Brisbane Comes Alive with Colours and Culture at Basava Jayanthi 2025
Brisbane, Australia – 23 May 2025: The vibrant multicultural city of Brisbane witnessed a heartwarming celebration of Basava Jayanthi 2025, hosted by Basava Samiti of Asia Pacific (BSAPAC). The annual event commemorates the birth anniversary of Guru Basava, the 12th-century social reformer and spiritual visionary who pioneered inclusive social practices and ethical living, centuries ahead of his time.
Held at a packed venue in Coopers Plains, the celebration showcased a spectacular blend of devotion, knowledge, and community spirit. It was a multicultural confluence of the community dressed in traditional attire, children and adults alike participated in a lively procession of Vachana recitations, songs, and interactive discussions—highlighting the adoption of Guru Basava’s values that centre on equality, compassion, and rational thought.
The program opened by lighting the lamp followed by the key note address was delivered by Mrs Karen Lay-Brew, the Board Member of Energy Queensland, Strategic Advisor to Australian Government. Karen migrated with family at the age of 11 from Mynamar provided an inspiring speech of the hardships of migrants and their journey to success, happiness and peace while navigating through the value system of life. Her speech was inspirational and touched the hearts of young and old.
Mrs. Margie Nightingale, Member of Inala, graced the audience and was impressed to see the community unity threaded with the values. Her encouraging best wishes meant to a lot to the growing community and the charity.
The key highlight of the discussion was the interactive introspection from the audience representing different ethnicities in the community namely, Sri Lanka, multi cultural diaspora of India, Pakistan, Iran, Burma, local Australians sharing their journey of life and the adoption of values. The Distinguished speakers, including local leaders and community scholars, praised BSAPAC’s commitment to Engage, Educate, Empower, and Enlighten across the Asia Pacific. / Guru Basava vegetarian, non-alcoholic community meal (Anna Dasoha), symbolising Basava’s vision of social equality through shared values.
The event also honored young children for their beautiful singing from the Sargam Academy of Music. We thank Mr. Mithun Chakraborthy and Mrs. Bonita Chakraborthy for presenting the wonderful music to the audience. Mr. Linden May, Ex-Board Director of the Charity awarded all the children with the medals for their fantastic participation.
Other notable programs included the Australian national anthem via the violin, presentation of the Guru Basava Dashboard Idol – a spiritually uplifting artefact designed for the car, symbolising values of truth, work, and devotion, ideal for daily travel inspiration by the 12 year old Master Hanish Banavar. BSAPAC will promote these dashboard idols that can be used in the cars via their shopping carts.
Mrs. Soniya Sharma, from the ANZ Bank Mt Ommaney also spoke to the team regarding the offering of the Home Loan Introductory Program.
Other notable organisers were Mrs. Girija Karekal, Executive Director; Mr. Stephen Hodgson, CEO, Mrs. Nivedita H E lead coordinator of Brisbane Chapter. BSAPAC offers gratitude for all the volunteers and children who made this an intimate evening and strengthened the values through multicultural confluence. “Guru Basava’s message is more relevant today than ever. His vision of a just society is what drives our charity’s work in over eight locations across Australia and New Zealand.”
Basava Jayanthi 2025 in Brisbane stood not only as a celebration of history but also a call to action for unity, service, and purposeful living in our contemporary world.
Learn more at https://basavasamitiapac.org
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EmpowerEnlighten
ANCESTORS OF THE SOIL: Landmark “Girmit” Documentary Stirs Deep Emotion in Packed Fiji Screenings
The historical narrative of the Fiji Indian diaspora came full circle as the powerful feature documentary, Girmit: The Fields of Sadness, concluded its emotionally charged community screenings in Nadi and Ba, Fiji. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Shyam Upadhyay and inspired by the seminal book Tears in Paradise by former Ba Town Council Town Clerk Rajendra Prasad, the 87-minute cinematic masterpiece provides an unflinching look into the brutal realities of the British indentured labour system. Between 1879 and 1916, this system bound more than 60,500 Indian labourers, the Girmitiyas, to harsh plantations across Fiji.
The Sold-Out Shift in Nadi
The documentary’s main screening at Life Cinema in Nadi was a monumental, sold-out community event. Attended by prominent business stakeholders, civil rights advocates, and elderly community members, the atmosphere inside the theatre was thick with collective remembrance. The film systematically deconstructs long-silenced colonial records, substituting them with poignant descendant interviews that highlight the systemic hardships, creative resilience, and deep-seated pain of our shared ancestors.
THE EXPANDING PATHWAY: FROM DOCUMENTARY TO GLOBAL BLOCKBUSTER
• Stage 1: Critical global festival circuit accolades (USA, NZ, Australia, Kerala, Nepal).
• Stage 2: Sold-out community screenings across principal Fijian hubs.
• Stage 3: Official transition into a 2.5-hour international feature film.
• Stage 4: On-site filming slated across primary Indian and Fijian locations.
Following the screening, Director Shyam Upadhyay shared exclusive news that Girmit will soon be adapted into a 2.5-hour international feature film. Backed by substantial global interest, negotiations are currently underway with high-profile Bollywood stars. Principal photography is slated to begin in India late this year, with the secondary, localized filming phase deploying to Fiji after February.
Giving Back: The Free Community Screening in Ba
Recognizing that the town of Ba served as a major historical footprint and a core shooting location for the production crew, the filmmakers expressed their gratitude by hosting a special free screening at the Xavier College Auditorium in Ba. Supported by prominent local institutions like the Vinod Patel Group and Rajendra Prasad Supermarket, the screening allowed rural families, cane-farming descendants, and local students to engage directly with their ancestral history.
