticipated our adopted Manoj Kumar was a strength and Labor HOR Guests also danced Menzies gala dinner. Nepalese Association of Victoria President Sudhir Shakya, former ism in Victoria added African dance group. country, the great nation Australia. Presidents Bom Yonzon and Ranjan Baidhya, NAV VP Surendra Sedhai and value to the state. the night away to the Latin band Son Jag Chuga Liberal HOR Scullin Deepa Rai, former VP Mahesh Bhandari, NRN Victoria’s Co-ordinator Rishi to Dr Napthine said statistics show 26 Tres. We can do this and all we need Shilpa Hegde Liberal HOR Wills Kandel, Founder of Haamro Pathsaala and NAV member Kusum Pokharel and per cent of Victorians are born overseas -This media release was written dowinner is to Mr give it a go. Gurminder Sekhon Greens Senate media mentoring - VMC Multicultural excellence award Jog Limbu were among the and 47 per cent of Victorians are either by ECCV/SBS/Deakin born overseas or have at least one parentPartyproject student Senate Salam Hasanein. Binoy Kampmark Wikileaks - participants on the multicultural gusto.

“As the representatives of NAV, it was our great pleasure to attend the Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria (ECCV) celebration of its 40th anniversary. We have heard the history of the ECCV and that night marked 40 years of advocacy, standing up for equality, fairness and inclusion. As a new and emerging (Nepalese) community, we have been participating and assimilating in Victoria’s diverse communities in the social, cultural, economic and political life of Victoria. NAV will play a vital role in the Nepalese community’s participation in the transformation of Australia into a vibrant, diverse, fair, equal, inclusive and multicultural society.” - Jog Limbu Multicultural Excellence Award-2013 recipient

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6 | COVER STORY 18 ENTERTAINMENT

October2014 2013 | September

Sushant’s Election-Lesson dancing journey

Nepalese Voice Australia

for Nepalese community

Sunita Dulal wins Teej Music Award 2071 Teej Music Award 2071, a music award of teej songs, an event organized by Bajaj Entertainment Pvt.Ltd. in Kathmandu on 26th August 2014. Singer Sunita dulal won the award ‘Best Teej Song of Year’. Her song titled ‘Teeja ko aayo lahara…’ from her teej album of 2071 titled ‘Nachau Sarara….’ marketed and distributed by Kamala Devi Digital Music Company, took away the title.

Record number of South Asian candidates Time for us to give it a go! By Ramjee Poudel

Sydney Madame Tusaads to have Amitabh Bachchan statue

Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan will join the unique line-up of celebrities A total of 26 candidates at Madame Tussauds Sydney this year. from South Asianstatement, origin According to an official stood up in the election. the 71-year-old actor’s wax statue would be featuring with celebrities like Captain Cook, Donald Bradman, Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman, Johnny Depp and Both major political parties made an Lady Gaga. attempt to inculcate South Asian candidates The legendary Bollywood star would in their election campaign. Labor intended be placed interactive setting that to capitaliseinonan voters by recruiting Manoj would allow fans to get close and have a Kumar from Menzies in Melbourne for lower personal house and experience. Bhupinder Kumar from Chibber in NSW senate. Liberal had four The for statement noted however that BachSouth forof chan, Asian for theorigin first candidates time in thejostling history the seat in Tussauds, parliament,was threenominated of them from Madame to Victoria. Greenby also hadinfour candidates be portrayed fans a world-wide running for them, the most prominent being internet poll. Alex Bhathal from Batman electorate from Madame Tussauds Sydney is located Melbourne’s North. on Sydney’s renowned Harbour. Interestingly enough itDarling is the newer and Earlier in 2012, Madam Tussauds lesser known parties that had stronger presSydney had superstars like Kareena Kaence of South Asian candidates representing them. registered Palmer United Party poor, Newly Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai had nine and theHrithik WikiLeakes Partyunder had two Bachchan and Roshan the Subcontinent origin Tour. candidates standing in Bollywood World

was getting kind of attracted me into dancing as well. He guided me and taught me the nitty gritty of dancing. Like anyone else, IRecord had my self doubts inofmy ability. But Number South Number of Political Parties my passion for dancing took me to perform at school for the first time. I consider Asian and Subcontinent proliferated that a turning point in my dancing journey.” candidates This election Voters got spoiled for “Once I arrive here in Australia, it has been hard to pursue it, remained however quite we have This year’s election signifchoices as the number of registered politiformed a group just to keep our passion alive. I would like to acknowledge Samjana icant for Asian and Subcontinent community cal parties have more than doubled since didi, Suman dai(Sam dai,Suvi largest did and Sunil of daicandidates for all as we witnessed number the 2010 election, and isNepali),Samjana at a record high. didi,Ishwor their encouragement . Hopeofthe journey continue”, he said. the region actively participating in Many termed the proliferation parties a willfrom the election. A total of 26 candidates from triumph for democracy, and the other called it opportunistic individuals and groups seeking publicity. More political parties were this year’s Result registered to contest the federal election than ever before, with the Australian Electoral Party NSW Commission approving the most applicaAustralian Labor Party 18 tions since party registration was introduced Liberal/National Coalition 30 in 1984. As the entry criteria made too easy 24 more parties registered with Australian Liberal 23 Electoral Commission than Federal election Liberal National Party 0 2010. The Nationals 7 With some interesting names and manifesto, parties like Fishing and Lifestyle Country Liberals (NT) 0 Parties, Motoring Enthusiast Party, AustralThe Greens 0 ian Sports Party, Bullet Train for Australia, No Carbon tax Climate Sceptics and shooters Katter’s Australian Party 0 and Fishers Party took part. Some even voted Palmer United Party 0 for Australian Sex Party, Coke in the BubIndependent 0 blers party, Help end Marijuana Prohibition party, Smokers Right Party or Pirate Party Not yet determined 0 Australia. Amongst the new entrants the 48 Shree KrishnaTOTAL Shrestha Palmer United Party and the Katter’s AustralDECLARED 0 1967 - 2014 ian party left its entry mark in Australian politics with one seat each in their hand. AndNepalese while 54 registered parties a heartfelt Voicepolitical expresses condolence Nepali two party count to nationally may be a record high, given the two-party actor Shree Krishna Shrestha, who passed away while being Party / Coalition system and the rarity of minority governtreated for bone cancer in Delhi’s Ganga Ram Hospital. His ments, it’s still low when compared with Australian Labor Party some other countries. service towards the Nepali arts Liberal/National and entertainment industry Coalition

Condolence

VIC

South Asian origin stood up in the election representing different political parties or as independent for the seats of both houses. This number may not seem big compared to the wide range of political platforms across Australia; but this certainly indicates the increasing Subcontinent interests in mainstream Australian politics.

the election.

‘Tandav’ in Melbourne QLD

TAS ACT

National

Won Last Election

150

19 16

0 0 0Shrestha 0 along 0 with0Rap sensation 0 Actress Namrata Lahure (Ashish Rana) will be

seen sharing silver screen in the new upcoming Nepali movie “Tandav”. Along with Namrata and Lahure, Anup Baral, lan Gurung, Beepin Karki will be seen in the movie as lead characters. The movie is being premiered in Melbourne on 21st of SepVotes Percentage % Swing % tember.This is a debut film for Laure who became a sensation with his rapping skill 5,069,128 46.63 recently. Namrata Shrestha has played a character of-3.57 call girl in the movie. 5,802,835 53.37by British director Murray +3.57 Kerr and produced by The movie has been directed will always be remembered. We pray for his family to have a Mohan Dotel. The movie was released in cinemas in Nepal on 22nd August Tandav is (Although the Australian government has been based on two-party system, for the Senate, the upper house – has the Murray Kerr’sinsecond direction after “Sick group City”. voting Tandav has been strength to deal with this irreplaceable loss. and single transferable proportional representation vote system use since 1949, with optional tickets since shot 1984.)at Taulihawa and Kathmandu. Some foreign actors are also seen in this movie.

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inclusion, integration & collaboration through media...

Nepalese Voice Australia

Khushbu Mishra wins Miss Nepal USA 2014

September | October 2013 2014

entertainment COVER STORY | 19 7

‘Jhola’ to represent Nepal in Oscar

We can give it a go!

Despite increasing South Asian representation in mainstream Australian politics, no Nepali has yet risen up to this challenge. As the fastest growing community in Australia, it would have been timely to see someone from thehushbu community advancing into the Mishra was crowned mainstream platform to voice our Misspolitical Nepal USA 2014. The Ohio concernsresident to a government level. left behind 14 competiare relatively new in compared to tors“We to win the title as well as a scholarother South Asian Community, most of our ship worth USD 5,000, a two-way ticket population is a first generation migrants to Nepal and anasacting offer for director and has survival the first priority however Suraj Subba Nyalbo’s next film. we don’t lack intelligence, awareness and California’s Sushma education to compete and Sharma integrate won into the title of First Runner-up while Nor-of hour Australian politics. It is now the need that someone begins chipping it away” says a wood’s Sushma Adhikari was the Second community leader. Runner-up. They were awarded with A politicalworth scienceUSD student from Latrobe scholarships 3,000 and 2,000 University says “the awareness of political respectively. participation is directly related to the history Organized by E-Planet Nepal in of migration. Lack of familiarity with the association with Event Planetinto Inc,lack theof political system would translate event took place in New York. According participation.” In our case, we have hundreds

to the organizers, 10% of the amount

of Nepalese who have made noteworthy achievements in businesses and academia, many hold extensive backgrounds and distinguished careers, we have produced hundreds of affluent personalities but we are lagging politicalfrom participation. raised the ticket sales will go to the That said, off late are starting to see landslide victims inwe Sindhupalchowk. many Nepalese youths showing promises Miss Nepal 2011 Malina Joshi was leading the community. And that is a step the emcee for the program where singer closer for us to be able to capitalise on Hemanta Rana and YouTube sensation the democratic platform provided by our Bhim Niroula some of their adopted country,presented the great nation Australia. popular tracks. Nepali ambassador We can do this and all we need to do is to to America give it a go.Durga Prasad Bhattarai was alsoUnlike present the Nepalese chief in at thethe USevent whereas many have gained mainstream politics, guest whileclout Nonin Resident Nepali-Insuch as Darshan Rauniyaar who ran for conternational Coordination Committee gress in 2012 election, we are stillGhale to havewas the (NRN-ICC) Chairman Shesh privilege of voting for a Nepali candidate in the distinguished guest. Australia. As a community we are hungry for The jury included banker Raveena the real leadership. Hopefully the day comes Desraj Shrestha, film director Suraj Subsooner than it looks.

ba Nyalbo and Dr Upendra Lal Karna.

KASAM Premiers its first music video in Melbourne

Dr Ali Khan - Liberal (second from left) during his election campaign

South Asian origin candidates from Victoria in 2013 Federal Election Candidate

Party

Position

Electorate

Dr Ali Khan

Liberal

HOR

Calwell

...off late we are starting to see

Alex Bhathal

Greens

HOR

Batman

many Nepalese youths showing

Gorton

promises leading the community.

Kala Sanskriti Manch AustraliaGreens released Dinesh Jayasuriya HOR a Teej special musical album in MelJatinder Singh Palmer United HOR bourne amid a special program held at Avtar Singh Gill Palmer HOR Nepalese Consulate office on the 10thUnited August. This was the first ever Nepali Nihal Sharma Liberal HOR folk duet album ever to be released outManoj Kumar Labor HOR side Nepal. At the event, a music video Jag Chuga Liberal HOR from the album “Sabaile Vanchhan Mero Budi Hot” was premiered. Popular Shilpa Hegde Liberal typical outfit toHOR represent Nepali culture singer Ram Chandra Kafle and Manju Gurminder Sekhon Greens Senate and tradition. According to Binod Poudel have given a rendition to the Ghimire from KSM the video is based Binoy Kampmark Wikileaks Senate song penned by Melbourne based song Party on the theme of western influence on writer Binod Ghimire. Jeevan Rasaili, reNepali youths. nowned cameraman who currently lives The program was also attended by in Melbourne shot the video. The project Honourable Consul General of Nepal is largely supported by entrepreneur Sato Victoria Mr Chandra Yonzon, NRN roj Sharma from Expert Education and Victoria’s Coordinator Rishi Kandel and NRNA Victoria’s Krishna Neupane. Entrepreneur Mahesh Bhandari and All the local female talents have Saroj Sharma. acted in the video, adorned in Nepali

Jems Pradhan’s introduces first selfie music video

inclusion, integration & collaboration through media...

