GOPIO-GC Gala Raises Funds for Charities

The Gold Coast Chapter of GOPIO (GOPIO-GC) held its Annual Gala Dinner on the 3rd August 2024 at the prestigious Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Gold Coast. This year, like past years, the dinner was aimed at raising funds to support various charities. The event was graced by the Consul-General of India (Queensland) Ms Neetu Bhagotia, Hon. John-Paul Langbroek, Surfers Paradise, Queensland MP and Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism, and Hon. Rob Borbidge, ex-Premier of Queensland and Chairman of Experience Gold Coast.
The red carpet welcome led people into the main hall which was decorated exquisitely. The photo booth in the lobby allowed people to mingle as well as create special memories via numerous photos. The MC Zain Chams was, as always, engaging and ensured that everything ran smoothly. The attendees were entertained by the Tapori Squad who dazzled with their dance moves and by Manish and Sheker with their melodious singing. If the dancing and singing were a treat to the eyes and ears respectively, the dinner was a heavenly treat for the taste buds. The event concluded with the acknowledgement that there are many in our society who are doing it tough this year. Numerous items were auctioned and raffled to raise money for the charities Homeless in Gold Coast and Life Global Australia. Special thanks to our platinum sponsors Experience Gold Coast, Silver sponsor Global Convenience, and media partners 7 Seas TV for their video coverage.
GOPIO-GC acknowledges the generous support from all the sponsors, auction and raffle prize donors, the special guests, and all the participants who made it a memorable event.

Indian Independence Day celebrations in Carseldine Park by IndoAustralian Seniors Creative Sanatan Sanstha Pty Ltd

IndoAustralian Seniors Creative Sanatan Sanstha Pty Ltd is a Not for Profit
Sanstha (Corporate) that provides Seniors various opportunities for socialising and cultural enhancement. Our members include seniors who are Australian citizens or PR holders.
Once a week, we have a get together in Carsaldine Park, during which the members showcase their talents in music, poetry and singing, share recipes for adapting traditional foods using vegetables that are available in Australia, participate in yoga and meditation for physical and mental well-being, and sharing ideas on how to pass on their traditional knowledge and values with their grandchildren. We also organise cultural programs for Sanatan religious festivals.
We have organised picnics and sightseeing trips to various Australian heritage sites of importance. This helps Seniors appreciate Australia and adapt to the Australian lifestyle while maintaining their Hindu culture.
One of our future programs is to build a Golden Age Carer’s housing facilities for Seniors with special dietary requirements such as vegetarianism and Vaishnav diets. This will also help, to some extent, Queensland and Federal Governments’ in meeting the shortages in housing for Seniors.
On 15 August, we all celebrated Indian Independence Day celebrations and chanted Bharat Mata ki Jai.

Unlocking Financial Mastery: The Key to True Wealth and Freedom

In today’s fast-paced and uncertain world, financial mastery has become more critical than ever. The global economic landscape is rapidly changing, and with that comes a unique opportunity for those who are prepared to navigate it. Pushpa’s Financial Mastery monthly article is dedicated to equipping individuals with the tools, strategies, and mindset needed to achieve financial freedom and live life on their terms. Whether you are starting from scratch or looking to elevate your existing financial knowledge, this informative writing offers a transformative experience for anyone who wants to take control of their financial future.
Many people talk about improving their lives, but few take the steps necessary to do so. By engaging in Financial Mastery, you are one of the select few taking action to attain the knowledge and understanding needed to apply financial principles effectively. And as you grow in your financial wisdom, you can share this valuable knowledge with others, furthering the ripple effect of financial education in your community.
Through the monthly Financial Mastery articles, you are committing to improving the quality of your life, no matter where you stand financially. This knowledge is not just about accumulating wealth; it’s about achieving true financial freedom and living a life of abundance and peace of mind. When the pressure of finances is lifted, life feels different—more empowering and full of possibilities.
One of the core messages of Financial Mastery is that financial freedom is within everyone’s reach. But it requires knowledge, planning, and the right mindset. We live in uncharted territory—where economic, political, and social landscapes are shifting at an unprecedented rate. Regardless of your financial status or location, these global changes affect us all. But while the world presents new challenges, it also presents exponential opportunities for those who are prepared.
The foundation of Financial Mastery lies in creating yourself a customised financial plan tailored to your unique goals and circumstances. We will guide you through with our articles and the many ways to build wealth in any environment. By learning what to look for and, equally importantly, what to avoid, you can create the financial protection you need. Ignorance is not bliss when it comes to your finances; sitting on the sidelines is no longer an option. These articles will bring together the best knowledge from top financial minds globally, giving you access to proven strategies that work.
However, success in any area of life—including financial freedom—is not just about knowledge or strategies. It’s 80% psychology and only 20% mechanics. The key is developing an unshakeable mindset, one where you have confidence regardless of external circumstances. The Financial Mastery information, generated from my wealth programs, helps you cultivate this mindset, offering you the tools to experience unwavering confidence in your financial decisions and the gratitude and joy that come from financial peace.
To truly benefit from Financial Mastery, you must make a commitment right now. Stay focused, grow in confidence and manage your mindset. Resources alone don’t create change—you do. We will provide the guide, but it’s your determination and action that will bring lasting transformation. As you go through the articles, you’ll see how shifts in your financial understanding can positively impact other areas of your life.
At its core, Financial Mastery is about more than just wealth creation—it’s about designing an extraordinary life on your terms. By consistently improving every area that matters to you, you’ll create a life that feels rich in every sense. Each lesson your read here in financial mastery affects all aspects of life, from relationships to personal fulfillment.
We hope this series of articles will not only educate you about finances but also transform who you become in the process. Your journey toward financial freedom is just beginning, and there is so much to look forward to.
DISCLAIMER: Before investing, carefully consider the objectives, risks, charges, and expenses involved. All investments carry risks, including the loss of principal. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. We are not licensed investment advisors, and the opinions shared here are not to be taken as professional investment advice. Always consult with a licensed financial expert before making any investment decisions.
Pushpa Vaghela
[email protected]
Mobile: 0497998829