For many attendees, seeing their grandparents’ legacy projected on the screen sparked visceral tears, immense pride, and immediate calls for historical preservation. Community elders noted that the documentary serves as a vital pedagogical tool for the younger generation, ensuring that the heavy sacrifices that laid the groundwork for today’s Indo-Fijian and global diaspora are never forgotten.
By charting the historical arc from the sugar fields of the 19th century to the global modern diaspora, the screenings in Nadi and Ba have done more than record history, they have catalysed a vital global conversation on cultural survival and justice.
BSRIA Conference 2026 was organised with the theme “Timeless Teachings from Hindu Gurus.” The event brought together santos, invited speakers, community leaders, families, youth, children, volunteers and devotees for an evening of devotion, learning and reflection.
A total of 28 religious and social organisations and temples participated in the conference, with more than 100 invited guests representing the wider community. The event was attended by an assembly of around 800 people, making it a strong and united gathering of devotion, culture and spiritual learning.
The program highlighted the importance of the Guru in Hindu tradition through the well-known shloka, “Gurur Brahma, Gurur Vishnu, Gurur Devo Maheshwara, Guruh Sakshat Parabrahma.” The conference explained this message in a practical and heartfelt way, connecting ancient wisdom with everyday life.
The evening began with a welcome by the MC, followed by Dhun, Prarthana and Stuti by the BAPS Kirtan Team. A short video then presented the journey of previous BSRI programs from 2022 to 2025 and introduced the 2026 theme. The formal opening took place with Deep Pragatya, where santos, invited guests and community representatives were welcomed on stage.
A special devotional contribution was made by the Namdhari Sikh Society Australia, who sang beautiful bhajans and added a strong feeling of devotion and unity to the evening.
One of the memorable talks was by Swami Shrikarananda, who spoke about faith in the Guru’s agna. He shared a personal story of breaking a box simply because his Guru had instructed him to do so. The story touched the audience and showed the meaning of true trust, surrender and obedience to the Guru.
Nand Kishor Prabhu ji from ISKCON also addressed the gathering, quoting from the Bhagavad Gita and other shastras. He explained that the Guru removes ignorance, gives spiritual knowledge and connects the devotee with God.
A deeply inspiring pravachan was delivered by Pujya Arshpurush Swami Ji from BAPS, who explained the true importance of the Guru in a devotee’s life. He spoke in a simple yet powerful way, showing how the Guru gives direction, removes inner darkness, and helps us live with discipline, devotion and higher values.
His message beautifully connected the theme of the conference with the teachings of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, Gunatitanand Swami, Pramukh Swami Maharaj and Mahant Swami Maharaj. The pravachan left the audience with a clear reminder that when we follow the Guru’s agna and live with faith, our life becomes more peaceful, purposeful and spiritually strong.
The conference was presented through four main themes. Gurur Brahma showed how the Guru creates values, discipline and purpose in life. Gurur Vishnu explained how the Guru nurtures and protects our spiritual journey. Gurur Devo Maheshwara was presented through a panel discussion on how the Guru helps transform our nature by removing bad habits, ego, anger and negative swabhavs. Guruh Sakshat Parabrahma reflected on the Guru as the manifest form of God and the giver of moksha, supported by a video of Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj, Amrutvani, guest reflections and a keynote message by a BAPS Sadhu.
The BAPS Dance Team also performed “Sarjan Poshan Lay Karnar,” adding colour, energy and devotion to the program.
The event also focused on children and youth education. A video interview with parents highlighted the value of Hinduism and Gita classes. The launch of Shrimad Bhagavad Gita Shlokas Learning Class and Hinduism Class 3 was also announced.
The conference concluded with Arti, vote of thanks, announcements, Dhyey Mantra, Samapan Shlok, a group photo and prasad.
Overall, BSRIA Conference 2026 was a meaningful and well-organised event. Through kirtan, bhajans, speeches, scriptural references, personal stories, panel discussion, videos, dance and educational initiatives, the conference reminded everyone that the Guru’s guidance is timeless and deeply needed in today’s life.
Sadhguru: The whole purpose of yoga is to set up various dimensions in you which are not you. What I mean by “not you” is: whatever you are identified with is what “you” are right now. But to set up a space within you beyond your limited identifications is yoga. Initially, it starts as a tiny speck. If you start clearing space for it, if you unload your crap, this space starts expanding.
A day comes when it occupies everything, and your crap just floats around. If you want, you can pluck and use it, otherwise you are untouched by it. When you become like that, we say you have become truly meditative, you are in samadhi, an equanimous state where this or that doesn’t touch you.
Without an armory of crap, you cannot live in the world. You won’t know any game. You will become like an avadhuta. These days, everyone is taking on the name: “I am avadhuta; you are also avadhuta.” That’s not what I’m talking about. An avadhuta is someone who is in a certain state where they become like infants – they don’t know anything. You have to feed them, you have to make them sit down, stand up. They are simply so ecstatic that they do not know how to handle any other aspect of their life.
Such a person has dropped his mind completely – he is totally free of nonsense. It is a very blissful and wonderful state, but then you need someone to take care of you, otherwise you cannot live like that – you have to take care of him like a baby. For small periods of time, it is good for people to go into those states because it is like sweeping the bottommost floor in your karmic structure.
It is like the karmic structure has 110 floors, and in this state, you are sweeping the bottommost floor, which you don’t get to do in other states – it would take enormous awareness for a person to go that deep and clean himself. But in this kind of state, one can scrape the bottom very easily. He is not doing anything, he does not know anything, but he has no karma, no bondage, so everything is cleaned up for him.
Yogis remain in such states for certain periods of time because it is the quickest way to become free. But at the same time, almost always, avadhutas cannot leave their body as avadhutas. That is one thing that is set up in the human consciousness. You cannot leave the body in that state. When you have to leave the body, you have to come to your awareness. And in those few moments of being out of this state, you can once again create karma.
