FIVE members of the Didi Bahini Samaj Victoria Ballarat Unit have descended on the Grampians as part of a broader cultural meet-up.<\/p>\n
The small group, including unit coordinator Bimala Pokeral, attended a two-day retreat in Halls Gap, where 53 Nepalese women from across the state came together to connect, make new friends, bond over commonalities, and explore the theme of \u2018beyond happiness.\u2019<\/p>\n
\u201cWe did yoga, heard a talk about happy hormones and how to release them, mindfulness, dancing, and got to know women from other parts of Victoria,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe also did hiking and went to Clematis Falls. It was so nice listening to everyone and finding out about them. I am so grateful to have connected with more ladies.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s really important to connect with women in our culture, gain lots of friends, and share things with those who have been through the same things, and understand.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Ballarat branch of DBVS launched in 2020 with a volunteer project supporting international students at ACU and FedUni affected by the pandemic, offering them food, resources, and assistance.<\/p>\n
DBSV aims to offer a community for Nepali women and their families, engaging them in programs where they can socially connect, enjoy nature, learn methods of self-care, like meditation, and develop a stronger sense of self love and respect.<\/p>\n
In 2021, DBSV Ballarat organised small gift hampers for women across the city as part of a local Nepalese Festival, and took part in The Clothesline Project, taking a stand against domestic violence.<\/p>\n
About 150 Nepalese people live in Ballarat, contributing to the medical, hospitality, research and education sectors.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
FIVE members of the Didi Bahini Samaj Victoria Ballarat Unit have descended on the Grampians as part of a broader cultural meet-up. The small group, including unit coordinator Bimala Pokeral, attended a two-day retreat in Halls Gap, where 53 Nepalese women from across the state came together to connect, make new friends, bond over commonalities, […]<\/p>\n