Holt Isaacs Lalor

And that is a step closer for us to be able to capitalise on the democratic platform provided by our adopted

story of Kanchhi, a young and attractive country, themarried great to nation Australia. woman an old man with an nominated to vie for in the OsScullin age gap of around 40 years. After herto car Award under the Best ForWe can do this and all we need WillsLanguage Film Category. The story husband breathes his last, Kanchhi is eign give it a go. forced to jump into the funeral pyre of portrays the practice of Sati traditiondo is to her husband. in Nepal in which Hindu women were Another Nepali film Moksha was forced to burn themselves on the funeral also on the fray for the Oscar nominapyre of their spouses. tion, according to the Film Selection The story of the film is written by Committee. Krishna Dharabasi, which depicts the The Academy of Motion Picture cruel and inhumane practice faced by Hindu women. Arts and Sciences is holding the Oscar Directed and produced by Yadav Awards ceremony in Los Angeles of the Kumar Bhattarai, the film narrates a US on February 22, 2015. Menzies epali feature film Jhola has been

Multifaceted musician Jems Pradhan has done a selfie music video for his latest single ‘Ma Hide Hai”. He has shot the film in all the tourist destinations around Kathmandu. After the launch of his video he said,“I was interested in making a selfie-video five years ago when I got a DSLR camera but it was not possible as it was heavy. I used to shoot videos with my iPhone. Then I gifted myself a GoPro camera for my birthday this year. As I got used to it and good with it, I decided to do a selfie

music video with my daughter’s encouragement,” Pradhan shared the story of how the selfie music video of Ma Hide Hai came into being. The song was arranged, penned, composed and sung by Pradhan himself. Except for the saxophone, the song is the sole work of the King of Jingles. From mixing to editing the video, Pradhan has entirely handled the making of Ma Hide Hai. As the video has captured “beautiful heritage sites”, he believes that it will promote Nepal.

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6 | COVER STORY 20 immigration

October2014 2013 | September

Nepalese Voice Australia

Pathways to Australian Election-Lesson for Permanent Residence for Nepalese community

International Students Record number of South Asian candidates Time for us to give it a go! JUSTIN RICKARD B.A LL.B M.A (Syd.) M.M.I.A Australian lawyer* # 11272 (N.S.W) & Registered Migration Agent # 9790625

By Ramjee any Poudel international students

studying in Australia hold the dream of being able to remain within Australia permanently in order ustralia had its 44th general elecHouse tionsaon September 7th to the to establish home and family after the of their representative senate expiry of student and visas. Thisunder dream the of Australia ConstitucanCommonwealth become a possibility if a graduating tion Act, 1900. In this election, Liberal student fulfils the eligibility criteria for and National Liberal won 58 and 22 seats particular visas which can provide a respectively making it 90 for Liberal National pathway giving to obtaining permanent resiCoalition 35 seat advantage against dency upon completion of their studies. the opponent Australian Labor Party. In all cases health character requireSubsequently, leaderand of the Liberal National Coalition, Abbott has been in as ments willTony apply, though they sworn may vary ainPrime ministerfor of each Australia for next three particulars sub-class. years. As with any summary of such comthe history Australian elections, plexInmatters, theofdevil is in the details two major parties Australian Labor Party so professional advice from an experiand The Liberal Coalition have dominated ences Australian registered migration the lower house. Since the foundation of the agent (who lawyer also) Liberal Party is inpreferably 1944, these atwo groups have is crucial to avoid mistakes*. Even formed every government and this yearthe was tiniest mistake can render an applicano different. tion unsuccessful. The “pathway” visas include: of Political Parties Number

proliferated This election Voters got spoiled for Skilled Recognised Graduate choices as the number of registered politisubclass 476 visa

cal parties have more than doubled since Applicable to recent graduates the 2010 election, and is at a record high. younger than 31 years of age who have Many termed the proliferation of parties a completed an eligible engineering qualtriumph for democracy, and the other called ification from aindividuals recognised it opportunistic andinstitution groups in the past two years. Applicants canwere not seeking publicity. More political parties have heldtoa contest Skilledthe — federal Recognised Gradregistered election than ever with the 476) Australian Electoral uatebefore, visa (subclass or a Temporary Commission approving thebefore most applicaGraduate (subclass 485) (unless tions registration was member) introduced they since were party a dependent family in 1984. As the criteria made too easy and be able toentry demonstrate English 24 more parties registered with Australian language ability. Electoral Commission than Federal election An applicant may apply for this visa 2010. from both inside or outside of and Australia With some interesting names however an applicant must and be outside manifesto, parties like Fishing Lifestyle of Australia when the application is Parties, Motoring Enthusiast Party, Australian SportsThis Party,visa Bullet Trainholders for Australia, decided. allows to No Carbon taxenrol Climate Sceptics educational and shooters travel, work, in further and Fishers Party took part. Some even voted studies and additionally study in order for Australian Sex Party, Coke in the Bubto improve their English skills. Holders blers party, Help end Marijuana Prohibition of this visa may can be eligible to apply party, Smokers Right Party or Pirate Party for permanent residence if able to meet Australia. Amongst the new entrants the the required forKatter’s the General Palmer Unitedpass Partymark and the AustralSkilled points The visa is ian partyMigration left its entry mark test. in Australian valid for upone to 18 politics with seatmonths. each in their hand. And while 54 registered political parties may be a record high, given thesubclass two-party Skilled Independent system and the rarity of minority govern189 visa ments, it’s still low when compared with Applicable if recently graduated some other countries.

from an Australian University whilst on a student or qualifying visa and in possession of a skilled occupation listed on the relevant Skilled Occupation list

Recently elected Prime Minister of Australia Mr Tony Abbott

Record Number of South Asian and Subcontinent candidates

A total of 26 candidates from South Asian origin stood up in the election.

Both major political parties made an attempt to inculcate South Asian candidates in their election campaign. Labor intended to capitalise on voters by recruiting Manoj Kumar from Menzies in Melbourne for lower house and Bhupinder Kumar from Chibber in NSW for senate. Liberal however had four South Asian origin candidates jostling for the seat in parliament, three of them from Victoria. Green also had four candidates running for them, the most prominent being Alex Bhathal from Batman electorate from Melbourne’s North. Interestingly enough it is the newer and lesser known parties that had stronger presence of South Asian candidates representing them. Newly registered Palmer United Party had nine and the WikiLeakes Party had two Subcontinent origin candidates standing in the election.

Extended stay pathway which letter of invitation and nomination and you have obtained a suitable skills requires an applicant to have held a by either an Australian State agency assessment for that occupation and not this year’s Result provisional visa in subclass 475, 487, 495 or an eligible relative living in an yet turned 50 years of age and achieved Party NSW WA SAfor the TASpurposes ACT NT National Last Election or 496 for Won at least two years and want to area designated of the score specified in your letter of invi- VIC QLD this visa. extend your stay in Australia or be are a tation based on the factors in the points Australian Labor Party 18 19 6 3 5 1 2 1 55 72 You Submit an Expression of Interest family member of someone who holds test. Liberal/National Coalition 30 16 22 12 6 3 0 1 90 73 and then might be eligible to apply this visa (subclass 489) or a provisional You must have at least competent Liberal 23 14 0 12 6 3 0 0 58 44 for this visa if invited. When you are visa in subclass 475, 487, 495 or 496. ApEnglish. In comparison to the skilled Liberal National 0 0 22 0 letter 0 of invitation, 0 0 you 0 22ply for a Skilled 21 Regional (Provisional) sent your nominated subclassParty 189 visa however Nationals 7 2 0must also 0 have: 0 0 0 0 9 Subsequent 7 Entrant (subclass 489) visa thisThe visa does not require an applicant It should to Country be sponsored by (NT) an employer, family Liberals 0 0 ææ 0been nominated 0 0 by 0an Australian 0 1 1 1 be noted however that State or Territory government agency meeting the minimum requirements and member or state government but can be The Greens 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 criteria will not guarantee nomination or sponsored by an eligible relative applied for on an independent basis. The Katter’s Australian Party 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 by the state0 as the state will only select living in a designated area difficulties with this pathway will include Palmer United Party 0 or 0 ææ 1nominated 0 0 0that is 0on 1 these applicants 0 with the greatest chance an0occupation being able to pass a skills assessment of finding stable employment. the relevant skilled occupations list obtain enough points if you have little Independent 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 4 æ æ a suitable skills assessment for that work experience, as well as the inability Not yet determined 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 occupation to obtain a bridging visa until an actual Skilled Nominated subclass TOTAL 48 37 30 15 11 5 2 2 150 ææ not yet turned 50 years of age visa application is made. 190 visa DECLARED 0 0 ææ 0achieved 0 the score 0 0 0 in your 0 0 specified Applicable for recent graduates letter of invitation based on the facSkilled Regional subclass 489 on a student or qualifying visa and in two party count nationally tors in the points test visa possession of an occupation listed on ææ atVotes least competent English This/ Coalition visa allows skilled workers to the StateSwing % nomination list for graduates. Party Percentage % live and work in specified regional areas This particular Australian Labor Party 5,069,128 46.63 -3.57 visa is points tested on 2. Extended Stay Pathway in Australia for up to four years. There a skill basis and in order to apply you Liberal/National Coalition 5,802,835 +3.57 You can also apply for the53.37 Skilled Re- must submit are two streams for this particular visa: an expression of interest gional (Provisional) Renewal (subclass and then– be through SkillSelect (Although the Australian government has been based on two-party system, for the Senate, the upper house hasinvited the 489) if you holdsince a provisional visa in group proportional representation and single transferable votevisa system in use 1949, with optional votingan tickets since 1984.) 1. Invited Pathway to lodge application. subclass 496, 495, 487 or 475 ææ Invited pathway which requires a This particular visa is intended to

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inclusion, integration & collaboration through media...

September | October 2013 2014

Nepalese Voice Australia

immigration COVER STORY | 21 7

We can give it a go! satisfy the high demand within Australia’s labour market for potential employees possessing a particular skillset and as such possesses stringent minimum eligibility requirements. These include requirements similar to the subclass 489 visa however in addition PhD graduates who have completed a doctorate from Despite increasing South Asian representaan Australian educational institution or tion in mainstream Australian politics, no other doctorate of an equivalent nature Nepali has yet risen to this in a specialist fieldup listed onchallenge. the State As the fastest growing community in Australia, Nomination Occupation List may also it would have been timely to see someone be eligible for state nomination. from the community advancing intoEvithe dence proving successful completion mainstream political platform to voice ourof the PhD to must be provided and the PhD concerns a government level. must have completed within the “We are been relatively new in compared to other past 5South years.Asian Community, most of our

population is a first generation migrants and has survival as the first priority however Skilled graduate subclass we don’t lack intelligence, awareness and 485 visa education to compete and integrate into Although this Itvisa does confer Australian politics. is now thenot need of hour permanent it doesit allow that someoneresidency begins chipping away” asays a community leader.from an Australian recent graduate A political science student Latrobe education to remain within from Australia University says “the awareness of political temporarily upon completion of studies participation directlyor related the history for up to 18 is months more.toThere are of migration. Lack of familiarity with the two streams of Graduate Temporary political system would translate into lack of Visa, these streams being; participation.” In our case, we have hundreds

1. Graduate work: An 18 month visa which requires applicants to pass a skills assessment in an occupation listed on the Skilled occupation list.

2. Post study work: A visa lasting between 2 years for these completing a Bachelor degree to 4 years for these of Nepalese who have madeThis noteworthy completing a Doctorate. particular achievements in businesses and academia, stream does not require a skills assessmany hold extensive distinment however therebackgrounds are relevantand dates guished careers, we have produced hundreds going back several years which must of affluent personalities but we are lagging be investigated carefully in each case to political participation. ensure Thateligibility said, off late we are starting to see This visa does notshowing requirepromises nominamany Nepalese youths tion by the a State agency And in order an leading community. that isfor a step closer for us be able to capitalise on applicant totoapply. the democratic platform provided by our Visas are also available for full-time adopted country, the great nation Australia. work sponsorship on a permanent or We can do this and basis, all we need to do is toan temporary 4 year usually with give it a go. Australian employer. Unlike in the US where many Nepalese may exist politics, based on haveOther gainedpathways clout in mainstream your financial and family situation such as Darshan Rauniyaar who ran forinconAustralia. Professional bethe gress in 2012 election, we advice are stillmust to have sought as along term planning privilegeatofearliest voting for Nepali candidate in Australia. Asin a community we and are hungry is required this complex ever for the real leadership. changing field. Hopefully the day comes sooner than it looks.

JUSTIN RICKARD B.A LL.B M.A (Syd.) M.M.I.A

Australian lawyer* (since 1986) # 11272 (N.S.W) & Registered Migration Agent (since 1994) # 9790625 www.australianimmigrationlawyers.com E: jrickard@ozemail.com.au | P: (612) 4448 6084 | M: 0416 212 021 Skype: justin.rickard Drau.linkedin.com/pub/justin-rickard/4/9a5/a47 Ali Khan - Liberal (second from left) during his election campaign * Mr. Rickard almost always acts as a registered migration agent only on migration applications

*ThisAsian article isorigin a guide candidates only and not intended as stand-alone legal advice. South from Victoria in 2013 Federal Election Candidate

Party

Position

Electorate

Dr Ali Khan

Liberal

HOR

Calwell

...off late we are starting to see

Alex Bhathal

Greens

HOR

Batman

many Nepalese youths showing

Dinesh Jayasuriya

Greens

HOR

Gorton

Jatinder Singh

Palmer United

HOR

Holt

promises leading the community.