This karma is springing from the dualities of life. If you transcend all duality, and there is a clear space within you, dualities just function outside of you. If you want, you can play the game, otherwise you are fine the way you are. Then bullshit is not a part of you, but you got a stock. If you want, you can use it, but it’s not you anymore.
Ranked amongst the fifty most influential people in India, Sadhguru is a Yogi, mystic, visionary and a New York Times bestselling author. Sadhguru has been conferred the Padma Vibhushan by the Government of India in 2017, the highest annual civilian award, accorded for exceptional and distinguished service. He is also the founder of the world’s largest people’s movement, Conscious Planet– Save Soil, which has touched over 4 billion people.
Moksh Sannyas Yog – The Yog of Liberation through Renunciation
Arjun said:
1. O Mahabahu Krishna, I wish to know the true nature of Sannyas (renunciation) and of Tyag (relinquishment) separately, O Hrishikesh, O Keshinisudan Krishna.
Shree Bhagavan Krishna said:
2. The wise understand by sannyas the giving up of actions prompted by desire; and the erudite declare the abandonment of the fruits of all actions as tyag.
3. Some say that action should be abandoned as an evil, and others declare that acts of sacrifice, charity and austerity are not to be abandoned.
4. Hear my conclusion regarding tyag, O Bharatasattam Arjun. Tyag is declared to be of three kinds, O Purushvyaghra Arjun.
5. Acts of sacrifice, charity and austerity are not to be abandoned and should be performed. Sacrifice, charity and austerity are purifiers of the wise.
6. However, even these actions are to be performed abandoning attachment and desire for fruits. O Parth Arjun, it is my considered and supreme opinion.
7. Renunciation of obligatory action is not proper. Relinquishment of it due to delusion is declared to be tamasi.
8. The one who gives up a duty merely because it is painful or because of fear of physical suffering, performs rajasi relinquishment, and does not obtain the reward of that relinquishment.
9. When an action is performed because it is a duty, abandoning attachment and also desire for its fruits, O Arjun, then that relinquishment is regarded to be sattvik.
10. The intelligent renouncer, situated in the nature of goodness and whose doubts are dispelled, has no aversion to disagreeable action and no attachment to agreeable action.
11. Indeed, an embodied being cannot abandon actions entirely; but the one who gives up the fruit of action is said to be the relinquisher (Tyagi).
12. Those who have not relinquished, accrue three types of fruit of action after death – undesired, desired and mixed. But there is none whatsoever for those who have renounced.
13. O Mahabahu Arjun, learn from me these five factors declared in the Sankhya doctrine for accomplishment of all actions.
14. The seat of action (the physical body), the doer, instruments of various kinds, many kinds of efforts and providence being the fifth.
15. Whatever act humans undertake by their body, speech and mind, whether right or wrong, these are its five factors.
16. Such being the case, one who looks upon himself as the sole agent of action due to an imperfect understanding does not really see.
17. Those who are free from an egoistic state of mind, whose intellect is not befouled, even though they slay these people, they slay not and are not bound by their action.
18. Knowledge, the object of knowledge and the knower are the threefold inducement to action. The instrument, the act and the doer are the threefold constituents of action.
19. It is declared in Sankhya that knowledge, action and the doer are of three kinds, according to difference in their qualities. Hear about these also.
20. The knowledge by which one undivided imperishable being is seen in all divided beings, know that knowledge to be sattvik.
21. The knowledge by which one perceives multiplicity of beings in different kinds of creature by reasons of their separateness, know that knowledge to be rajasi.
22. However, the knowledge which is attached to one single effect as if it were the whole, without concern for the cause, without a real purpose and small in significance is declared to be tamasi.
23. The action which is obligatory and is free from attachment, which is performed without desire or hate and with no wish to obtain fruit is said to be sattvik.
24. But the action which is performed with a wish to fulfil desires, or impelled by egoism and with much effort is declared to be rajasi.
25. The action which is undertaken because of delusion, without regard to consequences or to loss and injury as well as disregarding one’s own strength is said to be tamasi.
26. The doer who is free from attachment and has no speech of egotism, who is accompanied by steadfastness and enthusiasm, and is tranquil in success and failure is said to be sattvik.
27. The doer who is passionate, desires the fruits of action, and is greedy, violent-natured, impure and subject to joy and sorrow is proclaimed to be rajasi.
28. The doer who is undisciplined, vulgar, obstinate, wicked, deceitful, lazy, despondent, and procrastinating is said to be tamasi.
29. Hear now the threefold distinctions of intellect and also of steadfastness set forth completely and separately according to their qualities, O Dhananjay Arjun.
30. The intellect by which one knows when to act and when to abstain; what is to be done and what is to be avoided; what is to be feared and what is to be embraced, along with the knowledge of bondage and liberation is known to be sattvik, O Parth Arjun.
31. The intellect by which one distinguishes incorrectly what is right and what is wrong, and what ought to be done and what ought not to be done, is rajasi, O Parth Arjun.
32. The intellect which is enveloped in darkness, by which one incorrectly imagines wrong to be right and sees all things contrary to the truth is tamasi, O Parth Arjun.
33. The unswerving steadfastness by which through concentration, one holds fast the functions of the mind, the life breaths and the senses, is sattvik, O Parth Arjun.
34. But the steadfastness by which one holds to duty, pleasure and wealth with attachment to desires for fruits of action, is rajasi, O Parth Arjun.
35. The steadfastness by which a stupid person does not abandon sleep, fear, grief, despondency and conceit, is tamasi, O Parth Arjun.
36. And now hear from me, O Bharatarshabh Arjun, the three kinds of happiness. The happiness that is consistently enjoyed through practice, and which puts an end to suffering.
