COVID-19 CONCESSIONS FOR OFFSHORE TEMPORARY GRADUATE VISA HOLDERS

Australian Indian Times
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COVID-19 CONCESSIONS FOR OFFSHORE TEMPORARY GRADUATE VISA HOLDERS

COVID-19 CONCESSIONS FOR OFFSHORE TEMPORARY GRADUATE VISA HOLDERS

Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa holders who have been unable to travel to Australia as a result of COVID-19 international border restrictions will be able to apply for a replacement visa.

Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs Alex Hawke said this would allow current and former Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa holders whose visas expired on or after 1 February 2020 to re-apply for a new subclass 485 visa of the same duration as their original visa.

“This recognises the importance of international students in our community, as well as our workforce, and aligns with other visa concessions made as a result of COVID-19,” Minister Hawke said.

“We look forward to welcoming fully vaccinated Student and Temporary Graduate visa holders back into our communities from 1 December 2021.”

Minister for Education and Youth Alan Tudge said this announcement will give confidence to international students that they will have the opportunity to use their skills and qualifications in Australia.

“Australia’s border settings have been an important part of our health response to COVID-19, but we understand the impact that restrictions have had on current and former international students who remain overseas,” Minister Tudge said.

“The Morrison Government’s new Strategy for International Education will guide the recovery of the sector, strengthen the sector’s resilience to market disruptions and support growth. This announcement forms part of that Strategy.”

In normal circumstances, applicants are limited to just one initial subclass 485 visa in a lifetime and a further visa is only available on the basis of regional work and study.

There are about 30,000 Temporary Graduate visa holders who lost time in Australia due to travel restrictions, who will now have the opportunity to apply for another subclass 485 visa. Fully vaccinated Temporary Graduate visa holders outside Australia will be able to travel from 1 December 2021.

Those graduates whose visas have expired will be able to apply for a replacement visa from 1 July 2022.

There will also be other changes to Temporary Graduate visa settings to ensure Australia remains a competitive and attractive destination for international students.

  • The stay period on the Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa for Masters by Coursework graduates, will increase permanently from two to three years, to match the stay period for Masters by Research graduates.
  • As a concession during the COVID-19 pandemic, the stay period on the Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa Graduate Work stream, will increase from 18 to 24 months, and application requirements will be streamlined by removing the requirement for graduates to nominate an occupation from the skills occupation list.
  • These changes to Temporary Graduate visa stay periods will be implemented from 1 December 2021, and the removal of skilled occupation list requirements from 1 July 2022.

“Increasing the length of Temporary Graduate visas for Masters by Coursework and Vocational Education and Training (VET) graduates and expanding opportunities for VET graduates to apply for a Temporary Graduate visa will benefit our economy,” Minister Hawke said.

These changes will be implemented progressively from 1 December 2021 through to 1 July 2022. Further details will be available on the Department of Home Affairs website shortly.

GOPIO Queensland Hosts 11th India Day Fair at Southbank

Australian Indian Times
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GOPIO Queensland Hosts 11th India Day Fair at Southbank

GOPIO Queensland Hosts 11th India Day Fair at Southbank

BRISBANE, GOPIO Queensland hosted their eleventh India Day Fair on 23rd October at Southbank Piazza. The iconic event celebrates India’s Independence Day and is normally held at the amphitheatre of Roma Street Parkland. Since last year there have been uncertainties about the restrictions. The restrictions imposed at Roma street was unmanageable in 2020 so the committee decided to hold a virtual event which went very well but it is never the same as the real event.

Fast forward to 2021, the restriction was still in place so the committee decided to shift the event to Southbank Piazza which would be more manageable in terms of crowd control with dedicated entry and exit points. Being a under cover venue was another plus point, the shifting of venue wasn’t taken lightly, risks were weighed against the opportunities and threats. As all previous India Day Fair were held at the Amphitheatre in Roma Street Parkland, it had become the default location, and people did not event think of going to another location, if fact few people went to the amphitheatre this year thinking that the event was being held there.

The idea of shifting the venue was nothing new, it had previously been mooted and a lot of time and effort had gone into seeking alternative venues but in vain. The amphitheatre comes with its own unique challenges, challenges that that GOPIO Qld had learnt to manage, unlike other organisers who overlooked the strict requirements and went ahead regardless. One of the biggest challenges was the uneven terrain where the stalls are set up, and the strict bump in and bump out procedures.