Reflecting on September:
A Historical Overview

In this inaugural issue of Australian Indian Times, we delve into the significance of history and its impact on our contemporary postmodern societies. History, with its spectrum of events, from the deeply sorrowful to the uplifting, shapes our world in ways both profound and enduring. It is a testament to humanity’s resilience and our ability to both learn from and overcome our past challenges.
This exploration of historical moments is not intended to emphasize the economic recessions or catastrophic conflicts of the past. Rather, it offers a respectful glimpse into significant events that have marked September through the ages. The events listed below are presented not in order of importance or severity, but as a selection of noteworthy moments that have influenced our world.
History reveals that, despite our rapid digital advancements, fundamental aspects of human nature remain constant. Themes of family, love, compassion, as well as hate, greed, and self-interest, have persisted through the ages. Our various faiths and belief systems, rooted in ancient traditions and rituals, continue to shape our contemporary practices and personal development.
A wise observer once said that history represents a series of events that could have been avoided. While pessimists might see this as an undeniable truth, optimists might argue that history is less grim than it is often portrayed. Realists recognize that “the truth is always somewhere in between.”
Notable September Events.
September, originally the seventh month of the Roman calendar (hence its name), became the ninth month after January and February were added. When the British switched from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar in 1752, they adjusted the calendar by removing 11 days from September, effectively making September 3rd leap to the 14th.

Throughout history, September has witnessed a range of significant events:
• September 6, 1492: Columbus embarked on his first voyage to the New World.
• September 2, 1666: The Great Fire of London began, destroying over 13,000 houses but causing only a handful of casualties.
• September 3, 1884: The Wulwulam Massacre in Northern Australia resulted in the tragic loss of entire tribes.
• September 1, 1939: Hitler’s invasion of Poland marked the beginning of World War II in Europe, with Britain and France declaring war two days later.
• September 5-6, 1972: The Black September group attacked the Munich Olympic Village, killing 11 Israeli athletes.
• September 1, 1983: Korean Air Flight 007 was shot down by a Soviet fighter jet after straying off course, resulting in the loss of 269 lives.
• September 11, 2001: The tragic terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon resulted in nearly 3,000 deaths.

Despite these sombre moments, September has also been a time of celebration:
• September 15, 1947: Indian Standard Time was adopted, creating a unified time zone across the country.
• September 26, 1983: Australia II won the America’s Cup, ending the New York Yacht Club’s 132-year dominance.
• September 6, 2018: The Supreme Court of India decriminalized homosexuality.
• September 23, 1848: The first commercial chewing gum was produced.
As we navigate through September and beyond, let us remember the lessons of history and look forward to a future shaped by both reflection and progress. We hope you enjoy this issue of Australian Indian Times and find inspiration in the stories and events it highlights.