Avtar Singh Gill

Palmer United

HOR

Isaacs

Nihal Sharma

Liberal

HOR

Lalor

Manoj Kumar

Labor

HOR

Menzies

Jag Chuga

Liberal

HOR

Scullin

Shilpa Hegde

Liberal

HOR

Wills

Gurminder Sekhon

Greens

Senate

do is to give it a go. Free  Interest

Binoy Kampmark

Wikileaks Party

Senate

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6 | COVER 22 media STORY release

October2014 2013 | September

Nepalese Voice Australia

CALD Youth Censusfor Election-Lesson Report unveiled Nepalese community CALD youth value education but need help finding jobs

while their engagement with the workforce was still lower than the Australian born population, it was higher than youth born in CALD and refugee countries. It said this was an indication of how over the generations different population groups begin to converge towards the Australia born average. The Federal Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Social Services, Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, launched The CALD Youth Census Report.

Record number of South Asian candidates Time for us to give it a go! A new report into the culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) and refugee youth in Australia says there’s a need for a continuing focus on English, education By Ramjee Poudel and training, and employment. The Multicultural Youth Advocacy Network commissioned Professor Graeme Hugo to prepare the report, which contributes ustralia had its 44th general electhe House tionsknowledge on September 7th to to baseline about CALD and representative and senate under refugee of youth in Australia. the Commonwealth Australia ConstituThe report has of highlighted that It tion Act, 1900. In this election, Liberal is important for policymakers at the and National Liberal won 58 and 22 seats Federal, State and Local area levels to respectively making it 90 for Liberal National understand the changing size and comCoalition giving 35 seat advantage against position of itsAustralian population. This report the opponent Labor Party. has focused on youth born in CALD Subsequently, leader of the Liberal National and refugee countries between the ages Coalition, Tony Abbott has been sworn in as aofPrime of Australia for next three 12-24minister and made comparisons with years. youth born in Australia at the state level In the history of It Australian elections, to identify trends. also point out that two major parties Australian Labor Party a great diversity of ethnicities within and The Liberal Coalition have dominated CALD and refugee population groups the lower house. Since the foundation of the which not only requires a range of differLiberal Party in 1944, these two groups have ing need andgovernment services butand also formed every thistranslates year was intodifferent. different settlement and distribution no patterns that need to be understood more fully. of Political Parties Number “However, it is useful to first assess proliferated them more broadly as got population groups This election Voters spoiled for

in order to understand how youth from CALD and refugee countries as new additions to the Australia’s population are benchmarked against the Australian born youth population,” the report said. When it comes to education, the report said, it was encouraging to see that youth born in CALD and refugee countries and with CALD and refugee ancestry generally had comparable A total of 26 candidates rates of being enrolled at an educational institution. from South Asian origin While it is considered that the population in In fact, youth born in CALD counstood of upyouth in theborn election. CALD countries partly comprises international students, there tries and youth with CALD and refugee is also some evidence that there is a stronger emphasis placed ancestry performed slightly better than their Australian counterparts in the 12on education for migrant youth. Both major political parties made an 17 age. Overall, youth born in CALD and attempt to inculcate South Asian candidates refugee countries and with CALD and is apparent for youth born in Australia in their election refugee ancestry had higher participation Broadly, shecampaign. said, the Labor reportintended found which has a significantly higher proporto capitalise on voters by recruiting Manoj rates as students in either a full or partthat the rate of participation in education of its 18-24 group participating in Kumar from Menzies in Melbourne for lower time capacity at an educational institution for and refugee youth was the workforce compared to youth born house andCALD Bhupinder Kumar from Chibber tion when compared to youth born in comparable to Australian-born youth if in NSW for senate. Liberal however had four in CALD and refugee countries. Australian. not slightly higher, and there appeared South Asian origin candidates jostling for The report said this may be attribWhile it is considered that the poputo be strong emphasisthree placed on educathe seat in parliament, of them from uted to the Australian born population lation of youth born in CALD countries Victoria. Green also had four candidates tion among migrant youth. “This report more options available to them Recently elected Prime Minister of Australia Mrhaving Tony Abbott running for them, the most prominent being partly comprises international students, will help us identify successes and areas apart from post-secondary education Alex Bhathal from Batman electorate from there is also some evidence that there is which need more attention. It will allow compared youth born and Melbourne’s North. South Asiantoorigin stood upininCALD the election Record of South a strongerNumber emphasis placed on education us to make informed decisions about refugee countries. However, it said, foras Interestingly enough it is the newer and representing different political parties or for migrant youth. The inverse relationAsian and Subcontinent how we can best help this important youth with CALD and refugee ancestry, lesser known parties that had stronger presship between employment and education independent for the seats of both houses. candidates target group. ” ence of South Asian candidates representing This number may not seem big compared to

This year’s election remained quite signifchoices as the number of registered politithe wide range of political platforms across icant for Asian and Subcontinent community cal parties have more than doubled since Australia; but this certainly indicates the as we witnessed largest number of candidates the 2010 election, and is at a record high. increasing Subcontinent interests in mainfrom the region actively participating in Many termed the proliferation of parties a stream Australian politics. the election. A total of 26 candidates from triumph for democracy, and the other called it opportunistic individuals and groups seeking publicity. More political parties were this year’s Result registered to contest the federal election than ever before, with the Australian Electoral Party NSW VIC QLD WA SA TAS ACT NT Commission approving the most applicaAustralian Labor Party 18 19 6 3 5 1 2 1 tions since party registration was introduced Liberal/National Coalition 30 16 22 12 6 3 0 1 in 1984. As the entry criteria made too easy 24 moreairfax partiesmedia registered with Australian had revealed an in Liberal Delhi and said to have been living 23 free14 istered 0 migration 12 6agent,3 Maria 0 Nani 0was Electoral Commission thanagent’s Federalthree election Indian migration and comfortable lives. Just a week after , sentenced for migration fraud Liberal National Party 0 0 22 0 0 0 0 offences 0 2010. million dollars criminal racket in in the second week of August, an unreg- in the Magistrates Court of Victoria. The Nationals 7 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 With some interesting names and the first week of like August. The prosecution manifesto, parties Fishing and Lifestyle Country Liberals (NT) 0 0 0 0 0 was 0 the result 0 TheMotoring report had unravelled of1 Parties, Enthusiast Party, corrupt AustralThe Greens 0 1 0 0 0 an 0investigation 0 0by Immigration official and ian Sports Party,Department Bullet Train for Australia, herCarbon husband helped run aand racket No taxthat Climate Sceptics shooters Katter’s Australian Party 0 0 1 0 0 the0 Department 0 0of and Fishersmore Party than took part. even voted involving 1000Some fraudulent Immigration and Palmer United Party 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 for Sex Party, Coke into thethe BubvisaAustralian applications. According Border ProtecIndependent 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 blers party, Help end Marijuana report, Reetika Ajjan and herProhibition husband, tion (DIBP) into party, Smokers Right Party or Pirate Party Not yet determined 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Jeetender, fled Australia three days after unlawful migration Australia. Amongst the new entrants the TOTAL 48 37 30 15 11 assistance 5 2 to visa2 immigration and federal agents raided Palmer United Party and the Katter’s Australtheir home in October 2011 – having applicants. DECLARED 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 She was 0 ian party left its entry mark in Australian wired more than $1 million to overseas found guilty of politics with one seat each in their hand. bank accounts sniffing they were providing false docAnd while 54after registered political parties two party count nationally under . Theythe aretwo-party currently umentation to visa may be investigation a record high, given Party / Coalition Votes Percentage % system and the rarity of minority governapplicants in return ments, it’s still low when compared with Australian Labor Party 5,069,128 46.63 for money. She was According to the report, Reetika Ajjan and her husband, some other countries. sentenced to a community corrections Liberal/National Coalition and 5,802,835 53.37 Jeetender, fled Australia three days after immigration

them. Newly registered Palmer United Party had nine and the WikiLeakes Party had two Subcontinent origin candidates standing in the election.

Nepalese students concerned over dodgy migration agents

National

Won Last Election

These are 44 two great and recent examples of how 22 21worrying the situation has been for International Students in Aus9 7 tralia. As they require to seek assistance 1 from the migration 1 agents for their en1 rolment, course 1 transfer, visa extensions Nepalese students 1 and other services, 0 are alarmed with the recent news about 1 0 dodgy migration agents. 2 4 Suman Deuja from Nepalese Stu0 dents Association of Victoria said, “So 150 - victims could be our many of these “please be careful when 0 folks.” He said you choose your migration agent. Their wrongdoing can ruin your career and waste your hard earned money.” He said, Swing % “these recent incidents are quite worry-3.57 ing for international students specially for our +3.57 folks whose fate relies on these agents.” “I suggest everyone to do proper order of 300 hours’ community service federal agents raided their home (Although in October 2011 –government having has been based the Australian system,all forcharges, the Senate, the upper house –before has thegetting involved”, he research over on 18two-party months across fined proportional representation andafter single transferable vote system in use since 1949, with optional group voting tickets since 1984.) wired more than $1 million to overseas bank accounts added. $10 000 and ordered to pay $113.90 sniffing they were under investigation. costs and $4075 in repatriation orders.

www.nepalesevoice.com.au | Email: editor@nepalesevoice.com.au | Phone: 0449 913 133

inclusion, integration & collaboration through media...

Nepalese Voice Australia

September | October 2013 2014

media release COVER STORY | 23 7

Victorian Gov’s appeal to join family violence prevention project

We can give it a go! V

community sector partnerships, tools, ictorian Government has guides, resources and a community launched a new initiative to implementation plan, with support from assist culturally and linguisthe Foundation. tically diverse (CALD) communities Expressions of interest are invited to raise awareness of the harm caused of Nepalese who have made noteworthy Despite increasing South Asian representafrom agencies a strong of by violence against women and chilachievements in with businesses and history academia, tion in mainstream Australian politics, no working with CALD communities and dren and develop tailored violence Nepali has yet risen up to this challenge. As many hold extensive backgrounds and distinthe ongoing infrastructure to support prevention programs. The led guished careers, we have produced hundreds the fastest growing communityproject, in Australia, of affluent personalities but we are lagging it have been Foundation timely to see to someone sustainability of the work beyond the bywould The National prevent from the community advancing the political participation. life of the project. Violence Against Women andinto their That said, for off late we are starting to see mainstream political platform to voicethe our Minister Community Services Children (the Foundation), builds many Nepalese youths showing promises concerns to a government level. Mary Wooldridge said expressions of capacity of CALD communities to “We are relatively new in compared to leading the community. And that is a step interest are now open and encourages undertake family violence prevention closer for us to be able to capitalise on other South Asian Community, most of our agencies to submit their innovative activities which deliver the message that population is a first generation migrants the democratic platform provided by our approaches to delivering a prevention violence against women and children is adopted country, the great nation Australia. and has survival as the first priority however program specific to the needs never okay We can do this and all we need toof doais to we don’t lack intelligence, awareness and said that working with CALD commuintervention programs; one working CALD community. According to theand government’s give it a go. education to compete integrate into nities ensures that initiatives genuinely within the Indian community and the Unlike the many US where many Nepalese Australian It is now the need has of hour “Thereinare inhibitors to statement,politics. the Indian community address the concerns of the community that beginsnominated chipping itfor away” have gainedupclout in mainstream other working within an emerging speaking about violence inpolitics, culturally beensomeone specifically thesays a community such as Darshan Rauniyaar who for conand have the greatest effectiveness. CALD community. diverse communities – we areran seeking initiative asleader. it has demonstrated a strong gress in 2012 election, we are still to have A political science student from Latrobe “Violence against women should “We know that sometimes a oneto empower community members to the readiness to participate in prevention University says “the awareness of political privilege of voting for a Nepali candidate in be a priority for all of us – individuals, size-fits-all approach doesn’t work. efforts, and there is the potential to speak out,” Ms Wooldridge said. “The Australia. As a community we are hungry for participation is directly related to the history communities and organisations. We state Government has invested $550,000 We are seeking to develop innovative build on prevention activities already of migration. Lack of familiarity with the the real leadership. Hopefully the day comes must establish equality between men approaches that work for specific in the development of these family underway. political system would translate into lack of sooner than it looks. and women campaign in families, communities, cultural communities in a way that best violence prevention programs that are The programs will help the developDr Ali Khan Liberal (second from left) during his election participation.” In our case, we have hundreds and society as a whole. This project is benefits them,” Ms Wooldridge said. specifically tailored to the needs of ment of new projects for other CALD an important step closer to ending vioDirector Policy and Evaluation for CALD communities.” communities and inform broader prelence against women,” Ms Fergus said. The National Foundation to Prevent Ms Wooldridge said the project will vention initiatives across both the state South Asian origin candidates from Victoria in 2013 Federal Election Violence Against Women, Lara Fergus develop two separate family violence and Australia. They will each develop Candidate

Party

Position

Electorate

Dr Ali Khan

Liberal

HOR

Calwell

Alex Bhathal

Greens

HOR

Batman

Dinesh Jayasuriya

Greens

HOR

Gorton

Jatinder Singh

Palmer United

HOR

Holt

Avtar Singh Gill

Palmer United

HOR

Isaacs

Nihal Sharma Manoj Kumar Jag Chuga

Liberal Finance? HOR Need HOR Why Labor go to the Bank? Liberal

HOR

Greens

Senate

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6 | COVER STORY 24 Fiction

October2014 2013 | September

Stoned...

Nepalese Voice Australia

Election-Lesson for Nepalese community continues from last issue...

