KARAWATHA, on Saturday September 18^th, the Islamic Council of Queensland organized their 3^rd citizenship ceremony at the Islamic college of Brisbane in Karawatha.

The function began with the welcome address by Habib Jamal President of the Islamic Council of Queensland. Aunty Betty McGrady from Logan elders and Queensland Multicultural Council did the formal acknowledgement to country and paid respect to elders past, present, and emerging.

Jim Chalmers MP Federal Member of Rankin was the presiding officer and he congratulated the new citizens and thanked Islamic Council of Queensland for facilitating the citizenship ceremony.

A message from Hon. Alex Hawke MP Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrants Services and Multicultural Affairs was read. This citizenship pledge was taken by both oath and affirmation.

On behalf of new citizens, Zahra Abdul Qayum delivered a speech thanking Australian government and the organizers of the citizenship ceremony.

The new citizens were asked to open the certificates signifying the handing of the certificates to them. As due to COVID19 all individual’s recipient could not be called upon the stage. After the ceremony the voluntary Australian Citizenship Affirmation was conducted. The affirmation reads, “As an Australian citizen I affirm my loyalty to Australia and its people, whose democratic beliefs I share, whose rights and liberties I respect, and whose laws I will uphold and obey”.

The event concluded with the refreshment being served to new citizens and invited dignitaries.

BRISBANE Rotary Club of Brisbane International (RCBI) presented another blockbuster full house of enjoyable, thrilling and exciting evening on Saturday 4^th September at the Unidus Community Centre. Dubbed as Bulawood, typically a fusion of Pacific Island culture and vibes, had over 320 guests making the most of the relaxed COVID-19 restrictions in Queensland. Being the flagship fundraiser of the club for the year, the community is guaranteed to support our planned International project ‘Project Tatana’ as the major beneficiary of the profits. Project Tatana is the brainchild and ‘My Why’ project of club member Sabi Koregai. A fully equipped library with two computers will see students of Tatana village in PNG build on their educational resources leading to better educational outcomes.

An event of this magnitude also supports various other local projects that continuously require injection of funds from the club to continue to make a difference in the lives of people. The evening indulged in a fusion of traditional PNG performance, Fijian Meke – a dance and Lovo or ‘Hungi’- food, fused with energetic and exhilarating Bollywood performance and sumptuous Indian cuisine. Of course, like in previous years, the performance by members was superbly choreographed by member Neelam Naidu. Well done event of Rotary Club of Brisbane International!

We are forever thankful to the wider community for embracing our club events and coming out in large supporting in whatever way it can. If you have missed out on this event be sure to follow our Facebook page (@turningconversationsintoactions) to know more about our next event.

Event Chairperson: Abdul Azam, Club President: Subhashni Singh

BRISBANE celebrated the first anniversary of the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (“IA-CEPA”), Brisbane Indian Time and Australian Indian Radio had attended the inaugural of IndOz Business Conference with the other businesses and government representatives from all over Australia and Indonesia. It was held in Brisbane on Thursday, 16 September 2021.​

IndOz Business Conference was established following the success of IndOz Festival and IndOz Business Networking Dinner, which is the most prestigious Indonesian event in Australia since 2013. IndOz Business Conference was the first Indonesia-Australia hybrid conference and was the true reflection of a more collaborative relationship between Indonesia and Australia. The Conference has provided an opportunity to learn from key players in Indonesia-Australia space, benefited from IA-CEPA, practical ways to enter into the “next door” market and most importantly to build a valuable network. Notable speakers included representatives from both Indonesian and Australian government representatives and business leaders who have successfully established their businesses in the neighbouring market.

The format of the Conference was hybrid, facilitated the participation from Indonesian Government as well as to allow Indonesian businesses to participate in the conference. Participants in Australia were encouraged to attend and network in person in Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland, which is also known as the Sunshine State.

BRISBANE, Vedanta Centre of Sydney Brisbane Chapter hosted their 17^th annual function on Saturday, October 3^rd, 2021 at Coorparoo Secondary School. The function began with the traditional Karela drums by Chenda Melam, followed by the traditional lighting of the lamp by invited dignitaries.

