Abhijeet Bhattacharya’s live in Brisbane- Event by JD Media Corp

Abhijeet Bhattacharya’s live performance in Brisbane on October 19 was a spectacular celebration of Bollywood music, drawing fans from across the region. As part of his Australian tour by Desi Rocks, Abhijeet brought his signature style and charm to the stage, performing a captivating selection of his greatest hits.
The concert featured a mix of romantic ballads and upbeat numbers, showcasing his incredible vocal range and ability to connect with the audience. Songs from iconic films like “Baazigar” and “Karan Arjun” had the crowd singing along, creating an electrifying atmosphere.
Audience were treated to not just a musical performance, but an immersive experience that highlighted the richness of Indian culture. The event fostered a sense of community among fans, celebrating their shared love for Abhijeet’s music.
This concert was part of a larger tour that emphasizes the growing appreciation for Indian artists in Australia, bridging cultural gaps and enhancing connections within the Indian diaspora. Abhijeet Bhattacharya’s Brisbane show was a resounding success, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating his return and reinforcing the vibrant cultural landscape of Australia.

Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland

The Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland celebrated a vibrant Diwali festival at King George Square in Brisbane City, bringing together the local community in a joyous display of culture and unity. The event featured traditional music, dance performances, and delicious Indian cuisine, creating a festive atmosphere that illuminated the square with the spirit of Diwali.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Preethi Suraj, the President of the Federation, and her dedicated team for orchestrating such an incredible celebration. Their hard work and commitment made this event a memorable experience for all attendees, fostering a sense of togetherness and cultural pride.
As families gathered to light diyas and enjoy the festivities, the celebration truly reflected the essence of Diwali—the triumph of light over darkness. The success of this event is a testament to the strength and vibrancy of the Indian community in Queensland. We look forward to more celebrations in the future!

The Impact of America’s Elections on Australia

By Jitendra Deo
Chief Executive Officer
JD Group Australia

In 2004, Australia and the United States signed a landmark free trade agreement (FTA) following a year of intense negotiations. This agreement marked Australia’s second FTA, after its earlier agreement with Singapore in 2003, and was a pivotal moment in Australian trade policy. The U.S.-Australia FTA established a framework that not only enhanced bilateral trade but also paved the way for Australia to pursue further FTAs with other nations, including Japan, China, India, South Korea, and Malaysia.
Historically, Australia’s trade landscape has evolved significantly since its early colonial days, which were heavily reliant on imports from Europe. As local industries began to emerge, Australia shifted to exporting resources such as coal and wool. Initially, trade policy was tightly controlled by the British Colonial Office until the mid-19th century when greater autonomy was granted to Australian colonies. The gold rush and subsequent agricultural booms positioned Australia as one of the wealthiest nations per capita by the 1880s.
However, the economic collapse during the 1890s depression intensified debates between free traders and protectionists, leading to a complex tariff regime post-Federation.
Throughout the 20th century, Australia predominantly adopted protectionist policies, employing high tariffs to support local industries, particularly after World War I and during the Great Depression. This approach began to change in the 1970s as economic pressures and globalization prompted tariff reductions, leading to Australia signing the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) in 1947.
By the late 1990s, with changing global trade dynamics and a rising trade deficit with the U.S., there was a shift in Australian policy towards negotiating bilateral FTAs. The successful negotiation and implementation of the U.S.-Australia FTA was a significant step in this transition, promoting greater trade integration and economic cooperation between the two nations, ultimately reshaping Australia’s approach to international trade.

Defining Moment in Australian History
The Australian United States Free Trade Agreement has polarised opinion in Australia.
Critics claim that Australian negotiators failed to gain a significant share of the American market while at the same time providing significant concessions to the US on biosecurity, health policy, intellectual property and government procurement policies.
The process was further criticised for being hasty and secretive.
Advocates claim that one of the largest markets in the world was opened to Australian producers and consumers and that the agreement brought two long-term allies even closer.
The Australian American Free Trade Agreement marked a shift from Australia’s traditional focus on tariff reduction and multilateral trade agreements towards bilateral, preferential liberalisation.
The agreement became the catalyst for the Australian Government to initiate similar discussions with other major trading partners – Japan, China, India, South Korea, Malaysia and ASEAN all began negotiations with Australia over the next four years.