After the hard decision of shifting the venue, the committee got the wheels in motion of organising the event, the date was set 15th of August and all seemed to be progressing well , the committee had secured the services of a professional event management company to help facilitate the event. This was uncharted waters for the committee who had previously run the whole event successfully themselves. A highly successful launch and poster release of India Day Fair 2021 was held at Emporium Hotel in Southbank. At the poster release the new venue and the event partners were announced and introduced.

The event was advertised, invites were sent, and good response was received, then the unthinkable happened as new COVID 19 restrictions came into force in Queensland, the committee had no choice but to shift the date. This proved to be a logistical nightmare , as Brisbane festival had just began and the venue was not available, and there were other competing events happening, in some of which our event mangers were directly involved, all of this pushed the date to 23rd October – a far-fetched date from 15th of August.

With the change of date GOPIO Queensland decided to go ahead with a dinner function at Queensland Parliament house on 15th August, as the day had to be celebrated. This event was organised and completely sold out within thirty hours. Another highly successful event in GOPIO Queensland Tradition. Many politicians and community leaders missed out on the event as the speaker’s hall was still only accommodating limited numbers as per the COVID 19 restrictions.

India Day Fair 2021 was delivered to a reasonable standard, but it did not have the same charm as it would have if it had taken place on the 15th of August. The line of dignitaries was impressive and demonstrated the value placed they placed on the event, the official party included   Steve C Coghill – Indigenous Elder, Minister Leanne Linard – representing Queensland Premier, Umesh Chandra OAM, Katarina Carroll – Queensland Police Commissioner, Lord Mayor Adrian Schriner , Mrs Archana Singh Ji- Honorary Counsel for India in Queensland, Rakesh Sharma- GOPIO Queensland President, Lady Mayoress- Nina Schriner, Dr Maha Sinnathamby AM – Patron GOPIO Qld, Christine Castley – Multicultural Australia, – Jim Chalmers MP – Federal shadow treasurer, David Crisafulli MP – State leader of opposition and Swami Atmeshananda.

Being a new venue, there were new challenges such as the VIP reception area, and the traditional India Day Parade. The programming as usual began with devotional songs, lifetime achievement award, VIP reception, India Day Parade, Official ceremony, sponsors presentation, afternoon acts and performances. The stalls were on the outer ring of the Piazza, the good part was that it caused little disruption; downside was that it was a bit disengaged from the program itself.

There were more people in the later part of the day, this is quite normal practice as traditionally people expect senior groups to be performing in this segment. Not All VIPS are interested in the cultural items and they usually leave after their speeches or the VIP reception. The feed back from the VIPs was that being under cover was a relief.

As organisers the dilemma that we are faced with is balancing the entertainment with the formalities, it is not easy, and we must find the happy medium. Without sponsors an event of this magnitude is just not possible, we realise that sponsors certificate presentation has low entertainment value, but the fact is that without the sponsors we would not have the event. The seating capacity of Southbank Piazza is more than double that of the amphitheatre at Roma Street Parkland and so patrons were spread out in line with the Covid restrictions. The class of performances were high, and it is good to see that groups have come a long way and have put in a lot of effort and energy into staging their acts.

GOPIO Queensland committee worked hard to present India Day Fair 2021, and would like to thank everyone for attending and would like to place on record special thanks to the performers who put in a lot of effort in staging their acts and a very special mention to our sponsors. Hopefully 2022 will be a stable year enabling everyone to plan effectively .

Special Diwali Edition – October 2022

Australian Indian Times
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Special Diwali Edition – October 2022

COVID-19 BOOSTER DOSES ARE NOW AVAILABLE

Australian Indian Times
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COVID-19 BOOSTER DOSES ARE NOW AVAILABLE

COVID-19 BOOSTER DOSES ARE NOW AVAILABLE

On 28 October 2021, the Australian Government announced COVID-19 vaccination booster doses for people 18 years of age and older.

Read on to find out more about the booster program, and when you can get your booster dose.

Why is there a booster program?

The COVID-19 vaccines available in Australia – Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca), Comirnaty (Pfizer) and Spikevax (Moderna) – are very effective at protecting people from severe disease, having to go to hospital, and death. They also have a significant impact on reducing the risk of getting COVID-19 and passing the virus on to others.