The formal acknowledgement to country was conducted by Uncle Steve C Coghill, an indigenous elder who compared the customs and traditions of Indian community to that his own indigenous community.

Dr Ashim Majumdar vice president delivered his formal welcome speech and highlighted the activities of Vedanta Centre of Sydney Brisbane Chapter. He appreciated the support of the community and volunteers in the day to day activities of the centre.

Hon. Leanne Linard MP, Minister Children and Youth Justice and Minister for Multicultural Affairs could not be present but sent a message of congratulations and appreciations to the centre.

The highlight of the event was a keynote address by Swami Sridharananda by a video link. He mentioned how he missed being here in person due to COVID restrictions. His message was on the oneness of society, oneness of religion, and the true meaning of multicultural society. A very powerful message delivered with divine conviction.

Senator Paul Scarr, senator for Queensland spoke highly of the centre and showed his appreciation for the work done by all volunteers and devotees under the guidance of Swami Atmeshananda. He mentioned that being based in Springfield he has got to know the centre very well and appreciates the work done specially in the field of community unity.

Mrs Archana Singh, Honorary Consul for India in Queensland thanked Uncle Steve C Coghill for his wonderful welcome to country and for his comparison on the synergies of Indian and Indigenous communities. She showed her appreciations for all the stage items and made a special mention for the play done by Bala Sangha and Yuva Sangha as it was reflective of current conditions and also in tune with the philosophies of Vedanta.

The stage items included Bharatanatyam dance by students of Nadananjali School of Dance, a powerful skit by Bala Sangha and Yuva Sangha based on the problems with COVID19. Taking everyone to another level with his high pitch singing and audience interactions was Tenzin Choegyal a Tibetan singer and song writer. The Thai culture and language school performed a delightful and melodies traditional Thai dance. From the latin culture Danza Flamenca duo performed foot tapping numbers. The cultural performance finished off with Thiruvathira Kali.

Dr Unnikrishnan Nair moved vote of thanks for the known and unknown behind the scene workers. Overall, a very well planned and presented program.

THE JAPANESE FILM FESTIVAL RETURNS TO CINEMAS IN 2021

The Japanese Film Festival (JFF) in Australia makes a grand return to the cinema for its 25th year from 28 October to 5 December, with a national tour in Canberra, Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.

Screening at the new venue of Palace Cinemas in each city, the 2021 Festival program will feature an expertly curated selection of films, from the hottest newly-released feature titles alongside action, anime, drama, documentaries and much more. JFF 2021 will also screen a FREE Tribute Series of films by Shuji Terayama, one of Japan’s most influential avant-garde film directors, in Canberra, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney as a part of the Festival program.

Plus, for seven days in November (15-21), a free online program of five films will be available for movie lovers and japanophiles from across Australia to enjoy from the comfort of home.

Sign up to the newsletter to stay up to date at:

www.japanesefilmfestival.net

2021 Japanese Film Festival screening dates:

CANBERRA: 28 October – 2 November

Palace Electric Cinema & National Film and Sound Archives

PERTH: 4 – 7 November

Palace Raine Square

BRISBANE: 11 – 21 November

Palace Barracks & Palace James Street

MELBOURNE: 18 November – 5 December

The Kino Cinema & Australian Center for Moving Images

SYDNEY: 25 November – 5 December

Palace Cinemas Norton Street, Chauvel, Central, Verona

ONLINE: 15-21 November

Stay up to date with JFF:

Website: www.japanesefilmfestival.net Facebook: www.facebook.com/japanesefilmfest Twitter: www.twitter.com/japanfilmfest Instagram: www.instagram.com/japanesefilmfest

ABOUT JFF

The Japanese Film Festival (JFF) in Australia is an annual film festival that has been presented by The Japan Foundation, Sydney since 1997. In 2020 JFF Australia was held both online and in cinemas, reaching an Australian audience of over 43,000 people.

2021 marks the 25th year of JFF Australia, offering newly-released Japanese titles along with rare 35 and 16mm film screenings.