Celebrating Festivals, Community, and Awareness

It’s hard to believe the year has flown by so quickly! Here we are, already in November, and it’s been an honor to the write for the Australian Indian Times. My heartfelt thanks go out to the Deo family and my mentor and friend, Jitendra Deo, who have provided such an amazing opportunity to connect with our community, advocate for readers, and support my studies and passion for media.
Throughout this journey, I’ve been thrilled by the enthusiasm of our readers who’ve engaged with our survey questions. Your honest, thoughtful feedback gives our paper the direction it needs to cover the issues you care about most.
To start, I’d like to wish everyone who celebrated a Happy Diwali! Diwali is a powerful time of year when homes are illuminated, families gather, and Lakshmi Puja is performed to honor Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and success. This year, Diwali took place between October 31st and November 1st, and I had the privilege of attending many local Diwali events, including volunteering at the Diwali celebration at Dreamworld, organized by the Indian Community of Gold Coast and led by Vamish Gji. It was a joy to be part of such a vibrant festival, witnessing the community come together in celebration and support.
November is an eventful month for our community. Alongside Diwali, many will gather on November 11th for Remembrance Day at the Australians of Indian Heritage War Memorial in Sunnybank or their local RSLs to honor those who have served. On November 19th, we celebrate International Men’s Day, followed by Social Inclusion Week from November 23rd to December 1st, and on November 25th, we acknowledge the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, which marks the start of the 16 Days of Activism.
Another significant initiative this month is Movember. This campaign sheds light on men’s mental health, focusing on prevention, early intervention, and building a supportive community for men to feel empowered to care for their mental well-being. With male suicide rates shockingly high—three out of four suicides in Australia are by men—Movember addresses this urgent issue head-on, encouraging men to speak openly about their struggles and take steps toward mental wellness. We’re aiming for a future where men are not only motivated to care for their mental health but are also supported in doing so.

In line with this, I’m excited to invite you to the upcoming ACFC International Men’s Night Gala Dinner, presented by TFH Hire Services Australia and Titan Garages and Sheds, to raise awareness and show support for men’s mental health. Here are the details:
• Date: November 23rd
• Time: 6 PM
• Venue: Logan Entertainment Centre
Be sure to grab your tickets while they’re still available!
This month, I was delighted to get out and volunteer alongside other youth in our community. I had the unforgettable opportunity to meet with Samoa’s Prime Minister, the Hon. Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa, who expressed her delight at seeing young people involved and supporting each other. It was a proud moment to share how grateful I am to the Deo family for their mentorship and support in my community work.
My friends and I also had the chance to volunteer at the Forest Lake Community Festival, working day and night to bring people together. With the rising cost of living, events like these are essential, giving locals a place to connect and celebrate without added financial stress. Special thanks to President Kylie Gates and her team for their hard work in organizing this festival! Next up, we’ll be back for the Forest Lake Community Carols, and if you’d like to join or learn more, reach out. We’ll have performances from Sargam Music and many more.
Last month, I attended the Queensland Multicultural Council Dinner, where I enjoyed connecting with some of our most dedicated community leaders. I was honored to receive a special gift from Dr. Noel, chairman of the Noel Group of Companies—a book titled Pocket Philosophy for Sixty Plus Flowers of Paradise – Your Mind Never Grows Old. This incredible gift from such a respected leader was a reminder of the wisdom and kindness in our community. I’m also deeply grateful to GOPIO Brisbane for recognizing our efforts with an award for community service.
In response to reader feedback, I’ve made it my mission to involve more young people in volunteering and cultural activities. I encourage you to continue sharing your thoughts with us in the survey, helping us bring you content that resonates with your values.
In December, I’ll be helping sell Lions cakes for the Lions Club of Inala to fundraise for community causes. You can purchase one directly from the club, or you’re welcome to join us and volunteer! It’s an incredibly rewarding experience, especially as we head into the holiday season.
Finally, I’d like to reach out to anyone who may need a little extra support this Christmas. The holiday season, while joyful, can also be challenging, both financially and emotionally. If you’re feeling isolated or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. There are local charities I work with that are here to help.