B Record number of South Asian candidates oth of them were sitting in the lounge but none of them spoke a word. An awkward silence was there. Finally, she spoke and asked him how he had been. “I was in the county to meet my client. I saw you in the window so came to meet you” he replied. He didn’t even asked her how she had been. She felt amazed. Is he the same guy whom she had loved for a By Ramjee Poudel decade? She wasn’t sure at this moment. She felt an inner urge to cry but she couldn’t. ustralia had its 44th general elec“I lost my firm. I couldn’t secure tions on September 7th to the House enough orders to keep it solvent. So, I

Crime Investigation Unit was still collecting evidences inside the house. 4 PM in the afternoon. Mary was admitted in the hospital. Her operation began. Eliza arrived later with her grandma. Eliza still didn’t know what had happened in her home this afternoon neither she knows who did this to her mom and how this happened. With a sleepy eye, she looked inside the hospital and stares outside the window. Her grandma was terrified to learn from police about the incident. She was in a state of shock to know about Mary. She rushed to the hospital to see her daughter. After 4 hours of surgery, Mary’s operation was completed. She was declared to be in a stable condition. Eliza was taken back home by her grandma. After dinner, her grandma told her the story of prince charming. “One day a prince charming will come and take you to his kingdom” she told Eliza. Eliza was already asleep. She never stays awake to complete the story, thought her grandma. It rained all night. Eliza woke up early in the morning. She was missing Mary. She cried a lot this morning. Her granny could barely make her stop crying. After an early breakfast, took Eliza and rushed to the hospital. Recently elected Prime Minister of Australia Mrshe Tony Abbott 10 AM in the morning, doctor informed her that Mary has regained conSouth Asian origin stood up in the election Record Number of South sciousness but they could meet her only representing different political parties or as Asian and Subcontinent in the evening. returned home with independent for She the seats of both houses. candidates Eliza.number She was stillnot inseem a state shock after This may bigofcompared to This year’s election remained quite signifyesterday’s incident. Her platforms mind wasacross still the wide range of political icant for Asian and Subcontinent community not coping with fact that her daughter Australia; but thisthe certainly indicates the as we witnessed largest number of candidates increasing mainwas in theSubcontinent hospital afterinterests seriousininjuries from the region actively participating in stream Australian politics. He dropped the vase on the floor. sustained in a violent attack by Keats. the election. A total of 26 candidates from He was feeling guilty at the moment. He In the meantime, Keats hasn’t been kept calling Mary. Mary didn’t reply. He able to come out of shock. He couldn’t this year’s believe what he has done to Mary. She became nervous.Result He wasn’t sure what to his high school love ofNT his do next. He call dialed 911 and asked for Party NSW VIC wasQLD WA SAsweetheart, TAS ACT help. life. All she asked her was to realize his Australian Labor Party 18 19 6 3 5 1 2 1 mistake and apologize for it. Few minutes later police and paraLiberal/National Coalition 30 16 22 12 6 3 0 medics arrived there. She was then taken “All this could have been prevented1 if Liberal 23to the14 I had 0 given12up my6ego” he 3 said0to himself. 0 into the ambulance and was rushed hospital. Detective Ryan asked him what He could barely console himself. He wept Liberal National Party 0 0 22 0 0 0 0 0 hadThe happened there. Keats narrated the 2 in his interrogation cell.0Quietly, he wiped Nationals 7 0 0 0 0 0 incident. He was still trembling with fear the tears. He asked Ryan about Mary’s Liberals (NT) 0 0 0 0 1 andCountry nervousness. Keats was taken 0into 0 condition. Ryan told him0 that Mary’s The Greens 0 1 operation 0 0 been 0 successful 0 0 she0has police custody for further investigation. has and Eliza willAustralian be taken toParty Mary’s mother. her Katter’s 0 0 regained 1 0 consciousness. 0 0 Ryan 0 also0 “Is your business everything for you? Your wife, child, family means nothing to you?” She asked him with a feeling of mixed emotions. He couldn’t answer her. He seemed puzzled. “I think we should get divorced” she eventually told him. He was surprised. He hadn’t anticipated this. He refused this. She insisted on being separated. He refused again and again. On the heat of the argument, he lost his temper. He grabs a vase and hit her with it. Her skull was fractured. She was bleeding. Her body takes a spin and then hit the corner of the wall. She became unconscious.

Time for us to give it a go!

of representative and senate under the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act, 1900. In this election, Liberal and National Liberal won 58 and 22 seats respectively making it 90 for Liberal National Coalition giving 35 seat advantage against the opponent Australian Labor Party. Subsequently, leader of the Liberal National Coalition, Tony Abbott has been sworn in as a Prime minister of Australia for next three years. In the history of Australian elections, two major parties Australian Labor Party and The Liberal Coalition have dominated the lower house. Since the foundation of the Liberal Party in 1944, these two groups have formed every government and this year was no different.

Number of Political Parties proliferated

This election Voters got spoiled for choices as the number of registered political parties have more than doubled since the 2010 election, and is at a record high. Many termed the proliferation of parties a filed for liquidation” he told her. triumph for democracy, and the other called She felt sorry for him. and It was his it opportunistic individuals groups dream to take his firm to a national seeking publicity. More political partieslevel were which now beentheaborted registered to has contest federal prematurely. election than wonder what I could I have been ever“Ibefore, with the Australian Electoral Commission approving the most applicatoday if I could have secured that order”, tions since registration was introduced he told herparty without any second thought. in 1984. As thebe entry criteriaescort madefor toothe easy “I cannot a female 24 more parties registered with Australian sake of your orders” she replied furiously, Electoral Commission than Federal election perhaps more furious than she was ever 2010. before. She was angry that he hasn’t even With some interesting names and realized what he set up for. manifesto, parties likeher Fishing and Lifestyle “I didn’t have any other option then. Parties, Motoring Enthusiast Party, AustralIian wanted those orders, pay my loan and Sports Party, Bullet Train for Australia, increase mytax business. No Carbon Climate”Sceptics and shooters and Fishers Party took part. Some even voted for Australian Sex Party, Coke in the Bubblers party, Help end Marijuana Prohibition party, Smokers Right Party or Pirate Party Australia. Amongst the new entrants the Palmer United Party and the Katter’s Australian party left its entry mark in Australian politics with one seat each in their hand. And while 54 registered political parties may be a record high, given the two-party system and the rarity of minority governments, it’s still low when compared with some other countries.

“Don’t worry Momma, One day a prince charming will come and takes you to his kingdom on his white horse.”

Abhishek Shiwakoti told him that his team is underway to take her testimony. Keats was relieved to know that Mary is now safe. He breathed a sigh of relief. At 6 PM in the evening, Eliza came total with of 26 to theAhospital hercandidates grandma to meet her mother. She cameAsian close toorigin Mary and from South told her that she her. Mary couldn’t stood uploves in the election. utter a single word. She just gave smile to Eliza and stares at her mother. Her mother told her that Keats has been in police custody for further investigation. Both major political parties made an attempt to inculcate Southfrom AsianRyan’s candidates Meanwhile, two officers team in their election campaign. Labor intended arrived at the hospital to record her testo capitalise by recruitingtoManoj timony. Sheon feltvoters uncomfortable relieve Kumar from Menziesonce in Melbourne for lower all those moments more. However, house and Bhupinder Kumar from Chibber she braved all those instincts and narrated in NSW for senate. Liberal however had four the incident to them. After sometime, the South Asian origin candidates jostling for officers returned withthree the testimony. the seat in parliament, of them from Mary was alone in when Victoria. Green also had the fourroom candidates Eliza and her grandmother reentered the running for them, the most prominent being room. Mary from smiles a little.electorate She felt better Alex Bhathal Batman from Melbourne’s North. Perhaps, she vent out after her testimony. Interestingly enough is the newer everything she had keptitinside her forand a lesser known parties that had stronger preslong time. enceHer of South Asian representing mother wascandidates inconsolable. She them. Newly registered Palmer United Party hasn’t been able to keep her tears inside. had nine and the WikiLeakes Party had two Eliza came close to candidates her mother and told Subcontinent origin standing in her in a soft voice, “Don’t worry Momma, the election. One day a prince charming will come and takes you to his kingdom on his white horse.” She remembers her prince charming. All her life comes as a flashback in National front of herWon eyes.Last HerElection prince charming 55has been a 72 curse to her. He had stoned at 90her dreams.73Her dreams had been shatbroken glass. No, she doesn’t 58tered like a44 want any prince charming in her life. She 22 21 wants to live her own life now. She wanted 9 to tell this to 7 Eliza but couldn’t. She stares 1 at the ceiling, 1 tears rolling down her cheeks. It was still raining outside with thunders yet 1 1 she stills felt silence in her life. 1

Palmer United Party

Independent

Not yet determined

TOTAL

150

DECLARED

two party count nationally Party / Coalition

Votes

Percentage %

Swing %

Australian Labor Party

5,069,128

46.63

-3.57

Liberal/National Coalition

5,802,835

53.37

+3.57

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6 | COVER STORY 26 opinion

October2014 2013 | September

Nepalese Voice Australia

Need to grow out offor Election-Lesson a timid psyche Nepalese community Record number of South Asian candidates Dr Anupam Pokharel Time for us to give it a go! Our Identity:

Nepalese community in Australia is rapidly growing but it is still considered relatively new to the broader Australian Community. Apart from being seen as the fastest growing community, the mainstream society would mostly identiBy Poudel as mountain climbing fy Ramjee with Nepalese Sherpas that help their fellow climbers from the more affluent countries. Some would know thegeneral birthplace ustraliaNepal had itsas44th elec- of th Lord Buddha, and some would harbour tions on September 7 to the House their sweet memories and from 60s and 70s of representative senate under the Commonwealth Australia Constituof walking side by of side with cows on the tion Act,of1900. In this election, Liberal streets Kathmandu and purchasing and National 58 andAustralians 22 seats hashish in a Liberal shop. won For many respectively making it 90 for Liberal National ,whose relatives fought in the World War Coalition giving 35 seat advantage against II, Nepal represents home to the valiant the opponent Australian Labor Party. Gurkhas. Allleader in all,ofwhichever AusSubsequently, the Liberalway National tralians find their individual connection Coalition, Tony Abbott has been sworn in as Nepal, it would not beforannext overstateawith Prime minister of Australia three ment for me to say that Nepalese stand years. the history Australian elections, for In simple, loyal,oflaid back, hardworking two parties Australian Labor Party andmajor harmonious community.

and The Liberal Coalition have dominated the lower house. Since the foundation of the Our Position inthese Australia: Liberal Party in 1944, two groups have The Australian Bureau Statistics formed every government andofthis year was shows a growing number of Nepalese no different.

in Australia has reached the vicinity of

25000. The of unofficial figureParties as claimed Number Political by some community leaders, which inproliferated

cludes and temporary Thisstudents election Voters got spoiledresidents, for takes itastothe over 50000ofinregistered NSW alone, choices number political have more than doubled since andparties Melbourne being home of more the 2010 election, and iswith at a record high. than 10000 residents their origin Many termed the proliferation of parties in Nepal. Despite this big disparity ina triumph for democracy, and figure, the other called the official and unofficial there is it opportunistic individuals and groups no doubt that Nepalese community has seeking publicity. More political parties were grown bytomanifolds the last decade. registered contest theinfederal election than When we migrate to any new ever before, with the Australian Electoral country permanently, there is applicaa need Commission approving the most of integration also expectation of tions since partyand registration was introduced in As thecommunity entry criteriathat made the1984. broader wetoo tryeasy 24 partiesIn registered to more assimilate. essence,with thisAustralian is what Electoral Commission than FederalWithin election naturalization means anyways. 2010. this context, it becomes relevant to talk With some interesting names and about the community organisations that manifesto, parties like Fishing and Lifestyle are set Motoring out to work towardsParty, the welfare Parties, Enthusiast Australof our community and help members ian Sports Party, Bullet Train foritsAustralia, have smooth between counNo Carbon tax transitions Climate Sceptics and shooters triesFishers and the cultures. and Party took part. Some even voted for Australian Sex Party, Coke in the Bubblers party, Help end Marijuana Prohibition Governing bodies: party, Smokers Right Party or Pirate Party Particularly in reference to our Australia. Amongst the new entrants the community Victoria, there are Australtwo Palmer UnitedinParty and the Katter’s main Nepalese organizations that claims ian party left its entry mark in Australian to be the top community bodies .First politics with one seat each in their hand. oneAnd is Nepalese Association of Victoria while 54 registered political parties may be a Anyone record high, theintwo-party (NAV). withgiven roots Nepal is system rarity of minority governeligibleand forthe membership of NAV. The ments, still low when compared with aim ofit’s this organization is to provide some other countries. advocacy and practical supports to Nepalese in Victoria. NAV also organizes different festivals and celebrations, e.g. Children›s day as well as women›s

day. There is another organization Non-Resident Nepalese Association (NRNA-SCC) - State Coordinating Committee, which is a Victorian Chapter of a much larger network of Nepalese community worldwide. This organization is actively involved in lobbying and negotiating with the Government of Nepal, primarily for dual citizenship, in return of collective and individual investment from its members to Nepal. This organization also provides financial support to social work, mainly in Nepal and

citizenship, and at this point in time do not carry any legal or moral rights to be actively involved with political organizations based in Nepal. It’s important here for the readers from other backgrounds to know that Nepal does not permit dual citizenship, and considers one ceasing to be her citizen the moment a person acquires citizenship of another country.