ABOUT THE JAPAN FOUNDATION, SYDNEY

The Japan Foundation, Sydney is the Australian arm of the Japan Foundation, which was established by the Japanese government to promote cultural and intellectual exchange between Japan and other nations. It runs a diverse range of programs and events, including exhibitions, talk events, grant programs and Japanese language courses for all levels from beginner to advanced. The Japan Foundation was established in 1972 with a global network of 25 offices in 24 countries. The Australian office was founded in 1978.

ब्रिज़्बन में भारतीय काँसुलावास में हिंदी दिवस समारोह भारतीय काउनसलेट श्रीमती अर्चना सिंह जी के संग बहुत उत्साह से मनाया गया। भारत के विभिन्न प्रान्तों की नारियों ने हिंदी के महत्व को अपनी मीठी वाणी में बतलाया व बच्चों ने भी भाग लिया। आदरणीय अर्चना जी के शब्दों में “ भाषा हमारी संस्कृति और इतिहास का दर्पण है। यदि हमें अपनी भाषा पर गर्व नहीं तो हम अपने आप को हीन दृष्टि से देखेगें। माता, पिता, गुरुजनों का आदर करना, अतिथि देवों भव। ये जो संस्कार, संस्कृति हमें विरासत में मिली है तो हमारा कर्तव्य है कि हम अपनी युवा पीढी को अवश्य अवगत करवाएँ। हिंदी भाषा, संस्कृति व हिंदी साहित्य को प्रोत्साहन देना चाहिये”।

कवयित्री शिपरा शर्मा ने स्नेह भरी पंक्तियों में माँ का शुक्रिया किया जिन्होंने विरासत में हिंदी भाषा का ख़ज़ाना दिया। आठवीं कक्षा के कृशिव शर्मा के उत्तम विचार कविता रूप में सुनने को मिले  “वह भारत का इतिहास  व वेद ग्रंथ समझने के लिये हिंदी सीखना चाहते हैं”।

हिमाचल प्रदेश देव भूमि से आई रजनी चौधरी ने विलक्षण रूप से प्रवासी भारतीयों में हिंदी भाषा के प्रयोग को बतलाया। सभी प्रांतों में हिंदी भाषा के बोलने के उच्चारण की विविधता बतलायी। प्रवासी भारतीयों में हिंदी भाषा बहुत प्रसिद्द है। रजनी चौधरी व मधु खन्ना  “ऑस्ट्रेलीयन इंडिंयन रेडीओ” के प्रसारण द्वारा हिंदी का बहुत भव्यता से प्रचार करती हैं व अपनी सभ्यता व संस्कृति के बारे में बतलाती हैं।

कवयित्री एकता शर्मा की स्वर्ण पंक्ति “आओ हिंदी बोलें, हिंदी सीखें और हिंदी सिखलायें”

संग ही उत्तम रूप से हिंदी का इतिहास बतलाया। १० जनवरी को विश्व हिंदी दिवस व १४ सितंबर को हिंदी दिवस मनाने की शुरुआत १९४९ से हुई थी।

नीतू सिंह मलिक सुहाग के कथित शब्दों में “यह भारतीयों के लिये गर्व का क्षण था जब भारत की संविधान सभा ने हिंदी को आधिकारिक राजभाषा के रूप में अपनाया था”

देशभक्ति से परिपूर्ण डॉक्टर मानसी किनारीवाला ने अपने मधुर स्वर में “वन्देमातरम” सुना कर हिंदी दिवस को शोभायमान किया।

कवयित्री व अधिगम अक्षमता की शिक्षक मधु खन्ना ने एक सूत्रधार का कार्य किया व प्रख्यात कवि मैथिलीशरण गुप्त की पंक्ति से सभी का हृदय आनंदित किया।

“मेरी भाषा में तोते भी राम राम जब कहते हैं

मेरे रोम रोम में मानो सुधा स्त्रोत से बहते हैं”

मधु खन्ना।

BRISBANE, 2nd October marks the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and also of Lal Bahadur Sastri Ji. Since 2014 GOPIO Queensland has been organizing Gandhi Jayanti in Roma Street Parklands. Before the statue was unveiled the celebration would take place in the parkland prescient at different locations close to where the statue is now.

As usual all Indian Community organisations were invited to be part of the celebration, and it was pleasing to witness the unity in action amongst Queensland Indian Community.