Thank you for reading this month’s article, and I can’t wait to read your November survey responses. LINK: https://us17.list-manage.com/survey?u=e2a27a9d91a2076e4df41b4e0&id=4aea97ca96&attribution=false
— Xavier

Australia’s participation in today’s global “wars” is essential, just as Australia’s own battle against household and children’s poverty onshore is inevitable

Our beloved country, positioned graciously in the Southern Hemisphere as the world’s largest island continent, is by no stretch of the imagination immune from the numerous volatilities presently ravaging lives and countries in the Northern Hemisphere.
Our island paradise is far away from Gaza in the Middle East—12,263 kilometers—and 12,975 kilometers from Ukraine, two hotspots of conflict for many months and years now. The human cost is staggering, with cosmic proportions and heart-wrenching data on casualties, ironically occurring in what was supposed to be a peaceful post-World War II era—the war thought to end all wars.
As a peace-loving democracy and a willing signatory to numerous international conventions fostering and protecting global peace and liberty, Australia unequivocally supports every country’s autonomy, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. Therefore, our national leaders, in bipartisan goodwill, acted swiftly in cooperation with many other democracies to hold Russia accountable for its alleged illegal and immoral full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022.
There are always two sides to any conflict. As citizens of the free world, we have the luxury to consider both sides without prejudice. President Vladimir Putin of Russia claims that Russia has existed for many centuries and contrasts this with Eastern Europe’s formation. He argues that Ukraine has always been part of Russia geographically and linguistically. Therefore, he claims that Russia’s actions in Ukraine on February 24, 2022, constitute a strategic military operation and are in no way an act of war, despite the condemnation from the West.
In stark contrast, Australia’s objective in the Ukraine conflict, along with 28 other countries, is to provide weapons and financial assistance to empower Ukraine to end this war on its own terms. In December 2022, US President Joe Biden pledged an additional $45 billion in support for Ukraine. At that time, this was the fourth US aid package, bringing total US funding for Ukraine since February to nearly $100 billion.
The Albanese Government continues its steadfast support for Ukraine, recently announcing Australia’s largest single military assistance package, worth nearly $250 million. This brings Australia’s military assistance to Ukraine to more than $1.1 billion since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, and overall assistance to over $1.3 billion.
Monitoring by U.S. defense officials has estimated that Russia has probably spent up to $211 billion on equipping, deploying, and maintaining military operations in Ukraine, aggravated by losses exceeding $10 billion in canceled or postponed arms sales. In terms of human cost, the U.S. claims Russia has lost 600,000 lives—an alarming and phenomenal loss. However, the independent Russian media outlet Mediazona reports that 71,000 Russian soldiers have been identified and confirmed killed in Ukraine, not including civilian lives lost near the border communities. Regardless, the figures are frightening in any language.
Whatever the actual numbers, it is claimed that Russia has sought assistance from its allies, such as the North Korean dictator, with thousands of North Korean military personnel reportedly training in Russia. On the Ukrainian front, the United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission has recorded 29,330 civilian casualties in Ukraine, comprising 10,191 killed and 19,139 injured since Russia’s invasion on February 24, 2022.
This wider involvement of countries on both sides has led some commentators to suggest an imminent world war. A few claim we are already in a global war with heavy geopolitical participation on both sides.
The NGO Emergency Action Alliance reminds us of the economic disruptions globally, with Australia being indirectly impacted by the Ukraine/Russia conflict. Australia’s agricultural industry has experienced mixed effects due to the war. Both Russia and Ukraine have been major powerhouses in agriculture, with a combined share of 20-30% of the world’s exports of several key commodities.