Nepal hangover:

Whether through NAV, NRN or through other sister concern groups, one may wonder, why some of our community members still want to continue their active party political life from Nepal in Australia. It appears that their unmet political and psychological needs to be recognized as leaders or just to feel validated ,are the driving force for such association formation. Generally almost non-existent for the community, such organizations

Recently elected Prime Minister of Australia Mr Tony Abbott

Record Number of South Asian and Subcontinent candidates

This year’s election remained quite signifAustralia icant for Asian and Subcontinent community as we witnessed largest number of candidates from the region actively participating in the election. A total of 26 candidates from

activities or contribute to good causes. But the point here is why we do not need so many new organizations, whereas we can already do those things through the existing ones like NAV and NRNA. To forming A totalthese of 26 candidates me, sister concern groups from South Asian originis of these political parties in Australia meaningless justthe a way to serve few stood and up in election. people’s personal ambition to rise in social portfolio. Both major political parties made an Introspection: attempt inculcate South Asian Whytoam I so critical of thecandidates above in their election campaign. Labor intended phenomena? There are two main reato capitalise on voters by recruiting Manoj sons - the is thatinitMelbourne is not letting us Kumar fromfirst Menzies for lower as a community to rise beyond petty house and Bhupinder Kumar from Chibber politics andsenate. dispute that however are based onfour in NSW for Liberal had what they believed when they were in South Asian origin candidates jostling for the seat Few in parliament, them from Nepal. examplesthree are: of development Victoria. had recent four candidates of a coreGreen groupalso in the NAV elecrunning them, the most being tion andfor seeking votes in prominent a clandestine Alex Bhathal from Batman electorate from manner, the political groups’ common Melbourne’s North. demand of ‘shares’ when it came about Interestingly enough it is the newer and NRNA election justthat over year ago,presand lesser known parties hada stronger also in some other community activience of South Asian candidates representing ties orNewly projects. Would not they appear them. registered Palmer United Party more genuine if they would like to come had nine and the WikiLeakes Party had two Subcontinent candidates standing forward as anorigin individual, when such in the election. activities are clearly driven by individual

forces from different walks of life joining also to the Nepalese communities in suddenly become active only when a together as a common cohesive force? the countries where they are based. political leader of a specific political this year’s Result I am however more concerned by the Both organizations aim to promote party visits Australia, be it on official second reason being wrong examples Party NSW VIC QLD WA SA TAS ACT NT National Won-Last Election business and tourism in Nepal. The invitation, attending conference or to our children and being wrong role Australian Labor Party 18 19 personal 6 3 1 a shame 2 1 55 72 NAV is purely a Victorian organization visits. It5is really when model by showing them a direction governed and dictated by its Liberal/National Coalition 30 16 such 22leader 12then 6proceeds 3 to ‘cadre 0 1 90they are very 73 less likely to pursue. When constitution, where as the NRNA-SCC, probably Liberal 23 14 workshop’ and 0 12 6 3 gets 0to fuel 0his 58rest of the 44 Australian community gets being a part of a bigger organization narcissistic but fragile ego by being ininvolved in Liberal National Party 0 0 22 0 0 0 0 0 22 21Australian politics, are not has different executive layers and lacks flated by the people who identify themwe depriving The Nationalsthat the NAV enjoys. 7 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 7 our children, and more independence selves as followers of their political party so ourselves too, from opportunities Country Liberals 0 0 0 0 have 0 examples 0 0 when 1 1 1 Although these (NT) two organizations in Nepal. We that to assimilate. We still can preserve our appear to clash when it comes about The Greens 0 1 0 leaders 0 visit0Australia, 0 0 shy 0 1 uniqueness, 1 and we will be better Aussuch they taking leadership of the Nepalese0com- 0 away Katter’s Australian Party 1 from0the mainstream 0 0 interactions, 0 0 1 tralian Nepalese, 0 if we accept who we are munities in Victoria, so far their role in and productive community debate. They at the present, and get out from hangoPalmer United Party 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 regards to the needy in the community would rather attend cocktail dinners, ver of the past. Independent 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 2 4 has been appreciable. A significant get0some photo taken with a few, with We need to get out from Non-resproportion of people of Nepalese0origin 0 no 0meaningful Not yet determined 0 0 0 0 0 0 impact of their visits. ident psyche to Australian resident are affiliated with one or both of the TOTAL 48 37 Unfortunately 30 15 such 11 news 5 are flaunted 2 2 in 150 - consider living in this great psyche. If we above organizations. media here DECLARED 0 0 Nepalese 0 0 0 in0Australia 0 and0 0 land for good, by not making this tranInterestingly there are many othback in Nepal. Along with that goes the sition, we are doing a disservice to the er associations who follow political name of the leaders of those political next generation of Nepalese Australians’ two party count ideologies of most of thenationally major political groups based in Victoria. This probably integration to the broader Australian Soparties Nepal . They have been estabParty / of Coalition Swing % gives Votes one more reason for thePercentage % ‘cadre’ or ciety and depriving them the full opporlished either as overseas branch of those self proclaimed overseas Australian Labor Party 5,069,128 leaders of the46.63 tunity to-3.57 move towards decision making political parties or identify themselves as branch of the Nepalese political parties and leadership Liberal/National Coalition 5,802,835 53.37 +3.57 positions in Australia. affiliates of those political parties. More to strive for such positions and justify Dr Pokharel is a resident of Victoria, interestingly, some of the executives (Although the Australian government hasofbeen based two-party system, forargue the Senate, house – has the theiron existence. One may that the upper Australia proportional representation and single transferable vote system in use since 1949, with optional group voting tickets since 1984.) such organizations are people of Nepathose organizations carry out charitable lese origin who have acquired Australian

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of Nepalese who have made noteworthy Despite increasing South Asian representaachievements in businesses and academia, tion in mainstream Australian politics, no Nepali has yet risen up to this challenge. As many hold extensive backgrounds and distinguished careers, we have produced hundreds the fastest growing community in Australia, of affluent personalities but we are lagging it would have been timely to see someone from the community advancing into the political participation. That said, off late we are starting to see mainstream political platform to voice our many Nepalese youths showing promises concerns to a government level. “We are relatively new in compared to leading the community. And that is a step closer for us to be able to capitalise on other South Asian Community, most of our population is a first generation migrants the democratic platform provided by our adopted country, the great nation Australia. and has survival as the first priority however We can do this and all we need to do is to we don’t lack intelligence, awareness and give it a go. education to compete and integrate into Unlike in the US where many Nepalese Australian politics. It is now the need of hour that someone begins chipping it away” says a have gained clout in mainstream politics, community leader. such as Darshan Rauniyaar who ran for congress in 2012 election, we are still to have the A political science student from Latrobe University says “the awareness of political privilege of voting for a Nepali candidate in Australia. As a community we are hungry for participation is directly related to the history of migration. Lack of familiarity with the the real leadership. Hopefully the day comes political system would translate into lack of sooner than it looks. 147 WESTBOURNE GROVE, participation.” In our case, we have hundreds

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Dinesh Jayasuriya

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Gorton

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6 | COVER STORY 28 business

Nepalese Voice

October2014 2013 | September

Australia

Election-Lesson Local Businesses for Nepalese community

Share your business activities, promotions, vacancies, offers with us. We will publish it with no cost. Write to editor@nepalesevoice.com.au

Get support from the government

Australian government’s website business.gov.au is your one-stop-shop for all small business needs. With access to a range of Australian Government programmes and made up of a consolidated online presence, contact centre and a face-to-face business facilitation network to link interested businesses with relevant programmes and services. Support includes: ææ information for businesses that is easy to find and understand ææ tailored advice for businesses when they choose to access it, and ææ direct links to Australian Government programmes and services, including the new Entrepreneurs’ Infrastructure Programme, Growth Fund, Industry Skills Fund and Manufacturing Transition Programme.

Record number of South Asian candidates Time for us to give it a go! By Ramjee Poudel

Number of Political Parties proliferated

Find out more at Business.gov.au, or contact the Single Business Service on 13 28 46.

Have Chocolate Naan in in September

A total of 26 candidates fromCamp South Asian origin Base stood up in the election.

Base Camp Nepalese and Indian restaurant, Northcote has unveiled its September special menu. The restaurant is serving dishes with interesting names such as Gurkha majorofpolitical parties made an Bullets and Chocolate Naan. The menu also has Both a variety interesting combination attempt to inculcate South Asian candidates of dishes to choose from. If you have not tried Base Camp yet, it is worth a visit.

in their election campaign. Labor intended to capitalise on voters by recruiting Manoj Kumar from Menzies in Melbourne for lower house and Bhupinder Kumar from Chibber in NSW for senate. Liberal however had four Another Nepali run restaurant has opened inSouth Queen Street, Melbourne Asian origin candidates CBD. jostling for the seat in parliament, of themalso from Nirankar Nepalese and Indian restaurant is now open for guests. three Restaurant Victoria. Green also had four candidates caters for parties and functions. Recently elected Prime Minister of Australia Mr Tony Abbott running for them, the most prominent being Alex Bhathal from Batman electorate from Melbourne’s North. South Asian origin stood up in the election Record Number of South Interestingly enough it is the newer and representing different political parties or as Asian and Subcontinent lesser known parties that had stronger presindependent for the seats of both houses. candidates Nepal festival-2014 organising committee invited businesses to securerepresenting stalls to ence of South Asian candidates This number may not seem big compared to has This year’s election remained quite signifpromote their products and services. Stall co-ordinator Mr Saroj Sharma said “ we them. Newly registered Palmer United Party the wide range of political platforms across icant for Asian and Subcontinent community are expecting over 30000 participants, so it is a very good opportunity for businesses had nine and the WikiLeakes Party had two Australia; but this certainly indicates the as we witnessed largest number of candidates Subcontinent origin candidates increasing Subcontinent interests main-for them. to get exposure. It’s money wellinspent ” Interested candidates canstanding contactinMr from the region actively participating in the election. stream Australian politics. Sharma for stalls. the election. A total of 26 candidates from

Nirankar open for operation

Stalls opportunities in Nepal festival-2014

this year’s Result Party

NSW VIC

Australian Labor Party

Liberal/National Coalition

NRN Patra to go national QLD

TAS ACT

National

Won Last Election

Liberal

Liberal National Party

NRN Patra, a Nepali newspaper from Sydney is planning to go nationwide. The 19 6 3 5 1 2 1 55 72 newspaper has been running in Sydney for a while. It is soon going to spread its 16 wings 22 to other 12 states 6 of 3Australia. 0 1 90 73 Hom Dawadi from Melbourne chapter of the 14 newspaper 0 12said, “we 6 have 3 formed 0 0 58 a group nationally to44produce and distribute our 0 newspaper 22 0 the best 0 we can. 0 ” 0 0 22 21

The Nationals

Country Liberals (NT)

The Greens

Katter’s Australian Party

Palmer United Party

Independent

Not yet determined

TOTAL

DECLARED

two party count nationally

Nepali up 0 0 Times 0 0 goes 0 0 north 1

The1 very first 0 Nepali 0 community 0 0 magazine 0 1in Australia,0 Nepali Times Australia, has started its Queensland Chapter. After almost 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 6 years of 0operation in Sydney, the magazine started its Melbourne edition few months ago. The magazine aims to accom0 0 0 1 0 0 2 4 modate the Nepalese community based in Queensland with its new edition. 0

150

NNN media into event management with SETO BAGH 0

Melbourne has dived into event management with its first big Votes based NNN Media Percentage % Swing % venture in November. The media group is organising the premier of historical movie Australian Labor Party 5,069,128 46.63 -3.57 SETO BAGH in Melbourne. The movie is set in the back drop of Rana regime that Liberal/National Coalition ruled5,802,835 Nepal for hundreds of 53.37 years. Renowned actor +3.57 and also the director of the movie NironShah is likely to arrive forSenate, the event. (Although the Australian government has been based two-party system, for the the upper house – has the Party / Coalition

proportional representation and single transferable vote system in use since 1949, with optional group voting tickets since 1984.)