37. That happiness which is like poison in the beginning and like nectar in the end, and that arises from the tranquillity of one’s own intellect is declared to be sattvik.
38. That happiness which arises through contact between the senses and their objects, and which is like nectar in the beginning but like poison in the end is remembered as rajasi.
39. That happiness which deludes the self both at the beginning and at the end and which arises from sleep, laziness and negligence is declared to be tamasi.
40. There is no being either on earth or in heaven among the gods, which can exist free from these three qualities born of the material nature.
41. The duties of the brahmins, the kshatriyas, the vaishyas and the shudras, O Parantap Arjun, are distributed according to the qualities which arise from their own nature.
42. Tranquillity, self-control, austerity, cleanliness, forgiveness and uprightness, knowledge, discernment and faith in the supreme are the duties of the brahmins, born of their innate nature.
43. Heroism, vigour, steadfastness, skill, not fleeing even in battle, generosity and lordly spirit are the duties of the kshatriyas, born of their innate nature.
44. Agriculture, tending cattle and trade are the duties of the vaishyas, born of their innate nature, whilst actions of service are the duties of the shudras, born of their innate nature.
45. Devoted to one’s own duties, one attains perfection. Hear now how the one devoted to one’s own duty, attains perfection.
46. Human beings attain perfection with performance of their own proper duty as a worship to the one from whom all beings arise and by whom this entire universe is pervaded.
47. It is better to perform one’s own duty imperfectly than performing the duty of another perfectly. One does not incur sin by performing the duty prescribed by one’s own nature.
48. One should not abandon the duty suited to one’s nature, O Kaunteya Arjun, even though it may be defective. Indeed, all undertakings are enveloped by defects, as fire is by smoke.
49. With one’s intellect unattached at all times and with a conquered self that is free from desire, by renunciation one attains the highest perfection, transcending all actions.
50. Learn from me briefly, O Kaunteya Arjun, how having attained perfection, one attains Brahm, which is the highest state of knowledge.
51. Endowed with pure wisdom, guiding the self with firmness, turning away from sound and other objects of sense, and casting aside attraction and hatred;
52. Dwelling in solitude, eating lightly, modulating speech, body and mind, ever absorbed in meditation, and taking refuge in dispassion;
53. Relinquishing egotism, force and arrogance, desire, anger and possession of property, and becoming selfless and tranquil, one becomes worthy of oneness with Brahm.
54. One who has united with the Brahm and whose self is tranquil, who neither laments nor desires, and for whom all beings are equal, attains the supreme devotion to me.
55.Through devotion to me one comes to perceive who I am in reality, and then having known me in truth merges with me immediately.
56. Further, if the one who performs all actions always taking refuge in me, attains by my grace the eternal imperishable abode.
57. Mentally surrendering all actions to me, regarding me as the supreme, and resorting to steadfastness in understanding, constantly fix your thought on me.
58. Fixing your thought on me, you shall pass over all difficulties through my grace. But if through egotism, you do not listen to me then you shall perish.
59. If filled with egotism you think, “I shall not fight”, your resolve will be in vain. Your material nature will compel you.
60. O Kaunteya Arjun, through delusion even if you wish not to act, you will do that against your will, bound by your action born of your innate nature.
61. The lord abides in the hearts of all beings, O Arjun, and by the power of illusion causes all beings to wander as if they were mounted on a machine.
62. Go with your whole being to him alone for shelter, O Bharat Arjun. By his grace you will attain supreme peace and eternal abode.
63. Thus, the knowledge that is more confidential than all that is secret has been expounded to you, by me. After reflecting on this fully, do as you desire.
64. Listen again to my ultimate word, the most secret of all. You are surely beloved of me; therefore, I shall tell you for your good.
65. Fix your mind on me, be devoted to me, sacrifice to me, bow down to me. In this way you will come to me. I promise you truly, for you are dear to me.
66. Abandoning all duties, take refuge in me alone. I shall liberate you from all evils; do not grieve.
67. You should never divulge this to one who does not observe austerity, who lacks devotion, who does not desire to listen or who speaks ill of me.
68. The one who shall explain this supreme secret to my devotees, having performed the highest devotion to me shall doubtlessly come to me.
69. No one among all humankind will do more pleasing service to me than that person and there will be no other on the earth dearer to me than that one.
70. It is my opinion that whoever will study and recite this sacred dialogue of ours, will have worshipped me through the sacrifice of knowledge.
71. And the one who listens to it with faith, and without derision, even they shall be liberated and attain the happy realm of those who have been righteous in action.
72. O Parth Arjun, have you heard all this with a focussed mind? Have your ignorance and delusion been destroyed, O Dhananjay Arjun?
Arjun said:
73. “O Achyuta Krishna, by your grace my confusion has vanished and my understanding is restored. I stand resolute, free from doubt, and I will act according to your guidance.”
Sanjay said:
74. Thus, I have heard this wonderful dialogue between Vasudev Krishna and the great-soul Parth Arjun, which causes my hair to stand on end.
75. By the grace of Vyas, I have heard this supreme and most secret yog, expounded directly by Krishna himself, the lord of yog.
76. O king, remembering again and again this marvellous and holy dialogue between Keshav Krishna and Arjun, I rejoice again and again.
77. And remembering again and again that sublime form of Hari Krishna, my astonishment is great, O king, and I rejoice again and again.
78. Wherever there is Krishna, the lord of yog, and wherever is Parth Arjun the archer, there will surely be fortune, victory, wealth and righteousness, this is my conviction.
Thus ends the eighteenth chapter, entitled Moksh Sannyas Yog – The Yog of Liberation through Renunciation containing the discourse between Shree Krishna and Arjun in the Upanishad called the Bhagavad Gita, the science of Brahm, the scripture of Yog.