As a prime exporter of grains, Australia has seen increased demand for its agricultural products, particularly wheat, as Ukraine’s agricultural production has declined. This surge in demand has benefited Australian farmers, who have experienced higher prices and improved profitability. By late 2022, rural exports from Australia were up nearly 47% due to the war.
The global energy crisis is driving European countries to reduce their reliance on Russian oil and gas, creating opportunities for Australia. The United States is likely to support this shift, opening doors for Australian involvement. Regardless of the future political landscape in Russia, long-term global sanctions are expected to persist. Companies should evaluate their actions regarding international and Australian sanctions and consider their long-term presence and engagement in Russia. This is a critical moment for companies with Russian exposure to review and manage associated risks effectively.
About 1,950 kilometers to the south of Ukraine in the Middle East is a different type of volatility: the age-old Israeli-Palestinian rivalry. This conflict has re-erupted to ruthless heights following the invasion of Israel’s sovereignty by the militant group Hamas and its associates.
Many global citizens remain oblivious to the reasons behind the premeditated bombings and eventual invasion of Israel by Hamas. By understanding the history of Palestine and the events that led to the current situation, we can better appreciate the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and work toward a future marked by peace, justice, and reconciliation for all parties involved.
As far back as 1993, Israeli and Palestinian leaders met secretly in Oslo, Norway, and reached agreements signed in 1993 (at the White House) and 1995 (in Taba, Egypt), known as the Oslo Accords. The Palestine Liberation Organization formally recognized Israel’s right to exist while Israel recognized the PLO as the representative of the Palestinian people.
The Oslo Accords viewed peace between Israel and the Palestinians as a process to be implemented in incremental steps. Over the years, however, shifting demands coupled with changes in leadership on both sides have thwarted any mutual resolution. Sadly, the failure of the two sides to reach a final arrangement has led to the stalemate that exists today.
Australia has taken a stand in the volatile Israeli-Palestinian rivalry, as echoed by Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong in a press conference in Jerusalem earlier this year. She emphatically stated, “Australia is a friend of Israel’s. We are also a friend of the Palestinian people.” During her trip to the Middle East, Senator Wong announced that Australia commits $21.5 million in humanitarian support to Palestinians in Gaza and abroad.
The Brown University Watson Institute reports that the United States has spent $22.76 billion in support of Israel’s actions in Gaza and operations against the Houthis in Yemen.
In reflecting on the human costs of war, it is crucial to recognize the staggering toll of lives lost and the impact on communities. It goes without saying that the military spending of trillions of dollars by global leaders—whether democratic or dictatorial—ironically claims these expenditures are for the sake of achieving peace while neglecting the consequences of their actions.
Looking back over the past 60 years of recorded history, we may have regressed to a new low in decency as a global community, creating and fostering wars while diverting trillions to finance them. No generation will forget the USA and allies’ involvement in the Vietnam War. Although many Americans chose not to speak of this conflict, it was described by diplomat-turned-academic George Kennan as “the most disastrous undertaking” in 200 years of U.S. history.
“Disastrous” is an understatement; upon the U.S. withdrawal in March 1973, it was estimated that 58,132 Americans died in Vietnam, with more than 150,000 wounded and 21,000 permanently disabled. Over three million Americans served in the Vietnam War, and an estimated 100,000 fled the United States to avoid conscription, with approximately 50,000 deserters. The Veterans Administration estimates that 830,000 Vietnam veterans suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, with 480,000 considered disabled. The estimated cost of the Vietnam War during the Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon administrations was $176 billion.