The Australian Government has started rolling out booster doses to people who completed their two-dose primary vaccination course at least six months ago.

It is important people know that two doses of COVID-19 vaccine provide very good protection, especially against severe disease.

A booster dose, six or more months after the second dose, will make sure that the protection from the first doses is even stronger and longer lasting and should help prevent spread of the virus.

Do not rush to get your booster dose before six months of having your initial course, even if you are going overseas or you have other concerns. You can be confident that your two-dose course is giving you full protection for at least six months.

How do I get my COVID-19 vaccine booster dose?

COVID-19 vaccines are free to everyone in Australia. This includes booster doses.

You can go to a doctor, a government vaccination clinic, or a participating pharmacy to get your COVID-19 vaccine booster dose.

To book your COVID-19 vaccine booster dose appointment, visit www.australia.gov.au, or call 1800 020 080. For interpreting services, call 131450.

If you do not remember when you had your second dose, you can find those details on your COVID-19 vaccine certificate. Go to www.servicesaustralia.gov.au for information on how to access your certificate. Or, if you received your second dose from your doctor, you can ask them.

What’s the difference between booster doses and third doses?

Australia’s immunisation experts, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), recommend a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine for people aged 12 years and over who are severely immunocompromised. People who are severely immunocompromised have lower levels of immunity than the rest of the population. They need this third dose to get the same protection others will have from two doses.

Those who are eligible for a third dose should have it between two to six months after their second dose of COVID-19 vaccine, as part of their initial course.

A third COVID-19 vaccine dose is different from COVID-19 booster dose. Booster doses are not currently recommended for people who are severely immunocompromised and who have had a three-dose primary course of the COVID-19 vaccination.

Where do I go for more information?

It’s important to stay informed about the COVID-19 vaccination program through reliable and official sources.

Visit www.health.gov.au/covid19-vaccines-languages for more information in your language. You can also call the National Coronavirus and COVID-19 Vaccine Helpline on 1800 020 080. For interpreting services, call 131 450.

COVID-19 VACCINES ARE FREE AND AVAILABLE FOR EVERYONE OVER 12 YEARS OF AGE

Australian Indian Times
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COVID-19 VACCINES ARE FREE AND AVAILABLE FOR EVERYONE OVER 12 YEARS OF AGE

COVID-19 VACCINES ARE FREE AND AVAILABLE FOR EVERYONE OVER 12 YEARS OF AGE

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought many challenges to everyone in Australia. We have all had to make changes in our lives to keep ourselves, our family and community safe. Vaccination is a critical step to getting back to the things we love to do.

Everyone in Australia 12 years of age and over can have a free COVID 19 vaccine at participating pharmacies, doctors’ clinics, and government clinics. Read on to find out where you can get information about the COVID-19 vaccine in your language, and how to book your COVID-19 vaccination, even if you do not have a Medicare card.

The vaccines and doses recommended for Australians may be different from what is happening in other countries. It is especially important that everyone living in Australia follow the health advice given by Australia’s health experts.

Accessing translated COVID-19 resources

If you would like information about COVID-19 vaccines in your own language, visit the Australia.gov.au website. All you need to do is click on the “information in your language” and choose your own language from the 63 languages available.

How to get the COVID-19 vaccine, even without a Medicare card

COVID-19 vaccines are free for everyone in Australia, even if you are not an Australian citizen or permanent resident. This includes people without a Medicare card, overseas visitors, international students, migrant workers, and asylum seekers.

Everyone in Australia aged 12 years and over can book their vaccination now.

You can get a COVID-19 vaccine at:

  • Commonwealth vaccination clinics.
  • participating general practices.
  • Aboriginal Controlled Community Health Services
  • state and territory vaccination clinics, and
  • participating pharmacies.

If you are an overseas visitor living in Australia, an international student or anyone without Australian citizenship or permanent residency, you may not be able to access Medicare benefits. But that does not stop you from getting vaccinated.

You do not need to be eligible or enrolled in Medicare to receive a free COVID-19 vaccination.