—Awadhesh Sharma
www.hinduguru.com.au
Indian culture and classical dance shine at South West Sydney’s largest Children’s Festival
A breathtaking celebration of culture, colour and community unfolded in Koshigaya Park, Campbelltown, as thousands gathered for the Macarthur Multicultural Children’s Festival 2026, one of South West Sydney’s most vibrant family events.
Among a spectacular lineup of global performances, the grace, rhythm and storytelling of Indian dance captivated audiences, showcasing the richness and diversity of India’s cultural traditions.
Children from more than 50 cultural communities took part in a joyful day of music, dance and discovery, transforming the park into a living celebration of diversity and belonging.
Adding a special new dimension in 2026, the Festival proudly launched its Cultural Showcase, with the Philippines featured as the inaugural spotlight, celebrating its rich traditions, vibrant performances and unique cultural identity.
Festival founder and co-director Brian Laul said the event continues to grow as a powerful platform for unity.
“There is something truly special about seeing so many cultures come together in one place,” he said.
“It’s a reminder that our diversity is our greatest strength, and our children are at the heart of that story.”
Co-director Ronna Guzman highlighted the spirit of connection that defines the day.
“This Festival is about bringing people together through joy, culture and shared experience,” she said.
“It’s a space where every child can feel seen, valued and proud of who they are.”
One of the highlights of the Festival was a beautiful Bharatanatyam performance by the young students of Nitya Natyashale, trained under Shilpa Ashok.
Recognised as one of India’s oldest classical dance forms, Bharatanatyam blends graceful movement, rhythm and storytelling through expressive gestures, intricate footwork and powerful emotion. The young dancers captivated audiences with their poise, discipline and artistry.
The celebration continued with an energetic and colourful performance by Utsav Dance Academy from Harris Park, who brought Bollywood, semi-classical and Indian folk dance traditions to life on stage.
A major crowd favourite was the vibrant Pot Dance performance, inspired by traditional Indian folk styles often associated with Rajasthan, featuring dancers balancing decorated pots while moving gracefully to lively rhythms in a joyful celebration of culture and community spirit.
NSW Minister and Member for Macquarie Fields Anoulack Chanthivong MP praised the Festival’s impact across the community.
“What a wonderful day it is today to celebrate some really important things in our community and across the country as well: celebrating social cohesion, cultural diversity and celebrating of course our children who look so splendid in their many costumes today to celebrate what is really part of modern Australia,” he said.
“I commend festival organisers for proudly showcasing our community’s rich diversity in a celebration for people of all ages and cultural traditions.”
NSW Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism Mark Coure MP thanked festival director Brian Laul for his longstanding commitment to multiculturalism through the years “not just in the Macarthur area but right across New South Wales”.
Federal Member for Macarthur Dr Mike Freelander MP commended the scale and significance of the event.
“Anyone who has any doubts about the value of our multicultural society and the value of immigration indeed just has to look at this festival to know this is something to be very, very proud of,” he said.
Federal Member for Hughes David Moncrieff described the Festival as “fantastic example of Australia” and Campbelltown Mayor Darcy Lound as “a magic event”.
Held on Sunday 3 May and presented by Rainbow Crossing Inc., the free festival featured a dynamic program of performances, interactive activities and cultural experiences, including the much-loved Children’s Parade and Cultural Discovery Passport.
As the rhythms of Bharatanatyam and Indian folk dance echoed across the park, they stood as a powerful symbol of India’s rich cultural legacy, warmly embraced and celebrated within Australia’s multicultural story.
In a world that can often feel divided, the Macarthur Multicultural Children’s Festival once again proved that through culture, community and children, unity is not only possible, it is thriving.
The fact that the Indian community in Darwin has a rich history and plays an integral role in the multicultural Northern Territory, has always interested me, as some of my Punjabi ancestors probably came here in the 1800’s as labourers in agriculture and gold mining.
If you didn’t know it, Darwin was first called Palmerston in 1869, but the port was later called Darwin in 1911, named after the English naturalist, geologist and biologist Charles Darwin, who had never actually visited the city.
Darwin’s thousands of years of interesting history includes indigenous habitation, European exploration, wartime devastation in Feb 19, 1942, the equally devastating cyclone Tracy on Christmas Day 1974 and now finally, modern urban development.
By the 1970’s more Punjabis came along with others from Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Kerala as professional workers – teachers, engineers or geologists.
So, in late May my family and I left cool Brisbane to holiday in humid Darwin. We often caught an Uber, and our drivers were always Indians, as were security staff in Coles and events like the Sunset Markets at Mindil Beach. Also, when walking around Darwin there were many people of Indian origin to be seen.
When I chatted to them, they said how much they enjoyed their lives in Darwin, especially that in the 2024 General Elections, Khoda Patel, born in Gujarat, India, became the first Hindu MLA in the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly.
When we drove the 200 km to camp and walk at Kakadu National Park there were no Indians to be seen anywhere! Indians like cricket but not hiking or camping in the hot outdoors full of mosquitoes!
However, I did have a brief conversation with Ali, at the Indigenous Museum at Cooinda, a Muslim on holiday from Maharashtra and bravely driving alone to and from Sydney.
Going to the airport in an Uber to get our flight back to Brisbane, naturally our driver was an Indian from Gujarat.
The most meaningful memory I have of Darwin is of the contemporary Christ Church Anglican Cathedral which has as its entrance, the only surviving wall of the old Cathedral totally destroyed by cyclone Tracy in 1974. The Cathedral had also been damaged in the Japanese war time raids on Darwin.
It symbolised to me the resilience of the human spirit to somehow rebuild when all seems destroyed or hopeless, as they had hope for a better future.