Umesh Chandra OAM as the MC called to order and introduced Uncle Steve C Coghill to formally acknowledge the traditional owners of the land. Uncle Steve C Coghill acknowledged the traditional owners of the land and in doing so also acknowledged the elders of the other cultures.

Umesh Chandra OAM said, “We meet in challenging times and I would like to show my appreciation for all of you having taken the time out of your busy schedules to be here today. As we are meeting during the challenging times one can just imagine the challenges that Mahatma Gandhi would have had to face. Putting that in perspective our challenges today are somewhat subdued”.

Umesh Chandra OAM briefly outlined the proceeding for the day, he said “in interest of time we have limited speeches and presentations. The format will be; each speaker will be asked to respectfully lay the wreath at the statue and then deliver his/her speech”.

He first introduced the President of the GOPIO Qld, Rakesh Sharma. Rakesh Sharma has been a founder member of the GOPIO Qld, he has been the past president of the Hindu Mandir Association and convenor of the Hindi program on radio 4EB. Rakesh Sharma was requested to lay his wreath and deliver his speech which included the welcome address.

In introducing the next speaker Umesh Chandra OAM said, “It is wonderful that we are observing Gandhi Jayanti in tune with his philosophies and in a united manner. So, we have today representatives of major Indian organizations amongst us. Next up, it gives me great pleasure to introduce Mr. Shyam Das the president of FICQ. He has been a former president of GOPIO Qld of which he has also been a founder member. He has served on various committees including being a board member of radio 4EB. I would like to now invite Mr Shyam Das Ji to lay his wreath and deliver his speech”. Shyam Das, president of the FICQ laid his wreath and delivered his speech.

The next speaker was Mrs Archana Singh Ji, The Honorary consul for India in Qld. Mrs Archana Singh ji is a tireless worker attending numerous community functions. She has been serving the Indian community well before taking on the Honorary consul’s role. Specially during the student’s unrest period. She went up and beyond the call of duty in their service. And here today, she is the highest representative of Indian Government. Mrs Archana Singh ji laid her official wreath and delivered her inspiring speech.

The next speaker was Jim Varghese AM – National Chair Australia India Business Council and Chairman, Gandhi Salt March Limited. He also chairs Gandhi Statue committee of which Hemant Naik is the secretary. This statue is here due to the committee’s strong advocate under the leadership and guidance of Jim Varghese. Jim also represented Springfield land corporation at the event as Dr Maha Sinnathamby AM could not make it. Jim has always worked in and believed in community unity. In furtherance of which he has held many reconciliation sessions in his own time and accord. Later on, the day he had organized a hybrid Gandhi Jayanti in Springfield. Jim Varghese laid his wreath and delivered his speech in which he emphasized upholding of the values of Mahatma Gandhi’s teaching and following the paths lead by him rather than just talking about it.

The next speaker was Hemant Naik, who is the secretary of Gandhi Statue committee. Hemant has been a long-standing community worker here in Brisbane. PM Narendra Modi Ji, even before he become the chief minister of the Gujarat had visited Brisbane and during a dinner function organized by Mr Pars Ram Punj had discussed the possibility of Gandhi Statue in Brisbane with Hemant Naik that dream became a reality and PM Narendra Modi Ji had the pleasure officially unveiling this statue here. Hemant Naik talked about journey and how a confluence of ideas eventuated into a united reality.

Hemant Naik laid his wreath and delivered his speech. Following his speech, he was joined by Kalpana Naik to sing few bhajans at that point in time everyone present were invited to lay their wreath and pay floral tributes.

In conclusion Umesh Chandra OAM said, “Ladies and gentlemen, before we finish today’s proceeding, I would like to Thank GOPIO Queensland committee for their excellent facilitation, Aziz Popat for the refreshments, Rakesh Sharma  for the drinks, all the community organisations for the solidarity and unity, Each and every one of you for making time to be here. In the end I seek your forgiveness for any shortcoming there may have been in my conduction of today’s proceeding”.