However, a wave of justifications, criticisms, and retributions followed. Some argued that Vietnam was a nationalist conflict in which Washington had no business intervening. Australia sent over 60,000 personnel to Vietnam, with 523 dying as a result of the war and nearly 2,400 wounded, incurring a military cost of $220 million and millions more in care for veterans.
Just 28 years later, on September 18, 2001, the Bush administration enacted sweeping measures to combat terrorism, including invading Afghanistan. Twenty years later, U.S. participation in the Afghanistan war became the longest in U.S. history. Since invading Afghanistan in 2001, the United States has spent $2.313 trillion on the war, including operations in both Afghanistan and Pakistan. After the Afghanistan War, the U.S. government is obligated to provide lifetime care for veterans of this conflict, with a total of 243,000 deaths among military, allied workers, and civilians.
Australia spent $10 billion during the war and $213 million post-2021, resulting in 41 Australian deaths. Both sides of any conflict tenaciously stand by their justifications for engaging in war. However, the true human and monetary costs cannot be precisely determined, for it is war.
Wouldn’t the immense sums poured into wars make us envious of those fighting against poverty daily? According to the Reserve Bank of Australia, high inflation and interest rates continue to pressure household budgets. Real disposable incomes—after tax and interest payments and adjusted for inflation—have declined sharply since the start of 2022 on a per-capita basis. More people than usual are seeking support from community organizations like food banks, often for the first time, including dual-income households and mortgagors.
The Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research has updated the poverty line for Australia to the March quarter of 2024. Inclusive of housing costs, the poverty line is $1,145.61 per week for a family of two adults (one working) and two dependent children. This is an increase of $4.78 from the previous quarter (December 2023).
The OECD – Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Poverty has found that poverty exists even in wealthy countries like Australia. A 2022 study indicated that 3.3 million people in Australia live below the poverty line, including 761,000 children. Many Australians face significant disadvantages and challenges in their daily lives. A major driver of poverty and homelessness in Australia is the rising cost of housing, making it increasingly difficult for families to make ends meet.
In 2024, the median weekly rent in Australia is $627, an increase of 8.5% from the previous year. For families living under the poverty line, affording a safe home can be out of reach, forcing many to choose between paying rent or buying food. Two million Australian households have experienced food insecurity in the past 12 months, leading to reduced food intake, skipped meals, or consumption of lower quality or unhealthy food. Sixty percent of households experiencing food insecurity go an entire day without eating at least once a week.
For the 761,000 children living in poverty in Australia, the detrimental effects on their education, health, and future outcomes are profound. By age 15, children growing up in poverty may be up to three years behind in school compared to their peers.
We are not advocating a pacifist doctrine entirely, as reasonable wars for global peace to end tyrannical regimes and genocide may be justified. However, it is crucial to recognize that the trillions of dollars spent on wars, especially those that have failed to yield positive outcomes like Vietnam and Afghanistan, have obliterated hundreds of thousands of precious lives.
Moreover, the casualties of these wars include their respective pre-war homeless and poverty-stricken citizens in these wealthy countries, now burdened with war debt that further hampers efforts to combat poverty at home. This is the dilemma of our age, and we must ask ourselves: when will a generation rise up and demand enough of war, and advocate for new “Oslo Accords” between Palestine and Israel, or a new treaty regarding the Russian-Ukrainian border?
This may not be a simplistic view; it could ensure a flow of vital resources into alleviating the suffering of their impoverished citizens. Which generation across these volatile regions will rise up and demand that enough is enough when it comes to war?