May you also be able to rebuild in your own life, and the lives of others, when all seems hopeless and destroyed. Never, ever give up!
Peter Lane Rai May 28, 2026.
Saving tax probably won’t let you retire early, might buy you a slightly fancier coffee, and it won’t make you a millionaire. Still, none of that matters because — let’s be honest — we all hate paying it. So, grab your latte in the hope you can claim it as a tax deduction and let’s make tax mildly entertaining. Payday Super Is ComingWith Payday Super commencing from 1 July 2026, the ATO has released a list of “common myths,” which is bureaucratic code for:
“Please stop ignoring this.”
Myth #1: “There’s nothing super funds trustees or employers need to do before the start date.”
Err….. there is.
The ATO says super funds should already be preparing systems to receive more frequent contributions and meet tighter processing timeframes. This includes upgrading systems to “SuperStream Contributions v3.0” — which sounds less like payroll software and more like the latest Tesla operating system.
Make sure you are ready to go from 1 July 2026
Myth #2: “Payday Super just means contributions happen more often.”
Nope. Apparently. But that might be a being economical with the truth.
According to the ATO, this is about:
• speed;
• accuracy;
• responsiveness; and
• rejecting incorrect contributions quickly enough that employers can still fix them in time.
Err…. No, it’s not. Previously if your business paid Superannuation quarterly or 4 times a year. This was manageable. Simple. Easy. Not anymore.
If you pay your team weekly you now need to pay Super 52 times (!). If you pay monthly, then you pay Super 12 times. Only if you pay your team every quarter will businesses be the same as the previous system. Know many employees who will accept being paid once a quarter? Didn’t think so.
Errors can no longer quietly let errors drift around the financial system like a shopping trolley in a Bunnings car park. You have to fix them with 7 days.
Myth #3: “Super fund actions don’t affect employer compliance.”
Wrong again.
If super funds reject contributions late, provide vague error messages, or maintain poor data quality, employers may fail compliance obligations through no fault of their own.
So now everyone gets to stress together. Team building at its finest.
What should you do? Move to monthly pay to reduce the red tape burden – but good luck with trying to convince your team to do that – epically if they usually get paid weekly. Welcome to red tape hell.
The ATO Responds to High Fuel Costs
Translation: “We know diesel now costs roughly the GDP of a small island nation.”
The ATO has announced temporary support measures for eligible businesses struggling with fuel costs between 1 April and 30 June 2026.
Support may include:
• longer payment plans;
• no upfront payment requirements;
• remission of General Interest Charges (‘GIC’) where conditions are met; and
• assistance varying PAYG instalments where taxable income has reduced.
Which is genuinely useful.
Because right now, filling up a ute feels less like a routine business expense and more like financing a Mediterranean yacht.
Businesses can apply through ATO online services, and the ATO will then contact them regarding next steps.
Or, alternatively, you could contact us — which generally involves less hold music and fewer robotic voices thanking you for your patience while actively testing it.
The ATO Wants Businesses to Review Their GST Turnover
Because apparently “set and forget” was never an acceptable accounting method.
The ATO has identified businesses that have exceeded GST thresholds but failed to update their reporting methods.
Here’s the important part:
If your GST turnover exceeds $10 million:
You must:
• move from “simpler BAS” reporting to full BAS reporting; and
• account for GST using the accruals method instead of cash accounting.
If turnover exceeds $20 million:
You must lodge BAS monthly instead of quarterly.
The ATO will begin moving affected businesses to the correct reporting methods from 1 July 2026.
So, if your business has grown substantially and your BAS setup hasn’t changed since Kevin Rudd was Prime Minister, now might be the time to review things.
Preferably before the ATO reviews them for you.
Home Office and Car Expense Claims Get Smacked Down
In a decision that will disappoint approximately every bloke who bought a standing desk during COVID, the Full Federal Court has overturned a Tribunal decision allowing deductions for home office and car expenses.
The taxpayer worked for the ABC as a sports presenter and producer and performed part of his role from a second bedroom in his rented apartment during the pandemic.
Initially, the Tribunal allowed:
• a portion of rent as home office expenses; and
• car expenses for travel between home and the ABC studios.
But the Full Federal Court disagreed.
Why? Because the Court found:
• the “essential character” of rent was still domestic accommodation; and
• travelling from home to the studio was travel “to work,” not “on work.”
Which is tax law’s version of:
“Nice try. But we aren’t having it”
The key lesson here?
Just because your dining room became Mission Control during COVID doesn’t suddenly make your apartment a commercial office tower.
Self-Education Claims Rejected
Or: “Watching entrepreneurial TikToks is not a tax deduction.”
The Administrative Review Tribunal recently rejected a taxpayer’s self-education claims because the expenses lacked a sufficient connection to his actual employment duties.
The taxpayer worked in IT but argued his role had evolved into sales and marketing responsibilities. He then attempted to claim deductions for:
• online training courses;
• software and hardware; and
• membership fees.
The problem?
There was:
• no written evidence from the employer requiring the courses; and
• the training related more to online content creation, affiliate marketing and entrepreneurship than the taxpayer’s actual IT role.
In other words, the Tribunal looked at the claims and effectively said:
“You weren’t improving your current job skills. You were trying to become Gary Vee.”
The takeaway? Self-education deductions generally need a direct connection to your existing income-earning activities — not the business empire you hope to build after binge-watching motivational reels at 1am.
The ATO Has Launched a Scam Call Verification Feature
And honestly, this one is surprisingly sensible. I guess if you have a thousand chances you are bound to get it right once.
You can now verify whether an incoming call claiming to be from the ATO is genuine through the ATO app.
The process:
1. Open the ATO app;
2. Log in;
3. Select “verify call”; and
4. Within 30 seconds, the app should confirm whether the call is legitimate.
That’s the theory. Not sure if it will work in practice.