ਜਨਗਣਨਾ ਦੀ ਰਾਤ ਮੰਗਲਵਾਰ 10 ਅਗਸਤ ਨੂੰ ਸੀ, ਪਰ ਹਿੱਸਾ ਲੈਣ ਵਿੱਚ ਦੇਰ ਨਹੀਂ ਹੋਈ ਹੈ।

ਜਨਗਣਨਾ ਦੇ ਕਾਰਜਕਾਰੀ ਨਿਰਦੇਸ਼ਕ ਅਤੇ ਰਾਸ਼ਟਰੀ ਬੁਲਾਰੇ ਐਂਡਰਿਊ ਹੈਂਡਰਸਨ ਨੇ ਕਿਹਾ, ਕਿ ਲੋਕਾਂ ਕੋਲ ਆਪਣੀ ਜਨਗਣਨਾ ਪੂਰੀ ਕਰਨ ਦਾ ਸਮਾਂ ਅਜੇ ਵੀ ਹੈ।

“ਅਸੀਂ ਇਹ ਯਕੀਨੀ ਬਨਾਉਣਾ ਚਾਹੁੰਦੇ ਹਾਂ, ਕਿ ਹਰ ਕਿਸੇ ਨੂੰ ਜਨਗਣਨਾ ਵਿੱਚ ਸ਼ਾਮਲ ਕੀਤਾ ਜਾਵੇ। ਇਸ ਜਨਗਣਨਾ ਨੂੰ ਪੂਰਾ ਕਰਨ ਵਿੱਚ ਮਦਦ ਕਰਨ ਲਈ ਹਰੇਕ ਘਰ ਨੂੰ ਹਦਾਇਤਾਂ ਭੇਜੀਆਂ ਗਈਆਂ ਸਨ।

“ਜਨਗਣਨਾ ਦੀ ਰਾਤ ਨੂੰ, ਇਸ ਜਨਗਣਨਾ ਨੂੰ ਪੂਰਾ ਕਰਨਾ ਆਸਟ੍ਰੇਲੀਆ ਵਿੱਚ ਹਰ ਕਿਸੇ ਲਈ ਲਾਜ਼ਮੀ* ਹੈ।

“ਜਨਗਣਨਾ ਦੇ ਅੰਕੜੇ ਵਿਅਕਤੀਆਂ, ਪਰਿਵਾਰਾਂ ਅਤੇ ਭਾਈਚਾਰੇ ਨੂੰ ਲਾਭ ਪਹੁੰਚਾਉਂਦੇ ਹਨ। ਸਹੀ ਗਿਣਤੀ ਹੋਣ ਦਾ ਮਤਲਬ ਹੈ, ਕਿ ਸਹੀ ਸੇਵਾਵਾਂ ਦੀ ਯੋਜਨਾ ਬਣਾਈ ਜਾ ਸਕਦੀ ਹੈ, ਅਤੇ ਤੁਹਾਡੇ ਭਾਈਚਾਰੇ ਵਿੱਚ ਪ੍ਰਦਾਨ ਕੀਤੀਆਂ ਜਾ ਸਕਦੀਆਂ ਹਨ।

“ਜੇ ਤੁਸੀਂ ਅਜੇ ਤੱਕ ਆਪਣੀ ਜਨਗਣਨਾ ਪੂਰੀ ਨਹੀਂ ਕੀਤੀ ਹੈ, ਤਾਂ ਚਿੰਤਾ ਕਰਨ ਦੀ ਕੋਈ ਲੋੜ ਨਹੀਂ ਹੈ। ਤੁਸੀਂ ਅਜੇ ਵੀ ਇਸ ਨੂੰ ਔਨਲਾਈਨ, ਕਾਗਜ਼ ਰਾਹੀਂ ਜਾਂ ਸਾਡੀ ਮਦਦ ਨਾਲ ਕਰ ਸਕਦੇ ਹੋ।

