Geelong’s Nepalese community to celebrate unity this Australia Day

MORE than $14,000 will aid the Geelong Nepalese Association in putting on a family-friendly event to connect, communicate and celebrate the Nepalese and Australian cultures.

The Geelong Nepalese Association Inc’s $14,250 grant from the Australia Day 2022 Community Events Grants Program will assist with tomorrow’s event being held at the Armstrong Creek Community Hub, one of 114 grants awarded in Victoria and 534 Australia-wide.

Event hosts have received grants of up to $20,000 to deliver Australia Day events and activities that encourage attendees to reflect, respect and celebrate – we’re all part of the story.

Almost 200 recipients incorporating activities that reflect and respect the history of local indigenous people and celebrate their culture were eligible to receive an additional $10,000. A total of 534 grants have been awarded.

“This year, the National Australia Day Council (NADC) received a record number of grant applications from local government authorities and community organisations,” NADC chief executive Karlie Brand said.

“On Australia Day, people from Broome to Bendigo, from Darwin to Devonport will have the opportunity to attend one of 534 Australia Day events and reflect, respect and celebrate.

“On Australia Day, we celebrate thousands of generations of enduring culture, learn more about the Country we live on and listen to new perspectives on our history, and we celebrate being part of a proud, ancient, multicultural nation that values the contribution of each and every citizen.”

Chairperson of the Geelong Nepalese Association Niraj Karanjeet said the grants are a great idea to facilitate bringing people of all cultures together.

“Without the support of the NADC these events wouldn’t be possible,” Mr Karanjeet said.

“This is one of our biggest events that we host and there is a heap of planning that goes it, whether it be for things like COVID-19 procedures or decorations, it all contributes to making this event one of celebration and unity.”

The day specifically will give people in attendance to learn about Australia’s history, including talking about the cultures of the Aboriginal community, culture of the Nepalese community, and long-lasting effects of European colonisation.

Additionally, there will be plenty of family-oriented activities such as a jumpy castle for the kids, a concert, and a long menu of traditional Nepalese food.

The NADC is providing $11 million in grants to Australian Councils and community organisations as part of this year’s Australia Day Community Events Grants Program.

Victoria received $2,241,977 in grants funding from the NADC this year for Australia Day.