If you do not have a Medicare card, you can get your free vaccination at:

  • Commonwealth vaccinations clinics,
  • state or territory vaccination clinics, or
  • participating pharmacies

Use the Australia.gov.au link to find your nearest vaccination clinic and book your vaccination. If you need phone or on-site interpreting at your vaccine appointment, call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450. If you need phone or on-site interpreting at your vaccine appointment, call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450.

Getting proof of your COVID-19 vaccination

You can access your Immunisation History Statement:

  • Online, by setting up your own “My Gov account” and then accessing your Medicare account, or
  • Through the Express Plus Medicare app.

If you do not have a Medicare card, or do not have access to a My Gov account, you can access your Immunisation History Statement by:

  • asking your vaccination provider to print a copy for you; or
  • by calling the Australian Immunisation Register enquiries line on 1800 653 809 (8 am-5 pm Monday to Friday AEST) and asking them to send your statement to you in the mail. It can take up to 14 days to arrive in the mail. For interpreting services please call 131 450.

For more information on how to get proof of your COVID-19 vaccinations, see the Services Australia app.

For other COVID-19 vaccine information, visit Australia.gov.au website or call 1800 020 080. For interpreting services, call 131 450.

Happy Diwali 2021

Australian Indian Times
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Happy Diwali 2021

Woolworths helps customers celebrate Diwali with expanded South Asian product range

Australian Indian Times
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Woolworths helps customers celebrate Diwali with expanded South Asian product range

Woolworths helps customers celebrate Diwali with expanded South Asian product range 

Tuesday 2 November 2021: Diwali preparations are now made easier and more convenient with special South Asian products available in selected Woolworths stores across the country.

Diwali occupies an unparalleled place in the hearts of people and Woolworths has embraced the importance of the role food plays during Diwali by offering tailored products for the South Asian community, available in over 200 stores nationally and also online.

The range of products includes snacks, spices, rice, atta flour and other cooking ingredients to help create flavourful special dishes during the festive period. These specially sourced products not only offer popular food items, but also provide great convenience to the South Asian community in Australia to help them prepare for the Diwali celebrations.

Woolworths is offering special prices on key household ingredients such as Dhara Sunflower Oil, a range of Maharajah’s Choice spices, Kushi Juices, Amul White Ghee and a range of Katoomba Ingredients, used in everyday cooking.

In this week’s catalogue, customers will find Riviana Basmati Rice 5kg bags half price, down to $9.50 each, and savings across selected Patak’s products including Mini Pappadums, Curry Paste and Simmer Sauce.

Woolworths Commercial Director for Grocery Food Ewan Shearer said; “We understand Diwali is an important time for family gatherings, celebration and great food. Our teams have been working hard to expand our South Asian product range and ensure customers have all the ingredients and products they need to celebrate.

“For Diwali, we have the right variety of local and international products offering great value to help our customers during their busy preparations leading into the Diwali festivities.

“On behalf of Woolworths, I would like to wish the entire community a very happy Diwali.”

 

For more information on Woolworths stores that stock the Diwali range and recipe ideas, visit www.woolworths.com.au/diwali and for this week’s catalogue, visit https://www.woolworths.com.au/shop/catalogue.

MESSAGE FOR DIWALI 2021

Australian Indian Times
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MESSAGE FOR DIWALI 2021

THE HON ALEX HAWKE MP

MINISTER FOR IMMIGRATION, CITIZENSHIP, MIGRANT SERVICES AND MULTICULTURAL AFFAIRS 

MESSAGE FOR DIWALI 2021

I extend my best wishes to all Australians celebrating Diwali, the Festival of Lights.

At its heart, Diwali is about the triumph of light over dark and of knowledge prevailing over ignorance. A fitting celebration as more and more Australians are vaccinated against COVID-19 every day, and we are able to gather again as a community.

As we begin to reopen, I look forward to seeing people dressed in their finest clothes and coming to together to light the diya lamps, sharing in the joy and festivity of Diwali.

Australians have been confronted with many hurdles over the past year. While some Diwali celebrations will again be different from previous years, I hope to see more family reunions ahead, made easier by the Government’s recent decision to recognise parents as immediate family for the purpose of international travel.

As we overcome the challenges of the last 18 months, I would like to take the opportunity to thank you for all that you have done to support one another and the wider Australian community – you have stood out as a continuous example of compassion and community service, embodying the message of Diwali.

I wish you a bright and happy Diwali.