Australian Indian Times Connects with Readers: Highlighting Community Concerns and Celebrating Cultural Events

Dear Australian Indian Times readers,
Welcome to the September edition of the Australian Indian Times! I would like to take a moment to express my gratitude to all of you for your continued feedback and support. Your insights on the content we feature and the issues that matter most to you enrich our community-focused, family-owned publication. As we approach the end of the year and the upcoming elections, it has been heartening to engage with many of you, whether through conversations or surveys. Tell us what policies you feel we need or need amending.
Based on our latest survey, it’s evident that our readers are deeply concerned about pressing matters such as domestic and family violence, as well as the rising cost of living. An overwhelming 100% of respondents identified these as their top priorities. During my recent volunteer activities, I’ve heard firsthand from residents grappling with increasing expenses for essential items such as food and electricity, alongside distressing stories of those affected by domestic violence. Additionally, 50% of our readers indicated that mental health issues, homelessness, housing shortages, and crime are also significant concerns, particularly regarding personal safety in our community. I am grateful to each individual who has shared their perspectives, as addressing these critical issues is vital for finding meaningful solutions.
At the India Day Fair 2024, hosted by GOPIO QLD, many expressed their appreciation for this free annual event that fosters community spirit. A heartfelt thank you goes to President Aprit Singh, Usha Chandra, Umesh Chandra, and their team for creating such enriching experiences for all attendees. It was wonderful to see the JD Media supporting the event and actively engaging with community members. This month, I also had the privilege of volunteering with the Australia Indian Theatre. Attendees praised Anu Sharma and her team for their outstanding efforts in bringing Indian theatre to our local stage. Additionally, I had insightful discussions with Manish Saini, Siddharth Nagpukar, and Pushpinder Oberoi, who are relentlessly working on the Queensland Multicultural Festival of Lights – Diwali at Dreamworld. This promises to be an incredible celebration filled with colour and joy; for more details, please contact Manish at 0450569896. The support from JD Media and the owners of JD Media, Deo family for these events exemplifies the true spirit of community engagement. Actions speak louder than words, and it’s heartening to see how our united community continues to spread joy and raise awareness about critical issues, even in challenging times.
Our readers have said promoting culture, mental health and supporting our youth is important. That is why I would also like to extend a special recognition to Sargam Music’s Bondita Chakraborty and Mithun Chakraborty, who tirelessly promote the culture, language, and arts within our community. Their dedication ensures that the next generation, both of Indian heritage and beyond, can connect with their roots while fostering an appreciation for the arts. Music is a universal healer, and its benefits for mental well-being cannot be overstated. Recent feedback indicates that our readers are also concerned about immigration issues affecting them and their families, alongside cost of living and domestic violence. I’ve emphasized the importance of diversity and culture and the impact of our shared history on our collective future.
As a young person, I see more clearly the daily struggles that many face, and it’s evident that our readers share these sentiments. If you need assistance or wish to share what matters most to you, please feel free to reach out or participate in my surveys. We all have a voice, and I encourage everyone to make it heard. At the Rawandan Independence Day celebration, I reflected on the significance of language and culture, honouring those who have sacrificed for our present. Let us remember their dedication and strive to make our world a better place for everyone. If you’d like to share your thoughts, please participate in my September survey available via the link or by scanning the barcode.
https://us17.list-manage.com/survey?u=e2a27a9d91a2076e4df41b4e0&id=a857d86611&attribution=false

Our Youth, the leaders of today and tomorrow- “The Australia India Youth Dialogue”

JD Media Corp has a very young executives and fully support this most worthy visionary incentive.
It is our pleasure to share to you young reader and parents alike the extensive work the “The Australia India Youth Dialogue (AIYD” has faithfully engage in for over a decade.
“The Australia India Youth Dialogue (AIYD) is the pre-eminent track-two young leaders’ dialogue between Australia and India. Held in India and Australia in alternate years, the AIYD hosts 15 of the best and brightest young minds from each country at an annual conference.
The AIYD brings outstanding young leaders in Australia and India together to create enduring relationships and to collaborate on initiatives that create sustainable outcomes for both countries. It enables a rich exchange of ideas between emerging leaders to think creatively about how the Australia-India relationship may be strengthened through their own work and efforts.
Australia and India are globally recognised as the closest of bilateral partners, working collaboratively and equitably across a range of sectors for mutual prosperity. The AIYD contributes to this relationship by fostering strong people-to-people relationships and working with alumni, supporters and partners to collaborate on a range of projects and initiatives.
The AIYD is committed to upholding the following values in everything we do:
Independence
Impartiality
Intellectual integrity
Moral and ethical integrity
Respect
The AIYD is grateful to the support of its partners and advisory board. Partners include founding partner, Global Victoria (State Government of Victoria); distinguished partners, Deakin University, Monash University and University of Sydney; and associate partners, Bluescope Steel and Western Sydney University.
The AIYD acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia and pays its respects to the Traditional Owners upon whose lands we meet.”
Adopted from the https://www.aiyd.org/about-us