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November 2013 2014 September | October 2013

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fAShIoN & eNteRtAINmeNt community 29 COVER STORY | 19 7

Dhading Society to form Australia wide 'Love you' Bhim Niroula network of individuals from Dhading

We can give it a go! Nepal’s answer to PSY Gangnam Style

“Dhading Australia Samaj” is hosting a gathering on 7th of September in Sydney to form an official committee. The organisation has invited all Dhadinges living in Australia as well as media and representatives from various community organisations to attend the meeting and provide feedback on the formation of executive committee and their future programs. Dhading Samparka Samiti is born out of a concept to unify all individuobody Australia knew of UK based Nepali Love him, hate him, and there are many who do so als frombanker Dhading district ofbefore Nepal20that are currently residing in Australia. It is pureBhim Niraula, of Nepalese who have made noteworthy Despite increasing South Asian representain to equal measure asorigin they engage in a puerile war of ly a in non-political organisation that primarilyachievements aims benefit the district its October, even though he had couple in businesses andof academia, tion mainstream Australian politics, no through network in Australia. of albums toyethis beltup and YouTube chanNepali hasits risen tohis this challenge. As many hold extensive on backgrounds andmedia, distinwords social but you can’t ignore him. nel had 590community videos.Mr Those guished have producedare hundreds the already fastest in videos Australia, DASSgrowing Co-ordinator Kiran Adhikari said ” ascareers, people we from Dhading in barely managed more thanto100 hits each.toBut affluent personalities but wesoare ithundreds would have been timely see someone across Australia, we want bring of them all into one network welagging can says those he approached were too busy. Afhis belly-jiggling song and dance buffoonery from the community advancing into the political participation. contribute back to our origin. Once our working committee is finalised, we will start ter filming his dance steps in a green room, called Sunday morning love you with That said, off late we are starting to see mainstream platform our working onpolitical our projects. ” to voicethe the studio hired a local model and filmed her Aztec ruins the Sphinxlevel. as the backdrop many Nepalese youths showing promises concerns to and a government walking around a park over a couple of days. DASS is currently in the process of collecting data . led to an are overnight change in compared fortunes and “We relatively new in to leading the community. And that is a step Bhim never met her. district, a part ofmost Bagmati borders It covpropelled Bhim to internet stardom. for the us tocapital be ableKathmandu. to capitalise on otherDhading South Asian Community, of ourZonecloser The online sensation, however, seems very ers Love an area 1,926 km², and around 350000the people call Dhading The district him, him, and there are many population isof ahate first generation migrants democratic platform home. provided by our practical and has modest ambitions. “You can’t holds great significance inthey Nepal’s economyadopted not justcountry, because transnational who do in equal as engage thethe great nation Australia. and hasaso survival asmeasure the first priority however live on music alone in Nepal. I am in this for per“King Prithivi Highway” runs it also a great potential in adon’t puerile of words on socialthrough media, We can but do this andhas all we need to do is to in we lackwar intelligence, awareness and the district sonal reasons and I make these videos because I but youproducts can’t ignore lyricsinto like, give it a go. education to compete andWith integrate farm andhim. hydropower. don’t want to stop writing music,” he says.

“Lady you are attractive, attractive, ” which Unlike in the US where many Nepalese Australian politics. It is now the need of hour Originally from Dhankuta, Bhim has the composed himself, it is says harda that48-year-old someone begins chipping it away” have gained clout in mainstream politics, been living in Reading for the last seven years not to hum the tune once you have survived community leader. such as Darshan Rauniyaar who ran for conwith his family. He already has two albums the (somewhat) embarrassing routine. gress featured in 2012 election, to offering have the A political science studentdance from Latrobe web, the videowe onare its still blogs, Creation and Pratyek Raat to his name and Besides who wouldn’t want to love their University says “the awareness of political privilegeits of membership voting foraatempting Nepali in international viewers invitation Nepalese Association of Victoria (NAV) is updating data.candidate Under the you to update your details bysoon, completing is planning on releasing a third which a simple online form by clicking on a link significant other everyday of thetoweek, well Australia. As a community are hungry for participation is directly related the history to Bhim’s wacky moves. Hiswe supporters have he will name Sunday morning. And after new leadership, NAV has been focused on maximising and managing its membership below. Please make sure you enter your correct NAV membership number when except for Saturday that is? of migration. Lack of familiarity with the the real leadership. Hopefully day to comes even labelled the song Nepal’s the answer the raging success of hisWe latest song, Bhim your information on our records above for datas. completing the form. have provided Sunday morning is rapidly political system would translatenearing into lack of soonernonsensical than it looks. other hits like Why This Kolaveri plans to singreference. in English more often to attract Issuing a” statement, NAV President hasStyle. said,” I would like to your apologize if we your his current details are incorrect.” Dr Alikind Khan - Liberal We (second from left) during election campaign 600,000 unique as fans across participation. Inviews our case, wefrom have hundredsMr Sudhir Di andShakya Gangnam international viewers. thank you for your support to the organisation. Wecum are song-writer, currently inhowever, the Existing as well as new members can get more details using the link below. Alterthe globe throng to seecontinued Bhim’s signature For the singer Regardless of whether Sunday morning moves andcontact like, share, and of tweet processonofYouTube updating details all our this paidwas members allow us £2,000 to issuemaking your natively, go to website www.nav.org.au and click on “Update Member Details” under no joke. to Bhim spent manages to out ‘hit’ other viral videos includzealously. Buzzfeed.com, American the music videoaddress. and £300As onwe recording. He NAV Membership Cardanand mail itsite to your correct postal currently “Membership” menu. ing One Pound Fish from which it is much South Asian origin candidates from Victoria 2013Nepali Federal Election that content throughout initially wantedwe toin feature girl, but don’ttracks haveviral complete details of all the our registered members, would alike to request http://www.nav.org.au/membership-registration/update-my-details/ inspired, Bhim Niraula has arrived.

NAV’s membership overhaul

Candidate

Party

Position

Electorate

Dr Ali Khan

Liberal

HOR

Calwell

...off late we are starting to see

Alex Bhathal

Greens

HOR

Batman

many Nepalese youths showing

Dinesh Jayasuriya

Greens

HOR

Gorton

Jatinder Singh

Palmer United

HOR

Holt

promises leading the community.

Avtar Singh Gill

Palmer United

HOR

Isaacs

Nihal Sharma

Liberal

HOR

Lalor

Manoj Kumar

Labor

HOR

Jag Chuga

Liberal

HOR

Shilpa Hegde

Liberal

HOR

Wills

Senate

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catch us on facebook page “GurkhaS BrunSWIck” for updates & info Phone: 0449 913 133 | Email: editor@nepalesevoice.com.au | www.nepalesevoice.com.au

6 | COVER 30 booksSTORY

October2014 2013 | September

Nepalese Voice Australia

Fiction staged infor Nepal Election-Lesson Nepalese community

A lot has been written about Nepal by foreigners: from history books to scholarly papers about its art, culture, and people. Memoirs about alpine trekking in Nepal are equally plentiful. Fiction set in Nepal is not as famous, but it is nonetheless numerous, and many of them make for good reading. The Week brings you a list of fiction books where the events happen in Nepal.

Record number of South Asian candidates Time for us to give it a go! By Ramjee Poudel

The Kingdom

His Dark Materials

by Clive Cussler

by Philip Pullman

Number of Political Parties proliferated

QLD

TAS ACT

Clive Cussler is a name well-renowned for adventure tales, many of which have reached the Newof York bestseller list. A total 26Times candidates A partfrom of the South “Fargo series” that features Asian origin the husband-wife team of Sam and Remi in the Fargo,stood most ofup the action in election. this book takes place in Nepal. It starts with a hunt for a lost man, and ends in intriguing clues that go back to the medieval age. And on the way, Bothyou major political parties made an it takes through a trail of seemingly attempt to inculcate South Asian candidates unintelligible clues that reveal fascinating in their election campaign. Labor intendedfits. patterns of the jigsaw when it ultimately to capitalise on voters by recruiting For once, Nepal is not the scene of Manoj religious Kumar fromdiscourse Menzies in for lower or spiritual butMelbourne of a fast-paced, house Bhupinder tightlyand bound plot. Kumar from Chibber in NSW for senate. Liberal however had four South Asian origin candidates jostling for The Casebook the seat Oriental in parliament, three of them from Victoria. Green also had four candidates of Sherlock Holmes running for them, the most prominent being by Ted Riccardi Alex Bhathal from Batman electorate from Melbourne’s We all knowNorth. the story of the legendary deInterestingly enough it is the due newer tective’s death and resurrection: to and publesser known parties that had stronger lic demand, Arthur Conan Doyle was presforced ence of South Asian candidates representing to write “Return of Sherlock Holmes” three them. Newly registered Palmer United Party years after he had been killed off. What was had nine and the WikiLeakes Party had two Holmes doing in the interim? Eighty years Subcontinent origin candidates standing in after Doyle’s last Homes story came out, Ted the election. Riccardi came up with the answer. Sherlock Holmes spent those three years wandering across Nepal, Lhasa, and Tibet, and as was his wont, solving cases. Set during the British Raj, Holmes himself embroiled in National Won finds Last Election all kinds of devious political plots involving 55 72 powerful countries all over the world. A 90good read for 73 anyone who wants more of Sherlock Holmes and enjoys Kipling. 58 44

This trilogy covers not just different continents but many different worlds and universes, so finding a mention of the Himalaya among them is a treat. The protagonist Lyra is held captive in a cave among the Himalaya. A local girl called Ama helps her by bringing her herbs to fight the sleeping potion she is given (perhaps Pullman did not realize that Ama is the Nepali word for mother). Lyra’s friend Iorek comes looking for her. Iorek, a polar bear whose home is melting fast, realizes that not all snows are the same. His understanding that he cannot survive in a snow that he doesn’t know is a call for saving the habitats of wild animals.

The Ascent of Rum Doodle Recently elected Prime Minister of Australia Mr Tony Abbott by W. E. Bowman

Record Number South Many, many books haveof been written by Asian Subcontinent and aboutand mountaineers and their feats in Nepal. This is the book to ridicule them candidates

all. This account parodies thesignifThis fictional year’s election remained quite real life memoires and accounts written of icant for Asian and Subcontinent community alpine expeditions. Thenumber highest of mountain as we witnessed largest candidates in thethe world called “Rum Doodle” is ainclear from region actively participating reference to Mt. Everest. is locatedfrom in the election. A total of 26 It candidates “Yogistan”, no prizes for guessing what that means. Each person in the ascent team is thisincompetnt year’s Result more than the last, the Yogistani porters the most incompetent of all.NSW The VIC Party team caps its under-achievements by climbAustralian Labor Party 18 19 ing the wrong peak. Even though the book Liberal/National Coalition 30 makes fun of the sport of mountaineering, 16 it remains Liberal beloved among alpine-fiction 23 en-14 thusiasts. The name of the restaurant Rum Liberal National Party 0 0 Doodle in Kathmandu is said to be inspired The Nationals 7 2 by this book. Country Liberals (NT) 0 0

The Mountain is Young 7

by Han Suyin 1 The year was Escape from Kathmandu The Greens 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1958, barely a decade after Nepal opened byKatter’s Kim Stanley Robinson Australian Party 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0itself to the outer world in 1950. A young woman comes to Kathmandu, an Palmer United Party 0 to 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 adventurer 0looking for peace, self-discovWe in Nepal don’t give much thought closure. It is said that this the ape-man called Yeti, but the Yeti0has 1 Independent 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 ery, and spiritual 4 novel by Han Suyin, who came to Nepal to definitely managed to capture the world’s Not yet determined 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 cover the coronation of King Mahendra, is imagination. Escape from Kathmandu is TOTAL 48 37 30 15 11 5 2 2 150 semi-autobiographical, almost confessionone of the more famous books reflecting DECLARED 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 - character Anna meets and al. While her this fascination. This is a novella about two marries a Nepali engineer, Han went on to expats’ fascination with Kathmandu. They marry an Indian and spend her life in South go on a scientific expedition where they two party count nationally Asia. The gentle, lyrical book became a find a Yeti, and a lost Shangri-La kingdom. Party they / Coalition Votes Percentage % bestsellerSwing % immediately after publication, and When discover that the Yeti has been many remember it today for introducing imprisoned and is being taken abroad, they Australian Labor Party 5,069,128 46.63 -3.57 Nepal to the world when it was shrouded in set out on a rescue mission. This humorous Liberal/National Coalition 5,802,835 53.37 +3.57 mystery. story illustrates Nepal as it was fifty years ago. The characters have many encounters (Although the Australian government has been based on two-party system, for the Senate, the upper house – has the with the government and bureaucracy proportional representation and single of transferable vote system in use since 1949, with optional group voting tickets since 1984.) Nepal, and many real-life characters make their appearances. Courtesy: My Republica

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September | October 2013 2014

what’s on | 31 COVER STORY 7

We can give it a go! WHAT’S ON!

Despite increasing South Asian representation in mainstream Australian politics, no Nepali has yet risen up to this challenge. As the fastest growing community in Australia, it would have been timely to see someone from the community advancing into the mainstream political platform to voice our concerns to a government level. “We are relatively new in compared to other South Asian Community, most of our population is a first generation migrants and has survival as the first priority however we don’t lack intelligence, awareness and education to compete and integrate into Australian politics. It is now the need of hour that someone begins chipping it away” says a community leader. A political science student from Latrobe University says “the awareness of political participation is directly related to the history of migration. Lack of familiarity with the political system would translate into lack of participation.” In our case, we have hundreds

of Nepalese who have made noteworthy achievements in businesses and academia, many hold extensive backgrounds and distinguished careers, we have produced hundreds of affluent personalities but we are lagging political participation. That said, off late we are starting to see many Nepalese youths showing promises leading the community. And that is a step closer for us to be able to capitalise on the democratic platform provided by our adopted country, the great nation Australia. We can do this and all we need to do is to give it a go. Unlike in the US where many Nepalese have gained clout in mainstream politics, such as Darshan Rauniyaar who ran for congress in 2012 election, we are still to have the privilege of voting for a Nepali candidate in Australia. As a community we are hungry for the real leadership. Hopefully the day comes sooner than it looks.