ALEX HAWKE

MESSAGE FROM THE PRIME MINISTER

Australian Indian Times
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MESSAGE FROM THE PRIME MINISTER

MESSAGE FROM THE PRIME MINISTER

DIWALI 2021

My warmest greetings to the people of so many faiths who celebrate the festival of lights.

On the darkest night of the month, we hold in our hearts the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. It is the moment when we turn the corner, and begin to see the lights ahead of us, guiding us forward.

We have been through dark times in these last two years.

This year, we celebrate Diwali as we draw ever closer to the light at the end of our COVID-19 tunnel.

That means all the things we’ve had to forsake – welcoming, gathering, celebration and ceremony – will again be possible. For some parts of Australia, we will be able to celebrate this year, and for the remainder of the country, next year.

We look forward with joy and hope knowing that our Diwali celebrations will take place again. Over recent years, I have joined Diwali celebrations around Australia and I know the joy, colour, community and food that makes Diwali such a special celebration.

We will get to that time with our National Plan to open safely, and to stay safely open. Our vaccination program underpins this plan and I urge all Australians to get vaccinated –– to take up the opportunity offered by our doses of hope.

I thank you, as people of faith and cultural communities, for your efforts over many months to keep your communities safe, together, and part of our united response to the pandemic.

May everyone celebrating Diwali this year be refreshed by its sense of hope and prosperity, and by the fellowship of your family and community.

Happy Diwali!

The Hon Scott Morrison MP

Prime Minister of Australia

Scholarship Programme for Diaspora Children (SPDC), 2021

Australian Indian Times
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Scholarship Programme for Diaspora Children (SPDC), 2021

Scholarship Programme for Diaspora Children (SPDC), 2021

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India launched a scheme called “ Scholarship Programme for Diaspora Children” (SPDC), for the academic year 2021-22 on May 31, 2021, for the Children of NRIs/ PIOs belonging to 69 countries in pursuing under graduate courses in several disciplines in India. A copy of the revised guidelines are attached herewith for ready reference. Only fresh year students ( Ist year) shall be eligible to get the scholarship.

The following are the highlights of the SPDC for the academic year 2021-22, which has been announced by the Ministry on May 31, 2021

 (i) The scheme is open to four categories of applicants in the age group of 17 to 21 years as on July 31, 2021.

(a) Children of Persons of Indian Origin

(b) Children of Non-Resident of Indians

(c) Children of Indian workers of ECR countries – studying outside India.

(d) Children of Indian workers in ECR countries– studying in India.

(ii) The total seats of scholarships is 150, out of which 50 seats are reserved for the category (c) and (d). Of these 50 scholarships, 1/3rd shall be reserved for children who are pursuing studies in India, subject to the fulfilling eligibility conditions. If any of these seats are not filled up, they will be made available to applicants from other categories under SPDC and vice-versa.

(iii) Children of NRIs should have pursued at least three years of education, inclusive of 11th & 12th or equivalent ( not beyond), in a foreign country during the last six years, and should have passed the qualifying examination abroad.

(iv) Candidates would be selected on the basis of their performance in the qualifying examination ( equivalent to plus 2 stage in India) which decides the eligibility to apply for the scholarship scheme. The candidates would also have to fulfill all the criteria prescribed for the purpose.

(v) The institutions that are covered under this scheme are:

(a) NITs, IIITs, Schools of Planning and Architecture

(b) ‘A’ Grade institutions accredited by NAAC and recognized by UGC.

(c) Other institutions covered under DASA scheme.

(vi) The amount of scholarship admissible would be 75% of the total Institutional Economic Cost (IEC) subject to a maximum of US$ 4000/- per annum in respect of NITs and other Institutions covered under DASA Scheme. IEC includes Tuition fee, Hostel fee & other institutional charges ( Food charges are excluded).

(vii) The total monthly income of the parent(s) of the applicant should not exceed an amount of equivalent of US$ 5000/- . The parents of the applicants will provide a self attested salary certificate from the employer based in a foreign country.

(viii) After obtaining admission in selected courses in any of the specified Institutes as mentioned in Appendix “C”, students who fulfill all other eligibility conditions can complete and submit the on-line application form on the SPDC portal ( www.spdcindia.gov.in).

(ix) The last date for submission of the duly filled in application forms in the prescribed format is November 30, 2021.

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