By our community reporter

Melbourne: The Hindu community in Victoria now has a big cultural & heritage centre. The Hindu Society of Victoria’s Cultural & Heritage Centre was inaugurated on 5th May adjacent to the Sri. Shiva Vishnu Temple in Carrum Downs. The Centre’s stage one started in 2007 has an estimated cost of ten million dollars.

The centre was inaugurated at a glittering program by Hon. Nicholas Kotsiras,MP with leaders and VIPs from both sides of politics present. The gathering was addressed by HSV and political leaders followed by a beautiful cultural program.

The Cultural & Heritage Centre has a big hall for social functions, a library, meditation centre, museum and a canteen. It is situated at 52 Boundary Road, Carrum Downs, Victoria.

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By our correspondent

Thursday, 03 May 2012

Melbourne: The Federal Government has allocated more than $7 million towards overseas assistance projects supporting displaced and vulnerable people overseas, the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen MP, said today from Sri Lanka.

Mr Bowen, who is on a five–day visit to India and Sri Lanka, said funding was allocated for 15 projects, including five projects supporting displaced Sri Lankan people through improved health services and provision of shelter and protection.

‘The government’s Displaced Persons Program (DPP) focuses on improving the lives of displaced people across the globe, with more than $2.7 million this financial year going to assisting displaced Sri Lankans,’ Mr Bowen said.

‘The Australian Government is committed to helping people overseas return to their homes safely after fleeing dangerous situations.’

‘By improving the quality of life for people in their home countries, this funding also helps to remove the incentive for people to pay people smugglers and attempt dangerous boat journeys to Australia.’

‘Through this program, international and non–governmental organisations have been funded to implement a range of projects that look to long–term solutions for refugees and displaced persons.’

‘Only this week I visited one of the projects we have previously funded in New Delhi that helps refugees in India gain skills and employment, and saw first–hand the positive impact this program can have.’

Among the organisations to receive funding for their proposed projects are the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), CARE Australia and ChildFund Australia.

The 2011–12 DPP is focused on assisting displaced persons with their basic needs, through projects such as the one operated by ChildFund Australia, which provides food security by supporting farm–based livelihoods for vulnerable people.

‘Australia continues to show its strong support for vulnerable and displaced people through vital programs such as this,’ Mr Bowen said.

The 2011–12 Displaced Persons Program projects include:

ChildFund Australia – $535 508 to assist internally displaced Sri Lankans
Strengthening farm–based livelihoods and food security of returnees
The goal of this project is to provide displaced persons and returnee populations of the Kilinochchi district in Sri Lanka with livelihood support for their economic recovery and stability through improving farm–based livelihoods and ensuring food security. The aim is to assist 2350 families to re–establish agricultural farming as a steady source of food throughout the year.

IOM – $551 019 to assist internally displaced Sri Lankans
Enabling health protection in northern Sri Lanka
This project aims to strengthen fragile health systems in northern Sri Lanka by providing transportation of health workers (especially to remote and marginalised sites), six hire–ambulances to provide 24–hour emergency care, and rehabilitation of two health facilities.

CARE Australia – $677 531 to assist internally displaced Sri Lankans
Developing livelihoods and life skills of youth in northern Sri Lanka
This project aims to improve the socio–economic wellbeing of youth in northern Sri Lanka by providing 900 young men and women with increased access to skills development and employment opportunities. In partnership with local government and community service providers, this will result in improved community access to a range of services.

Act for Peace – $463 116 to assist internally displaced Sri Lankans
Protection, advocacy and assistance for returnees to northern Sri Lanka
This project will provide identity documentation for 22 000 returnees, shelter assistance for 50 families, and livelihood support for 150 families. Several self–help community groups will also be formed to provide and identify relevant training suitable to the region, aimed at providing long–term stability.

Danish Refugee Council – $509 658 to assist Sri Lankan Tamils in India
Protection and livelihood assistance for Sri Lankan refugees living in camps in Tamil Nadu, India
This project aims to increase protection for refugees – in particular women, girls and youth – and to enhance their livelihood opportunities through skills development. It will also improve the shelters of 50 vulnerable families, repair 40 latrines and provide for improved water distribution systems to at least seven camps.