Dr Ali Khan - Liberal (second from left) during his election campaign

South Asian origin candidates from Victoria in 2013 Federal Election Candidate

Party

Position

Electorate

Dr Ali Khan

Liberal

HOR

Calwell

...off late we are starting to see

Alex Bhathal

Greens

HOR

Batman

many Nepalese youths showing

Dinesh Jayasuriya

Greens

HOR

Gorton

Jatinder Singh

Palmer United

HOR

Holt

promises leading the community.

Avtar Singh Gill

Palmer United

HOR

Isaacs

Nihal Sharma

Liberal

HOR

Lalor

Manoj Kumar

Labor

HOR

Menzies

Jag Chuga

Liberal

HOR

Scullin

Shilpa Hegde

Liberal

HOR

Wills

Gurminder Sekhon

Greens

Senate

Binoy Kampmark

Wikileaks Party

Senate

Coming soon in Melbourne inclusion, integration & collaboration through media...

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6 | COVER STORY 32 culinary

October2014 2013 | September

Nepalese Voice Australia

Election-Lesson for S Nepalese community

Aaradhana Makhijani

Calling out from a Hungry Tiffin

o I just returned last week from a 2.5 week long break in India – Oz is the Homeland of my heart, but India is still the Motherland, of course. After months for long work hours and the additional hours of training on top, for the Half-Marathon, I planned to jet off to Delhi immediately after the Run. A well-deserved and timed break, I tell you. Having a reasonably-sized, Indian and Nepalese circle of friends, I regularly hear about these awesome trips going back home to – Delhi, Chandigarh (and By Ramjee many morePoudel cities in Punjab.. haaa.. haa) and Kathmandu, of course. I believe in ‘Distance and Time obviously makes the heart grow fonder. Which is whyelecI usuustralia had its 44th general th ally plantions my on trips back to Delhi far apart, September 7 to the House giving me the opportunity travel to of representative and to senate under the Commonwealth of Australia Constituother places. This time it was no different.

Rocking up at 5:30 a.m. Monday morning, I was ready to take on Delhi…!! For those who don’t know- Delhi has always been famous for 3 things – Delhi’s Winter; Delhi’s Roads and Delhi’s Food. And that’s how a true-blue ‘Dilli-wali’ like me would describe ‘Dilli’. This time the plan was to live up to Delhi’s reputation and enjoy all three and more, if possible. You’ll be happy to know that I managed to enjoy almost everything in the limited time – It was Summer time in Delhi- not Winters- After the gorgeous Summers we have been having in Melbourne recently, I was ready for more. My subtle tan from all the time shopping out in the sun is proof enough; Delhi’s Roads also got a fair bit of my attention for all the time spent on the roads commuting from one place to

‘Like’ Hungry Tiffin on Facebook Email: hungry.tiffin@gmail.com is good to see the culture developing. However, my most cherished moments of this trip were the numerous Lunches, Dinners and Coffee-catch-ups to bond with family and friends. My favourite way to catch up is over some coffee and cake. It serves a few purposes, actually. You can catch-up for some quick, quality time with mates who have busy lifestyles and also portion control those tiny pieces of heaven called Cakes. And so, I offer my Chocolate Zucchini Mini-Cakes to you, as below. Some of my mates who tasted these cakes asked “Why Zucchini??.... is that your way of saying its veggies.. so is healthy?. My answer “Well… Zucchini… cause it’s a change from the and a lot more A total ofnorm 26 candidates tastier”. from South Asian origin

the next, to catch up with all my ‘Old & Gold’ friends. Made me wonder, seriously… how many cars does one household have..??; Well, Delhi’s Foods is what I truly enjoyed the most. Straight from trying out the ‘Rabri-flavoured Ice-cream’ to eating ‘Gol-guppas’ every alternate day, I tried to eat and experiment as much as my converted-Aussie palate would now allow. Another important discovery I made during this time, is how health –conscious the city has become. You guessed it right. There is no rest for the wicked- I was regular at the gym, even during my time off. And if you can’t find a free treadmill in a reasonably large Gym at 6:30 a.m., I will have to say that India is fast-forwarding and is becoming as health-conscious as any other country. It

Record number of South Asian candidates Time for us to give it a go!

tion Act, 1900. In this election, Liberal and National Liberal won 58 and 22 seats respectively making it 90 for Liberal National Coalition giving 35 seat advantage against the opponent Australian Labor Party. Subsequently, leader of the Liberal National Coalition, Tony Abbott has been sworn in as a Prime minister of Australia for next three years. In the history of Australian elections, two major parties Australian Labor Party and The Liberal Coalition have dominated the lower house. Since the foundation of the Liberal Party in 1944, these two groups have formed every government and this year was no different.

stood up in the election.

CHOCOLATE ZUCCHINI MINI-CAKES

Number of Political Parties proliferated

Ingredients: »» 120 gms Butter »» 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil »» 1 3/4 cups Sugar »» 1 teaspoon Vanilla Essence Recently elected Prime Minister of Australia Mr Tony Abbott »» 1 teaspoon Baking Soda »» 1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder South Asian origin stood up in the election Record Number of South representing different political parties or as »» 1/2 teaspoon salt Asian and Subcontinent independent for the seats of both houses. candidates »» 2number largemay eggs This not seem big compared to This year’s election remained quite signifthe»wide range of political platforms across » 1/2 cup Greek Yoghurt icant for Asian and Subcontinent community as we witnessed largest number of candidates from the region actively participating in the election. A total of 26 candidates from

Australia; but this certainly indicates the increasing Subcontinent interests in mainstream Australian politics.

Recipe:

Both major political parties made an attempt to inculcate South Asian candidates in their election campaign. Labor intended to capitalise on voters by recruiting Manoj Kumar from Menzies in Melbourne for lower »house » 2 &1/2 cups AllKumar Purpose and Bhupinder from Flour Chibber in NSW for senate. Liberal however had four »» 3/4 cup Cocoa South Asian origin candidates jostling for »the » 2 teaspoons Coffee, seat in parliament, three optional. of them from also hadZucchini four candidates »Victoria. » 2 cupsGreen Shredded them, the most prominent being »running » ½ cupforChocolate Chips Alex Bhathal from Batman electorate from Melbourne’s North. ForInterestingly the Chocolate enough Ganache: it is the newer and parties that had stronger pres»lesser » 170known gms of Heavy Cream ence of South Asian candidates representing »them. » 250 Newly gms of Chocolate registered Palmer Chips United Party had nine and the WikiLeakes Party had two Subcontinent origin candidates standing in the election.

For the Cake:

this year’s Result

»» Preheat the oven to 180 degrees and line a baking tray you QLD WAlikeSA TAS ACT NT National Won Last Election would to use.

Party

NSW VIC

Australian Labor Party

Liberal/National Coalition

Liberal

Liberal National Party

The Nationals

»0» Add 0the cocoa and espresso and mix 0 0 0 0 powder 9 7 till smooth.

Country Liberals (NT)

0 fold 0 in the 0 zucchini 0 1 and 11/2 cup chocolate 1 »0» Finally, chips.

The Greens

Katter’s Australian Party

Palmer United Party

Independent

Not yet determined

TOTAL

DECLARED

»» Spoon the batter into the prepared pan. Here, you will have to be 1 0 0 0 0 careful with the0baking. If 0using1muffin trays, bake for 8 mins 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 initially and then check with a toothpick if0 baked. If it comes out 0 clean0 or with 0 only 1 little 0 bit0of crumb, 2 4 it is done. If using a larger, 0 single 0 tray,0 bake0 for about 0 020-250 minutes first and then do the 30Toothpick 15 11 2 done, 2 cool 150 Test. 5Once, on a rack.

two party count nationally Party / Coalition Australian Labor Party Liberal/National Coalition

»» In a large bowl, cream the butter, oil, sugar, vanilla, baking soda, 22 12 6 3 0 1 90 73 baking powder, and salt. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Finally, 0 12 6 3 0 0 58 44 stir in the yogurt alternately with the flour.

For the Chocolate Ganache:

»» To prepare the frosting, heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until simmering. Votes Percentage % Swing % 5,069,128 from heat and 46.63pour over the chocolate -3.57 »» Remove chips. Wait 3-5 5,802,835 and then stir 53.37 +3.57gradually thicken. minutes to combine. This will

(Although the Australian government has been based on two-party system, the Senate, theMuffins upper house – has the »» When warm pourforover Cake/ and smooth with offset proportional representation and single transferable vote system in use since 1949, with optional group voting tickets since 1984.)

spatula. Allow frosting to set for about 30 minutes before serving

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inclusion, integration & collaboration through media...

Nepalese Voice Australia

September | October 2013 2014

COVERsports STORY | 33 7

Dassanayake returns to Nepal

Taekwondo veteran Diwakar “Dan” Maharjan visits Melbourne

We can give it a go! U N

S based Taekwonepali national cricket team do Guru Diwakar coach Pubudu Dassanayake “Dan” Maharjan returned to Nepal, Thursday last has visited Melbourne week ending any uncertainty over his of Nepalese who have made noteworthy Despite increasing South Asian representabased Taekwondo Acadnew term. After the Cricket Association achievements in businesses and academia, tion in mainstream Australian politics, no emy, Everest Taekwondo of Nepal (CAN) announced not to retain Nepali has yet risen up to this challenge. As many hold extensive backgrounds and distinSchool on 21st of August. himfastest sighting financial inabilities on June guished careers, we have produced hundreds the growing community in Australia, of affluent personalities but we are lagging it have been timely to seeinsomeone He was visiting Australia 30,would the government stepped to hand from the community into the political participation. for 6th Oceania Taekwonthe coach one-yearadvancing contract extension That said, off late we are starting to see mainstream political platform to voicearour do Championship as an on July 2. However, Dassanayake’s many Nepalese youths showing promises concerns to a government level. official. rival was in limbo after CAN said it was “We are relatively new in compared to leading the community. And that is a step ETS had invited all the unaware about his extension blaming closer for us to be able to capitalise on other South Asian Community, most of our students and their parents Youth and Sports Ministry (MoYS) population is a first generation migrants the democratic platform provided by our to join them to welcome for keeping it in dark. Although the adopted country, the great nation Australia. and has survival as the first priority however the Guru on the day. ETS MoYS and CAN are yet to clear out the We can do this and all we need to do is to we don’t lack intelligence, awareness and Gurus Mhadev Dhanuk confusiontoover Dassanayake’s status, give it a go. education compete and integrate into the ons in his career. He is also a senior vice Unlike in the US where many Nepalese Australian politics. It istonow the the needcoach of hour and Alok Rana presented Mr Maharjan former had decided bring president and referee chairman of the that begins chipping it away” says a have gained clout in mainstream politics, a token of appreciation. backsomeone before the 17th Asian Games. US World class Taekwondo Association. community leader. such as Darshan Rauniyaar who ran for conOn the occasion, Mr Maharjan interactDassanayake, who has been apprehenMr Maharjan also holds a certified ingress in 2012 election, we are still to have the political science student from ed with the students and admired their siveAover the current situation in Latrobe Nepali ternational senior master license issued University says “the awareness of political privilege of voting for a Nepali candidate in enthusiasm for the sport. cricket, was scheduled to meet MoYS by World Taekwondo Headquarters, Australia. As a community we are hungry for participation is directly related to the history Chief Master Guru Diwakar Maharjan officials in hope out thethe Kukiwon, Seoul Kore. His other portfoof migration. Lackof ofclearing familiarity with the real leadership. Hopefully the day comes has been a national Taekwondo coach confusion. “I’vewould beentranslate in regular lios are, 1st class international referee, political system intotouch lack of sooner than it looks. in and- the United states. Heleft) hasduringcompleted with the ministry. up we to the DrNepal Ali Khan Liberal (second from his electionWTF campaign Training Camp for participation. ” In ourIts case, haveministry hundreds produced national, international, and now to show me the direction on how to the Beijin Olympics, awarded National official Asian world Taekwondo champimove ahead. I don’t want to get into any Instructor of the year 1998 in USA. controversy,” Dassanayake told reporters South Asian origin candidates from Victoria in 2013 Federal Election cricket for the first time. He had then left after landing at the Tribhuvan InternaNepal, after he completed his contract tional Airport. Candidate Party Position Electorate after Nepal government was unable to Dassanayake had become the national Dr Ali Calwell extend his term.HOR ...off late we are starting to see hero forKhan taking Nepali team to Liberal the I20

Yeti Football Club signs Batman many Nepalese youths showing former APF player Man Dangi Gorton promises leading the community.