LifeGA directors with staff and patients at Life Blood Centre

The World Health Organisation says that a blood service that gives patients access to safe blood and blood products in sufficient quantity is a key component of any effective health system. While we take our blood service for granted in Australia, providing safe blood is not so easy in a country like India. That is why Life Global Australia supports the Life Blood Centre in Rajkot. The Centre is the lifeblood of health care in the region.
In Australia, access to blood and plasma is free in both private and public hospitals because blood products are funded by state and federal governments. In India, however, the cost can range from 1000INR to 10000INR. This can prevent access to life-saving blood for many living below the poverty line. LifeGA works with our in-country partner charity, Project Life, to provide free blood for needy people through the Life Blood Centre in Rajkot.
“The Life Blood Centre has been internationally recognized,” said LifeGA Founding Director and Chairperson, Dr Dipti McGowan. Project Life established the Life Blood Centre in 1981, and in 2020 the Centre received a prestigious ISBT Award for Developing Countries, citing its world class equipment and commitment to providing scientifically validated processes.
The work of the Life Blood Centre in Rajkot is particularly important for people with thalassaemia. Thalassaemia is a genetic disease in which a mutation causes the production of abnormal haemoglobin. If there is a mutation in one gene, it is called thalassaemia minor. Thalassaemia minor patients have mild anaemia but can usually conduct a normal life. However, if two people with thalassaemia minor have a child, each of them may pass on the mutation and there is a one-in-four chance that their child will have thalassaemia major. This is a very serious illness in which the faulty synthesis of haemoglobin means the child is susceptible to difficulties including bone deformities, delayed or stunted physical growth, lowered immunity and general weakness. Few patients live past their teens. These patients need blood transfusions every 2-4 weeks of their lives.
Dhaval Gadhiya has received over 600 blood transfusions. Now in his 30s, Dhaval tires easily and would like to decrease the amount of physical work in his job as a labourer. He is grateful for LifeGA’s support of the Project Life Blood Bank which provides high quality blood transfusions, enabling a much longer life than had been predicted. He is hopeful about the future for others living with thalassemia.
“Please keep up your good work so that others don’t have such a tough journey,” Dhaval said.
Rahul Bharatbhai Malasatar was diagnosed with thalassaemia major when he was two months old. “I have lived with weakness, tiredness, anaemia and facial bone deformities for 28 years,” Rahul said. Thanks to regular transfusions, Rahul attended school until he was 17, and has been employed since then. Less fortunate is Kinjahl Manubhai Vagh.
“I have never attended school or been able to do paid work,” Kinjahl said. Now 22-years-old, Kinjahl was diagnosed at five months, and has always suffered from anaemia, fatigue and slow growth.
Not one of Dhaval, Rahul and Kinjahl’s parents was aware that they had thalassaemia minor.

Project Life established the Life Thalassaemia Prevention Centre in 1993. To reduce the number of children likely to inherit the disorder, the Centre has now conducted over 700,000 thalassaemia screening tests and raised awareness of the condition and how to prevent it. Screening takes place as early as possible, preferably during adolescence, so that carriers do not get into relationships or have arranged marriages with other carriers.
“We provide awareness literature and explain by using a chart the possibility of having a child with thalassaemia minor or thalassaemia major,” Project Life Joint Executive Trustee, Ms Meetal Koticha Shah, said. People then go into a relationship with awareness, choosing either to be childless, or to be tested early in pregnancy. “If a screening test shows that a couple both have thalassaemia minor, we advise them to go for pre-natal testing”, Ms Shah said. Married couples are counselled so that they are aware of the issues a thalassemia major child will face, and the emotional and financial cost to the family.
Organising and funding screening camps, testing, education and counselling for people in remote areas of Gujarat where thalassemia is prevalent requires considerable resources. Project Life receives donations from individuals and socially responsible corporations, and has the support of local municipalities. The combination of education and testing has proven effective.
“As per a recent report, to date 122 cases of thalassaemia major have been prevented,” Ms Shah said. But Project Life and LifeGA want to do more than provide low cost transfusions, life-changing information and screening tests. “It seems that people are gaining awareness, but still a lot of work needs to be done to make our region thalassaemia-free.”
Added to the combination of pragmatism to treat thalassemia symptoms, and persistence to tackle the cause, comes the power of ambition. Not content with being the lifeblood of health care in the region, LifeGA and Project Life are determined to eradicate thalassaemia from Gujarat and from India. But then, LifeGA is always seeking to do more.
“When we work together, we can achieve all we envision and more,” Dr McGowan said.
www.lifeglobal.org.au

Fiji Day Celebrations 2024
by Deo Family Charitable foundation