” ਜੇ ਤੁਹਾਨੂੰ ਤੁਹਾਡੀ ਚਿੱਠੀ ਨਹੀਂ ਮਿਲ ਰਹੀ, ਤਾਂ www.census.abs.gov.au ਉੱਤੇ ਜਾਓ ਜਾਂ 1800 512 441 ਉੱਤੇ ਫੋਨ ਕਰੋ। ਤੁਸੀਂ ਜਨਗਣਨਾ ਨੰਬਰ ਲਈ ਬੇਨਤੀ ਕਰ ਸਕਦੇ ਹੋ, ਅਤੇ ਔਨਲਾਈਨ ਪੂਰਾ ਕਰ ਸਕਦੇ ਹੋ, ਜਾਂ ਤੁਹਾਨੂੰ ਇਕ ਕਾਗਜ਼ੀ ਫਾਰਮ ਭੇਜਿਆ ਜਾ ਸਕਦਾ ਹੈ।

“ਜੇ ਸਾਨੂੰ ਜਲਦੀ ਹੀ ਤੁਹਾਡੇ ਕੋਲੋਂ ਜਵਾਬ ਨਹੀਂ ਮਿਲਦਾ, ਤਾਂ ਤੁਹਾਨੂੰ ਇਕ ਯਾਦ ਦਿਵਾਉਣ ਵਾਲੀ ਚਿੱਠੀ ਮਿਲੇਗੀ ਜਾਂ ਸਾਡੇ ਜਨਗਣਨਾ ਖੇਤਰੀ ਕਰਮਚਾਰੀ ਵੱਲੋਂ ਫੇਰੀ ਪਾਈ ਜਾਵੇਗੀ।”

ਲੋਕਾਂ ਲਈ ਭਾਸ਼ਾ ਵਿੱਚ ਕਈ ਤਰ੍ਹਾਂ ਦੇ ਸਹਾਇਤਾ ਵਿਕਲਪ ਮੌਜੂਦ ਹਨ।

ਜੇ ਤੁਹਾਨੂੰ ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਕਿਸੇ ਨਾਲ ਗੱਲ ਕਰਨ ਦੀ ਲੋੜ ਹੈ, ਤਾਂ ਤੁਸੀਂ ਮੁਫ਼ਤ ਅਨੁਵਾਦ ਅਤੇ ਦੁਭਾਸ਼ੀਆ ਸੇਵਾ (TIS National ਨੈਸ਼ਨਲ) ਨੂੰ 131 450 ਉੱਤੇ ਫੋਨ ਕਰ ਸਕਦੇ ਹੋ। TIS National ਜਨਗਣਨਾ ਦੇ ਸਵਾਲਾਂ ਬਾਰੇ ਜਾਣਕਾਰੀ ਪ੍ਰਦਾਨ ਕਰ ਸਕਦਾ ਹੈ ਅਤੇ ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਦਾ ਜਵਾਬ ਦਿੰਦੇ ਸਮੇਂ ਕੀ ਵਿਚਾਰ ਕਰਨਾ ਹੈ।

ਫਾਰਮ ਭਰਨ ਵਾਲੇ ਅਤੇ ਜਾਣਕਾਰੀ ਸੈਸ਼ਨ ਸਥਾਨਕ ਲਾਇਬ੍ਰੇਰੀਆਂ ਅਤੇ ਭਾਈਚਾਰਕ ਕੇਂਦਰਾਂ ਸਮੇਤ ਕਈ ਜਗ੍ਹਾਵਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਆਯੋਜਿਤ ਕੀਤੇ ਜਾ ਰਹੇ ਹਨ। www.census.abs.gov.au/find-us ਵਿਖੇ ਜਨਗਣਨਾ ਵੈੱਬਸਾਈਟ ਉੱਤੇ ਆਹਮੋ-ਸਾਹਮਣੇ ਦੀ ਮਦਦ ਦੇ ਸਥਾਨਾਂ ਵਾਲਾ ਆਪ ਵਰਤਣ ਵਾਲਾ ਨਕਸ਼ਾ ਉਪਲਬਧ ਹੈ।

ਤਾਲਾਬੰਦੀ ਖੇਤਰਾਂ ਵਿੱਚਲੇ ਲੋਕਾਂ ਜਾਂ ਉਹਨਾਂ ਲੋਕਾਂ ਵਾਸਤੇ ਸੈਸ਼ਨ ਔਨਲਾਈਨ ਵੀ ਉਪਲਬਧ ਹਨ, ਜੋ ਸਾਡੇ ਕਿਸੇ ਸਥਾਨ ਉੱਤੇ ਨਹੀਂ ਪਹੁੰਚ ਸਕਦੇ। ਇਹ ਜਨਗਣਨਾ ਵੈੱਬਸਾਈਟ ਅਤੇ ਏਬੀਐਸ ਯੂ-ਟਿਊਬ ਚੈਨਲ ਉੱਤੇ ਉਪਲਬਧ ਹਨ।