If nothing appears? Hang up.
Because if there’s one thing scammers hate, it’s transparency and two-factor authentication.
Frankly, this is one of the more practical things the ATO has released in years.
Which probably means they’ll ruin it with a mandatory update during peak tax season.
Final Thought (Because Lawyers Make Us):
This has been your tax update dose, bureaucratic drama and financial soap opera.
Look, we’ve done our best to make this information helpful, accurate, and only mildly boring. But don’t go quitting your business, selling your house, or launching a crypto empire based solely on what you’ve read here. This is general advice – not a personalised financial horoscope.
If you’re thinking of acting on any of it, please chat to a real-life professional (preferably one who’s qualified, not just good at Monopoly or one that sits in the pub). Professionals can help make sure the advice actually fits your situation and doesn’t end in a surprise ATO love letter.
Remembering Girmit: The Stories That Still Travel With Us
The Human Thread with Sabrina Iqbal Khan
Exploring culture, humanity, and the stories we inherit.
Recently, communities across Australia and Fiji gathered to commemorate Girmit Remembrance Day – a time of reflection on the journeys, sacrifices, and resilience of the Girmitiyas who crossed oceans carrying little more than survival, memory, and hope.
Attending the recent Global Girmit Legacy Awards in Brisbane reminded me that Girmit is not simply history preserved in books or archives. It is living memory. It exists in the stories passed down at dining tables, in the preservation of language and faith, and in the quiet resilience inherited across generations.
As I listened to the stories of community leaders, elders, artists, and descendants of Girmitiyas, I was reminded how deeply migration shapes identity. Many of us in the diaspora live between inherited worlds — carrying pieces of places we may never have fully known, yet somehow still belong to.
Recently, I also watched filmmaker Shyam’s Girmit-inspired
documentary, which powerfully captured not only the hardship of indenture, but the humanity behind it. Too often, historical conversations reduce people to statistics and timelines. Film and storytelling allow us to see something more intimate: fear, longing, dignity, separation, survival, and love. They remind us that history was lived by real people whose emotional legacies still echo through generations.
My own heritage is layered across regions and histories — from North West India and Bengal to Afghanistan. Like many diaspora families, our identities are not linear. They are woven together through migration, displacement, resilience, adaptation, and memory. Over time, I have come to realise that identity is rarely about belonging to one place alone. Sometimes, it is about honouring every thread that brought us here.
Perhaps that is why Girmit remembrance resonates so deeply across communities. It is not only about looking back. It is about understanding how inherited struggles, sacrifices, and journeys continue shaping who we are today.
In a world increasingly divided by difference, remembering these histories matters. They remind us that behind every migration story is a human being searching for dignity, opportunity, safety, and belonging.
And perhaps that is the human thread that connects us all.
About the Writer:
Sabrina Iqbal Khan is an international award-winning filmmaker, producer and actress as well as a barrister to the High Court of Fiji and admitted to the Supreme Court of Victoria, 2007. A recipient of a Fijian Medal of Honour for community service, domestic violence awareness, poverty alleviation programs and women’s educational training initiatives in rural areas, her work centres on human rights, culture, identity, and social change through storytelling and film.
Her first film, Seema, received recognition in the United States of America, where a national day was declared in honour of the film. Sabrina has also published in the field of cross-cultural dialogue, including developing a dialogue theory recognised by the American Center for Dialogue. With heritage connected to North West India, Bengal, Afghanistan, and the wider Girmit diaspora experience, she writes on humanity, human rights, storytelling, and the social justice issues impacting our communities.
Karma means action. Every thought we create, every word we speak and every action we perform is karma. Karma is not only what we do with our hands; it begins in the mind. A peaceful thought, a kind word, a helpful action – all create positive energy. A negative thought, harsh words or selfish actions create a different kind of energy. Whatever energy we send out into the world eventually returns to us in some form. This return is what we often call our destiny.
Life is not a matter of luck or chance. What comes to me today is connected with what I have created in the past through my thoughts, words and actions. Sometimes we may not understand why a particular situation has come in front of us, or why a person behaves in a certain way. But the law of karma teaches us that nothing is meaningless. Every scene in the drama of life has a lesson hidden within it. When we understand this, we stop blaming others and begin to take responsibility for our own inner world.
The Brahma Kumaris teach that I am a soul, a peaceful being of light, using this body to perform actions. The soul carries impressions, called sanskars, from many actions performed over time. These impressions shape our habits, character and personality. As I act, so I become. If I repeatedly think peacefully, speak sweetly and act with honesty, these qualities become natural in me. If I repeatedly become angry, jealous or careless, those habits also become part of my nature. Therefore, every moment is a chance to create a better self and a better future.
The quality of our karma depends on the quality of our consciousness. When I act with ego, anger, greed or attachment, even a simple action may become heavy. But when I act with love, truth, humility and purity, even an ordinary task becomes elevated. Cooking food, speaking to a family member, doing my work, studying, serving society – all can become good karma when done with a clean heart and peaceful mind.
The first step in creating good karma is to watch my thoughts. Thoughts are like seeds. If I plant seeds of peace, patience and kindness, I will receive fruits of happiness and stability. If I plant seeds of fear, criticism and resentment, I cannot expect to experience peace. My thoughts do not remain only inside me; they create vibrations that reach others. This is why it is important to think well for myself and for everyone around me.
The second step is to speak with awareness. Words have power. A few words of encouragement can give someone hope, while a few careless words can hurt deeply. Before speaking, I can ask myself: Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary? Sweet and respectful words are a beautiful form of charity.
The third step is to act with responsibility. I cannot always control situations or other people, but I can choose my response. If someone is angry, I do not need to return anger. If someone is negative, I do not need to lose my peace. The law of karma reminds me that my response is my creation. I am responsible for the energy I send out.