Alex Bhathal

Greens

HOR

Dinesh Jayasuriya

Greens

HOR

Jatinder Singh

Palmer United

HOR

Holt

Avtar Singh Gill

Palmer United

HOR

Isaacs

Nihal Sharma

Liberal

HOR

Lalor

Manoj Kumar

Labor

HOR

Menzies

Jag Chuga

Liberal

HOR

Scullin

Shilpa Hegde

Liberal

HOR

Wills

Gurminder Sekhon

Greens

Senate

Binoy Kampmark

Wikileaks Party

Senate

Nepalese team to play AAA CALD soccer tournament in Perth

A Nepalese team has been formed to vie in the Australian Asian Association (AAA) CALD football tournament slated for September in Perth. Twenty one best performers from recently held NAWA cup has been selected to play the CALD tournament. According to Nepali United Football Club, the final 15-member team will be

shortlisted from the twenty one after the training sessions. AAA has been organizing the soccer tournament among the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Youth of different countries living in Australia in a bid to enhance brotherhood and philanthropy.

inclusion, integration & collaboration through media...

eti Football Club has signed Man Dangi, former player of Armed Police Force(APF) Nepal. Dangi had also played for Machhindra FC, Friends Club, MYA previously. Ironically, Dangi played against visiting Club Yeti FC in Safal Pokhara Cup 2013 Sharing the news, Yeti Football Club wrote on its official page , “Yeti Football Club is very delighted to have Man Dangi as part of our club. He brings wealth

of experience, having played professionally in Nepal with Machhindra FC, Friends Club, MYA and was currently with APF. We are positive that his experience will bring freshness to our club and set a professional example for our upcoming young, talented kids with the likes of Mihir Pradhan and Amrit Gurung who are 15 & 17 and already playing Seniors in FFV State 5 League.”

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6 | COVER STORY 34 relationship

Growing LIVE-IN RELATIoNSHIPS in Nepalese youngsters

October2014 2013 | September

Nepalese Voice Australia

Sharing is caring!for Election-Lesson May be not in every case Nepalese community You and your bum chum may believe that Record number of South Asian candidates togetherness L friendship is all about loving, caring and sharing. While mayto be true, but there Time forthatus give it a go!

ive in relationships are still a taboo in our society. In Nepal, it’s still very rare that we see a man and a woman living together before they are legally or religiously married. But once the Nepalese youngsters head overseas the story overturns. Living together conventionally is about love. But in Australia many Nepali By Ramjee Poudel youngsters are following this path for various Nepalese Voice other reasons than just love. If someone is a student, congratulates It seems, money is a big factor when Bhupendra finding an apt place to live Bhandari and ustralia had its 44th general elecBy Samita Shrestha, Altona it comes to living together, and most is a herculean task. Which is Samjhana tions on September 7th to the House couples are of the opinion that they share true; as often landlords do Bhandari from of representative and senate under the expenses that are mutually incurred. A total of 26 candidates hen we close to someone we comb should be yourstasmania alone. It doesn’t not want to take the risk of for the Commonwealth of Australia ConstituEspecially for the fact that our youngsters are from the South Asian originso entering new share things naturally. We really matter how close you are with renting house to singles tion Act, 1900. In this election, Liberal the first generation migrants here; it would conjugal life. stood up in the election. love, your friend, or if it is an unexpected going couple sometimes work and Nationalshare Liberal wonemotions 58 and 22and seats make their life much easier if they can find our belongings too.it But areNational a few overnight stay, somethings just can’t be for our youngsters. respectively making 90 forthere Liberal someone to share the financial burdens. things that should be advantage strictly personal shared. Coalition giving 35 seat against That way nobody is carrying all the liabilities the opponent Party. entirely. Share love if you can but definitely regardless ofAustralian how closeLabor you are with a hectic of duties. Bothevery majorday political parties made an Subsequently, share the bills. someone. leader of the Liberal National Your undergarments: If sharing Especially for girls, many of them are are attempt to inculcate South Asian candidates about his/her savings or salary. There have sensitive skin but the same may Coalition, Tony Abbott has been sworn in as If someone is a student, finding an apt You and your bum chum may believe your toiletries is not done, then sharing choosing to embrace this to avoid parental in their election campaign. Labor intended athat Prime minister of Australia next three placehold to live is afor herculean task. Which somethings that are best kept private. not true your friend. Make sure friendship is all about for loving, caring your undergarment is a sin. It’s just too scrutiny andon also to stay from other to capitalise voters by safe recruiting Manoj years. is true; as often landlords do not want to ♥ Women around the world are more likely to fall in love with partners with you don’t get into some major trouble and sharing. While that may be true, unhygienic, no matter how many times trouble from maker guys. Toinbe able to tellfor your Kumar Menzies Melbourne lower In the history of Australianwealth, elections, take the risk of renting the house to singles ambition, education, respect, status, a sense of humour, and who are Your ex and her ex: No matter with your skin by using your friend’s but there are a few things that should be you decide to wash it. Girl, sharing your parents that you are with someone would house and Bhupinder Kumar from Chibber two major parties Party so going couple sometimes work for our taller thanAustralian they are. Labor Women also prefer distinctive cheekbones and a strong how many times anyone says they arefour products. absolutely personal andhave private. Here are clothes is fine, but what’s underneath it, give them lot of relief about your wellbeing. in NSW fora senate. Liberal however had and Thejawbone, Liberal Coalition dominated youngsters. which are linked to testosterone levels. During ovulation, women ‘okay’ with their best friend dating their And for girlsorigin it’s a formula of “ jostling Be withfor one, South Asian candidates a few things that should beinterested in that of list. right of there. The best thing to do the lower house. Since the foundation the The sense of security is another big factor become even more in men stays with signs testosterone. Credit card/debit card pin ex, it just doesn’t hold true. That applies clear of hundreds”. It certainly saves them the seat in parliament, three of them from would have a spare pair of fresh underLiberal Party in 1944, these two groups have that youngsters are travelling this length of ♥ Men in love show more activity in the visual part of the brain, while women No matter your both ways. Don’t surprised if your number: from lots of unnecessary hassles. Victoria. Green alsobe had four candidates formed every this year was relationship. Awayhow fromclose parents and Your in toiletries: Notand saying that youpart of garments atthat your home. Recently elected Prime Minister of Australia Mrlive-in Tony Abbott lovegovernment show more activity in the the brain governs memory. Whatever the reason is for youngsters to running for them, the most prominent friend is, you just cannot share banking best friend stops responding to yourbeing no different. home, anyone would feel more at ease if shouldScientists act miserly and not share yourhave to size up a woman visually to see if speculate that men embrace the live inBatman relationship, its always Alex Bhathal from electorate from details with him/her. Similarly, don’t calls because you’ve gotten to play with there is someone that they can call a family. toothpaste, but bear sharing yourwhile brushwomen is skinoftype is differCosmetics: she can babies, have to remember Each aspects man’s goodex. if it does end up in marriage otherwise Melbourne’s North. South Asian stoodrefuses upleast in the election Record Number of South In health andorigin sickness at there be offended ifinhe/she to tellisyou her Number of Political Parties a definite no-no. Also things like your from the other, while you may not behaviour to determine if he would be ent an adequate provider. remains as a learning curve. Interestingly enough it is the newer and representing different political parties or as someone that they can go back home to after Asian and Subcontinent proliferated lesser known parties that had stronger presindependent for the seats of both houses. candidates This election Voters got spoiled for ence of South Asian candidates representing This number may not seem big compared to This year’s election remained quite signifchoices as the number of registered politithem. Newly registered Palmer United Party the wide range of political platforms across icant for Asian and Subcontinent community cal parties have more than doubled since had nine and the WikiLeakes Party had two Australia; but this certainly indicates the as we witnessed largest number of candidates the 2010 election, and is at a record high. Subcontinent origin candidates standing in increasing Subcontinent interests in mainfrom the region actively participating in Many termed the proliferation of parties a the election. stream Australian politics. the election. A total of 26 candidates from triumph for democracy, and the other called e has ic o V e s it opportunistic individuals and groups Nepale ent where seeking publicity. More political parties were d a segm e rt ta s this year’s Result you find a registered to contest the federal election than e will help w a life NT National Won Last Election ven ACT ever before, with the Australian Electoral Party NSW VIC QLD WA SAor e TAS te a d m a dre Commission approving the most applicaAustralian Labor Party 18 19 6 3 1 55 72 p5artne1r. 2 tions since party registration was introduced ils0 at ta e d r u o Liberal/National Coalition 30 16 22 12 6 3 1 90 73 in 1984. As the entry criteria made too easy . Send us y e.com.au ic o v e s 24 more parties registered with Australian le Liberal 23 14 0 info12 3 ur so0ul mate0 58 44 @nepa6 Electoral Commission than Federal election r know yo y e a v e w n a u ll o a Liberal National Party 0 0 22 Y 0 0 0 ne c0 0 22 21 2010. Nepalese voice guarantees the confidentiality of your identity. We don’t take any just a pho might be on misleading inaccurate information to us. *Conditions Apply. 7 Theprovided Nationals 2 0 0 0from y0ou. 0 0 9 7 Withresponsibility some interesting namesorand manifesto,Nepalese parties like Fishing and Lifestyle Country Liberals (NT) 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 Voice is soon going online with our matrimony segment. We0will Parties, Motoring Enthusiast Party, Austral- adverts in our webpage soon. Stay tuned... be publishing all the matrimony The Greens 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 ian Sports Party, Bullet Train for Australia, No Carbon tax Climate Sceptics and shooters Katter’s Australian Party 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 and Fishers Party took part. Some even voted Palmer United Party 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 for Australian Sexyears Party,old Coke in thestudent BubA 27 28 years old Nepali from Melbourne A Australian PR Nepali boy based in A 25 years old Punjabi boy based in A 31 years old Nepali Independent 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 4 boy based in blers party, Help endfor Marijuana looking a date. Prohibition Melbourne looking for a date. Melbourne looking for a stable relationship. Kathmandu looking for a girl settled in party, Smokers Right Party or Pirate Not yet determined 0 0 100 0 0 0 0 0Australia. 0 Contact roshan_nepal@gmail.com Call or Text: 0430 115Party 125 Call or0Text: 0406 474 Australia. Amongst the new entrants the mahendra_21@gmail.com TOTAL 48 37 30 15 11 5 2 2email: 150 Palmer United Party and the Katter’s AustralA 26 years old Nepali-origin Australian doing or call Nepalese -Voice A 31 years old PR-holder Nepali boy from DECLARED 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ian party left its entry mark in Australian Master in Finance looking for simple loving Sydney looking for a long term relationship. A 25 years old Nepali boy from Melbourne is politics with one seat each in their hand. and caring girl for a committed relationship. Contact: nepalesegentleman@gmail.com looking for a Nepali girl in her early 20s for a And while 54 registered political parties two party count nationally Contact: info@nepalesevoice.com.au serious relationship. Call/Text: 0423737238 may be a record high, given the two-party Party / Coalition Votes Percentage % Swing % system and the rarity of minority governIts Neeru from Kathmandu. I got to know about A 27 years old Nepali bride to be from We a looking for a Hindu, Australian PR or ments, it’s still low when compared with Australian Labor Party 5,069,128 46.63 this magazine from my friend. Sydney looking for a decent & well educated inclusion, citizen bridegroom in Melbourne for our media... 25 yrs integration &-3.57 collaboration through www.nepalesevoice.com.au some other countries. I am a nurse looking for a husbandLiberal/National who is settled Coalitionbridegroom. old Hindu daughter, 5ft 4in tall a professional 5,802,835 53.37 +3.57 in Australia. Contact: nepalesehimalaya@yahoo.com.au in medical field and a citizen of Australia. (Although the Australian government has been based on two-party system, for the Senate, the – has the My email add is kathmandulady@yahoo.com Weupper live inhouse Melbourne for the last 12 years. proportional representation and single transferable vote system in use since 1949, with optional voting tickets since 1984.)me.on: If yougroup a interested please contact ramendkumar@hotmail.com

are a few things that should be absolutely personal and private.

Love Facts:

DAtinG & MAtRiMonY

Your search for a perfect partner ends here.

www.nepalesevoice.com.au | Email: editor@nepalesevoice.com.au | Phone: 0449 913 133

inclusion, integration & collaboration through media...

Nepalese Voice Australia

September | October 2013 2014

COVER STORY | 35 7

of Nepalese who have made noteworthy achievements in businesses and academia, many hold extensive backgrounds and distinguished careers, we have produced hundreds of affluent personalities but we are lagging political participation. That said, off late we are starting to see many Nepalese youths showing promises leading the community. And that is a step closer for us to be able to capitalise on the democratic platform provided by our adopted country, the great nation Australia. We can do this and all we need to do is to give it a go. Unlike in the US where many Nepalese have gained clout in mainstream politics, such as Darshan Rauniyaar who ran for congress in 2012 election, we are still to have the privilege of voting for a Nepali candidate in Australia. As a community we are hungry for the real leadership. Hopefully the day comes sooner than it looks.

Dr Ali Khan - Liberal (second from left) during his election campaign

South Asian origin candidates from Victoria in 2013 Federal Election Candidate

Party

Position

Electorate

Dr Ali Khan

Liberal

HOR

Calwell

...off late we are starting to see

Alex Bhathal

Greens

HOR

Batman

many Nepalese youths showing

Dinesh Jayasuriya

Greens

HOR

Gorton

Jatinder Singh

Palmer United

HOR

Holt

promises leading the community.

Avtar Singh Gill

Palmer United

HOR

Isaacs

Nihal Sharma

Liberal

HOR

Lalor

Manoj Kumar

Labor

HOR

Menzies

Jag Chuga

Liberal

HOR

Scullin

Shilpa Hegde

Liberal

HOR

Wills

Gurminder Sekhon

Greens

Senate

Binoy Kampmark

Wikileaks Party

Senate

inclusion, integration & collaboration through media...

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