*ਵਧੇਰੇ ਜਾਣਕਾਰੀ ਲਈ 2021 ਦੀ ਜਨਗਣਨਾ ਦਾ ਪਰਦੇਦਾਰੀ ਬਿਆਨ ਦੇਖੋ।

Media notes

 For media requests and interviews, contact the ABS Media Team on [email protected] or 1300 175 070.

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Further information about the Census is available at www.census.abs.gov.au. 

More information  

What is the Census?

The Census, held on Tuesday 10 August 2021, is a snapshot of who we are and tells the story of how we are changing. It is one of the largest and most important statistical collections undertaken by the ABS.

How will people complete their Census?

People will be able to complete the Census online, on their mobile device, or on paper. There will be a number of options available for people who need assistance to complete their Census form including help from Census field staff, and phone and online help.

What’s new with the Census?

People are encouraged to complete their Census as soon as they receive their instructions, if they know where they’ll be on 10 August. They don’t have to wait until Census night. The ABS will also introduce new questions in the 2021 Census—the first changes to questions collected since 2006. The new questions are on long-term health conditions, such as arthritis and diabetes, and on defence force participation.

Conducting the Census in a COVID environment
We expect most people will complete their Census online with no in-person contact from us.

More information on conducting the Census in a COVID-19 environment can be found at Keeping the community safe during COVID-19.

How do people know if the Census instructions are legitimate?
Census instructions will feature the official Australian Bureau of Statistics logo and the 2021 Census branding. Further information about what the public can expect from us is available at identifying and avoiding scams.

Nelson Mandela Day celebration 2020 was to be held on Saturday 18 July at Queensland Multicultural Centre, 102 Main St, Kangaroo Point QLD, but was postponed due to Covid 19, and celebrated on 5^th Dec 2020 at the same venue. Celebrated usually on July 18, Mandela Day is an annual international event adopted by the United Nations.

The overarching objective of Mandela Day is to inspire individuals to act to help change the world for the better, and in doing so build a global movement for good. Ultimately, it seeks to empower communities everywhere. African Professionals of Australia (APA)-Queensland, partnered with Access Community Services Ltd, in hosting this event.

This event brought together the community and friends of African Professionals of Australia to celebrate Nelson Mandela’s life and legacy and reflect on how everyone can be part of a global movement, taking his life’s work into a new era and changing our world for the better.

Guests can expect a red-carpet extravaganza, ranging from music, dance, poems, international cuisine, and live entertainment.

The celebration has become a platform for Professionals, international students, researchers, industries, Governments, policy makers and other stakeholders to learn about Nelson Mandela’s life and legacy.

The event began with meet and greet a in the foyer from 5:00 Pm invited guests, the red-Carpet photo booth became very popular as many community leaders and politicians met in person after a long time.

Master of ceremonies were Ms Orode Eke-Okoro, vice president of African Professionals of Australia-Qld and Mr Pele Ramdhani, board member African Professionals of Australia-Qld

Stage shows included Pinksta & Swaussy Fire Band, poems by Ms Anisa Nandaula, The DR Congo Dance performance, Tichawona Noble Mashwa Mbira, Bolivia Marka Dance Group, The unbreakable Dance Crew. All the performances were truly a diverse blend pf music culture and people, carefully selected in honour of the Icon-madiba

Speeches included Robert Mukumbozi, president of African Professionals of Australia Ltd Queensland, Video message by Gail Kerr OAM, Lisa Ward – access services, Senator Paul Scarr – representing Prime Minister, The Hon Scott Morrison MP, Councillor Angela Owen representing Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, Video message by Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary General, Mr Beny Aterdit Bol, President Queensland African Community Council. The well planned and delivered event concluded with acknowledgement of sponsors, vote of thanks and the much-awaited photo session with media interviews.