CARE Australia – $619 728 to assist Iraqis in Jordan
Jordanian community assistance to Iraqi refugees
This project aims to address the immediate needs of displaced Iraqis through the provision of basic items such as mattresses, blankets, clothing, sanitary materials and food parcels (for 1000 households or 3800 individuals), vocational and livelihood training (for 500 individuals) and counselling services (for 1500 individuals).

CARE Australia – $600 000 to assist internally displaced Afghans
Ghazni Livelihood Enhancement Project for returnees and those vulnerable to displacement
This project’s aim is to contribute to stability and reduce the risk of displacement by supporting sustainable livelihood opportunities in Afghanistan. The project will directly reach 585 individuals and indirectly benefit 3510 people through distribution of livelihood assets, income generation, skills building, and improved access to markets and credit in rural and urban areas.

IOM – $468 177 to assist Rohingyas in Thailand
Reducing the vulnerability of Rohingyas through community outreach, and increasing their access to social and health services
This project aims to support displaced Rohingya populations in Thailand by up–scaling three drop–in health centres to Community Resource Centres, facilitating meetings and joint activities between migrant community based committees and local government authorities, providing vocational and life–skills training to improve levels of employment and economic wellbeing for 40 youths, and improving health and social services.

IOM – $800 000 to assist Afghans from Pakistan
Post–arrival assistance to vulnerable Afghan returnees from Pakistan
This project enables better emergency response to Afghan refugees returned from Pakistan, and includes upgrading of border reception facilities, provision of transportation and other services to 3600 families, and provision of family Non Food Item kits for 1500 families.

University of NSW – $345 375 to assist African refugees in Kenya
Building services and support to improve the identification and protection of at–risk refugee women and girls in Dadaab, Kenya
This project provides support to refugee women and girls by strengthening community–led psychosocial services. By working closely with the UNHCR, implementing partners, local community workers and refugee communities, the project aims to provide relevant training on psychosocial support issues identified by the refugee population, and establish support centres in Dadaab camps.

UNHCR – $534 007 to assist Iraqis in Jordan
Assistance to persons with disabilities and provision of information on refugee rights
This project is designed to assist 351 refugees with disabilities, including the elderly, improving their wellbeing and independence, including through the equipment, physical therapy and emotional support, as well as by providing training on refugee rights.

IOM – $500 000 and $150 000 to assist Afghan returnees
Two projects for emergency transport and accommodation, and upgrading and equipping processing and accommodation facilities
These projects provide emergency funding for transport and accommodation assistance to vulnerable undocumented Afghan returnees from Iran, as well as upgrading processing and reception facilities.

UNHCR – $234 000 for refugees in Malaysia
To assist with the increased resettlement of refugees moving from Malaysia to Australia
To support the processing in Malaysia of 1000 additional refugee referrals per year to Australia.

Minister’s Council on Asylum Seekers and Detention (MCASAD) – $46 227
Scoping study in transit countries
This project engaged with governments and non–government organisations in transit countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand, on irregular migration and displaced and vulnerable people.

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By our Sydney Correspondent

Sydney: India’s Consul General in Sydney, Mr. Amit Dasgupta has been shifted to Manila. He will take over as Ambassador of India to Philippines. He is expected to take up his assignment shortly a MEA media release says.

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By our community reporter

Melbourne: Finally, Liitle India traders in Dandenong won the battle. The Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu’s office intervened in the matter and clinched the issue. A letter to the traders association on 28th February brought the good news of compensation from Places Victoria. The compensation will be paid individually to traders for loss of business as a consequence of the Dandenong Revitalization Project.
The compensation news was announced by Little India spokesperson Kaushaliya Vaghela at a largely attended traders meeting. The welcome announcement was celebrated with sweets and all those who supported the movement were thanked. It was resolved to take things in their stride and move ahead to hold the Bollywood Festival at Little India on 15th April.
Talking to SAT, Mrs. Kaushaliya Vaghela said, “We are thankful and pleased the Victorian Premier Mr. Ted Baillieu intervened to get the traders compensation demand accepted”.
Last month following Premier’s super trade mission to India and importance of boosting trade with India, the Premier’s office got directly involved to end the ongoing issues and disputes between Dandenong’s Little India traders and Planning Minister Matthew Guy over a redevelopment by the Places Victoria.
The offer from the government to consider compensation came as Mr Baillieu visited Delhi, Bangalore and Mumbai with 220 Victorian businesses as part of a mission to boost the state’s exports. A group of 37 traders at the Little India argued they were badly affected by the works and that plummeting foot traffic had seen their trade dry up. The traders demanded the government’s Places Victoria agency, which is their landlord, compensates them for the impact on their businesses.
Following the traders demonstration at the Victorian Parliament on 6th December, 2011, on Christmas day Mr. Matthew Guy, who was negotiating with the traders, offered them six months’ rent relief.
It was discussed in the community that the Premier’s office had to intervene because of lack of action on the part of the Planning Minister. He had said in the Parliament that the Little India issue was a mess left by Labor. But the danger of giving a wrong message in India during the trade mission made a solution possible. So, before the Premier left for India he instructed the issue be wrapped up with a solution.
The other factor was the ALP support to the Little India issue and its rising clout in the community. The trade mission blessing ceremony did not see any Lib attending giving a negative message. Obviously, Labor could not be blamed for this. The community was already discussing who was supporting and who was opposing on the social networking sites.
Manoj Kumar active in support of Little India traders feels “its great news and every Victorian must be happy to see protection of jobs of about 100 people and livelihood of 37 traders including the unique Little India multicultural icon.”
SOURCE: SAT, March 2012