Meditation gives the soul power to create elevated karma. In Raja Yoga meditation, I connect with God, the Supreme Soul, the Ocean of Peace, Love and Purity. This connection fills the soul with spiritual strength. In God’s remembrance, old negative habits become weaker, and the soul receives the courage to change. God does not punish or reward us; He teaches us the right way to live and gives us power to settle past karma with peace.
To live with the awareness of karma is to live carefully, lovingly and honestly. It means I stop blaming destiny and begin creating it. Each day, I can ask myself: What kind of energy am I giving to the world? Am I creating sorrow or happiness? Am I reacting from ego or responding from wisdom?
When I choose pure thoughts, gentle words and noble actions, I create a beautiful destiny for myself and also help to create a peaceful world. Karma is not something to fear. It is a powerful reminder that I am the creator of my life.
Brahma Kumaris Shailer Park provide free Raja Yoga Meditation, Positive Thinking and Anger Management Courses.
Please contact us on 0414685144 or [email protected] for further information. https://brahmakumaris.org.au and find out the events happening close to your location.
Om Shanti.
—The Brahma Kumaris
From Prep to Plate: Simple Steps to Stop Food Poisoning
Food safety starts in your own kitchen. As we head into winter, it is very important to be aware of food poisoning risks.
The first and most important step before preparing food is washing your hands.
• You should wash your hands using warm water and soap. Rub your hands together for at least 20 seconds, making sure to clean between fingers and under nails.
• Rinse well to remove soap and germs, then dry hands with a clean towel.
• Damp hands can spread germs more easily.
• Teaching your kids proper handwashing early helps build good hygiene habits and prepares them for safe cooking in the kitchen
When preparing your meals for the week, you should try not to over-pack your containers. Spreading food out lets it cool quickly and safely.
• Food should not stay too long in the temperature danger zone (5°C–60°C), as this is where germs grow fastest and can cause food poisoning.
Any food that is left over must be refrigerated within two hours of cooking. If food has been left out for longer than two hours, it should be eaten straight away and not put back in the fridge. If food has been left out for more than four hours, it should be put in the bin.
When reheating your leftovers, food should be heated until piping hot all the way through. This is very important for rice, as some bacteria can survive if it is not reheated properly. Rice should only ever be reheated once.
For school lunches containing foods like rice, chicken, or pasta, using a freezer block in lunch boxes helps keep food cold and safe until it is eaten.
Raw chicken can carry harmful germs, so it’s important not to use the same chopping board for chicken and foods like fruit or bread. This helps prevent cross contamination.
By taking simple steps, you can reduce the chances of food poisoning for you and your family.
For further information, see Food safety at home | Health | Queensland Government.
Brisbane, Australia – 23 May 2025: The vibrant multicultural city of Brisbane witnessed a heartwarming celebration of Basava Jayanthi 2025, hosted by Basava Samiti of Asia Pacific (BSAPAC). The annual event commemorates the birth anniversary of Guru Basava, the 12th-century social reformer and spiritual visionary who pioneered inclusive social practices and ethical living, centuries ahead of his time.
The program opened by lighting the lamp followed by the key note address was delivered by Mrs Karen Lay-Brew, the Board Member of Energy Queensland, Strategic Advisor to Australian Government. Karen migrated with family at the age of 11 from Mynamar provided an inspiring speech of the hardships of migrants and their journey to success, happiness and peace while navigating through the value system of life. Her speech was inspirational and touched the hearts of young and old.
Other notable programs included the Australian national anthem via the violin, presentation of the Guru Basava Dashboard Idol – a spiritually uplifting artefact designed for the car, symbolising values of truth, work, and devotion, ideal for daily travel inspiration by the 12 year old Master Hanish Banavar. BSAPAC will promote these dashboard idols that can be used in the cars via their shopping carts.
BSRIA Conference 2026 was organised with the theme “Timeless Teachings from Hindu Gurus.” The event brought together santos, invited speakers, community leaders, families, youth, children, volunteers and devotees for an evening of devotion, learning and reflection.
The evening began with a welcome by the MC, followed by Dhun, Prarthana and Stuti by the BAPS Kirtan Team. A short video then presented the journey of previous BSRI programs from 2022 to 2025 and introduced the 2026 theme. The formal opening took place with Deep Pragatya, where santos, invited guests and community representatives were welcomed on stage.
The conference was presented through four main themes. Gurur Brahma showed how the Guru creates values, discipline and purpose in life. Gurur Vishnu explained how the Guru nurtures and protects our spiritual journey. Gurur Devo Maheshwara was presented through a panel discussion on how the Guru helps transform our nature by removing bad habits, ego, anger and negative swabhavs. Guruh Sakshat Parabrahma reflected on the Guru as the manifest form of God and the giver of moksha, supported by a video of Pujya Mahant Swami Maharaj, Amrutvani, guest reflections and a keynote message by a BAPS Sadhu.
A breathtaking celebration of culture, colour and community unfolded in Koshigaya Park, Campbelltown, as thousands gathered for the Macarthur Multicultural Children’s Festival 2026, one of South West Sydney’s most vibrant family events.
Festival founder and co-director Brian Laul said the event continues to grow as a powerful platform for unity.
The celebration continued with an energetic and colourful performance by Utsav Dance Academy from Harris Park, who brought Bollywood, semi-classical and Indian folk dance traditions to life on stage.
Saving tax probably won’t let you retire early, might buy you a slightly fancier coffee, and it won’t make you a millionaire. Still, none of that matters because — let’s be honest — we all hate paying it. So, grab your latte in the hope you can claim it as a tax deduction and let’s make tax mildly entertaining.