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Indian community delegation with Mike Symon MP & new Federal Minister for Multicultural Affairs Hon. Kate Lundy

By Neeraj Nanda

Melbourne, 2 March: Prime Minister Julia Gillard has appointed Senator the Hon. Kate Lundy as the Minister for Sport, Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Minister Assisting for Industry and Innovation. With this the Julia government has elevated the status of department of Immigration & Citizenship to include ‘multicultural’ which was dropped by the Howard Government.
“Sixty percent of Australia’s future population growth will come from migration and as a government it is critical that we have strong policy to effectively leverage the strength of our diversity. The elevation of multicultural affairs into a ministry reflects the Gillard Government’s strong commitment to an inclusive Australia,” Hon. Kate Lundy has said.
Hon. Kate Lundy who was today on a tour of Deakin constituency here, met a delegation of prominent Indian representatives which included Mrs. Kaushiliya Veghela, Spokesperson Little India, Neeraj Nanda, Editor SAT & President SAJAA, Mr. Aloke Kumar, CEO Thornbury Theatre, Mr.Aakash Kumar, Australian College of Trade and Rashid Sultan, literary figure.
The Minister had a chat with the Indian representatives on issues relating to multicultural communities, Little India and the private education industry. The representatives expressed happiness at Hon. Kate Lundy becoming the Federal multicultural Minister and wished her all the best.
“I understand the sentiment of Little India and it’s about getting the balance right”, the new Federal Minister told South Asia Times (SAT).
READ FULL REPORT AND THE EXCLUSIVE TALK WITH THE MINISTER IN THE MARCH 2012 ISSUE OF SAT.

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Dr. Rajneesh Verma

Saving endangered species without mating

By Neeraj Nanda

Melbourne: Indian origin scientist Dr. Rajneesh Verma at the Monash University has in a major breakthrough, for the first time, made embryonic stem-like cells from the tissue of an adult leopard. This has made the survival of the endangered snow leopard promising.
Never before have induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, which share many of the useful properties of embryonic stem cells, been generated from a member of the cat family. The breakthrough raises the possibility of cryopreservation of genetic material for future cloning and other assisted reproduction techniques.
“The study, published in Theriogenology, is part of the PhD project of Rajneesh Verma, supervised by Dr Paul Verma, both from the Monash Institute of Medical Research (MIMR). Associate Professor Peter Temple-Smith of Monash University’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Professor Michael Holland of the University of Queensland also collaborated, says a media release of the Monash University.
The researchers used ear tissue samples taken from adult snow leopards at Mogo Zoo, in NSW, to generate the iPS cells.
Talking to SAT, Dr Verma said the breakthrough was significant due to the difficulty of obtaining reproductive cells, or gametes, even from animals in captivity.
“There is a lot of interest in cryopreservation of tissue from endangered species, but for this to be useful for conservation, both sperm and an egg are required.”
“The power of stem cells is that they can differentiate into all the cell types in the body. This means, they have the potential to become gametes. In fact, mouse iPS cells have given rise to entire off-spring, so the possibilities are enormous,” Dr Verma said.
Mr Verma said the benefits of the breakthrough for the conservation of cat species, and biodiversity were clear.
Moral and ethical arguments are likely to crop up about lab grown wildlife. But there are benefits of being able to produce endangered species without the traditional mating process – or indeed without a male and female.
“By generating these stem cells, we’ve taken the first step in creating reproductive cells from adult tissues of an endangered animal. In the future, we aim to harness the potential of the iPS cells and create off-spring. This would help save species from extinction,” Mr Verma said.
The snow leopard is a large cat native to the mountain ranges of Central Asia. Their high-altitude habitat and shy nature make accurate population counts difficult, but it is estimated that between 3500 and 7000 snow leopards exist in the wild, with numbers on the decline.
Mr Verma who came to Australia from Lucknow, India after completing his class twelve there said he became fascinated with large cats during his childhood in India.
“I’m really following my passion in applying my expertise in stem cells to help save these animals. I am applying the same techniques to other members of cat family, including the Bengal tiger, the jaguar and the serval, he said.

Source: SAT, February 2012.

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By Neeraj Nanda

Melbourne: The Victorian Opposition Leader Daniel Andrews has today announced minor changes to the Labor’s Shadow Ministry. As part of the changes, Deputy Leader James Merlino has been appointed the new Shadow Minister for Education, while the newest member of the Shadow Cabinet, John Eren, is now responsible for the Sport and Recreation and Volunteers portfolios, says a media release of the state ALP.

Jacinta Allan has added the portfolio of Police and Emergency Services and will continue in her role as Manager of Opposition Business, and Shadow Minister for Regional and Rural Development and Bushfire Response.

Luke Donnellan is now Labor’s Shadow Minister for Roads, Road Safety and the TAC, while Jenny Mikakos will retain her portfolios as well as taking on the responsibility for the Children and Young Adults portfolio.

Danielle Green has been appointed to the portfolios of Child Safety and Women, and retains her roles as Shadow Minister for Disability Services and Health Promotion.

“The Baillieu Government has let down Victorian voters by wasting its first 14 months in office,” Mr Andrews said.

“We are a united team that’s focused on continuing to hold this do-nothing Government to account.

“Victorians need a Government that can make the hard decisions and do the hard work to create jobs and drive investment, not a Premier who is unable and even appears unwilling to lead.

“Ted Baillieu needs to start leading this state, not just watch on as jobs are lost, hospital beds are shut and schools are forced to cut programs because of budget cuts.”

The following members of caucus, according to the media release, will serve as Parliamentary Secretaries to Shadow Ministers in portfolios as listed:
· Colin Brooks (Education),
· Anthony Carbines (Local Government and Suburbs),
· Martin Foley (Environment and Planning),
· Jane Garrett (Police and Emergency Services),
· Judith Graley (Leader of the Opposition),
· Natalie Hutchins (Public Transport),
· Frank McGuire (Scrutiny of Government),
· Don Nardella (Leader of the Opposition),
· Wade Noonan (Health),
· Jude Perera (Multicultural Affairs),
· Jaala Pulford (Regional and Rural Development and Agriculture), and
· Gayle Tierney (Employment).

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By Neeraj Nanda

Melbourne: The Victorian Government today gave a Christmas gift to the traders of Little India, Dandenong by deciding to grant then six months rent relief and some other steps to address their grievances. The traders of Little India in Dandenong’s Foster and Mason Streets have been agitating for a long time demanding security of trade, relief in rent and many other demands including their lease issues which came up after the Vic Urban (Places TO Be) decided to go ahead with the revitalize Greater Dandenong project.

President of the Foster Street and Mason Street Traders Association Mr. Sayeed of Roshan’s Fashion, told South Asia Times (SAT) that he was informed of the government’s decisions on the phone by Victorian Planning Minister, Mr. Matthew Guy. According to Mr. Sayeed, Mr. Guy told him the government had decided to grant six months rent relief, Vic Urban will immediately have an offer of long term lease of the businesses and initiate talks about the business future individually with all traders.

Full details of the offer are officially not available because of Christmas holiday today. A media release is soon expected on the issue.

The Little India traders had recently held a protest rally outside the Victorian Parliament and the issue was raised by the opposition ALP in Parliament a few times.

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PHOTO: SAT

By our community reporter

Melbourne, Dec. 6: As hundreds of Little India traders and supporters demonstrated outside the Victorian Parliament, inside the Shadow Minister for Planning Bryan Tee, raised the Little India issue in the Council, which was followed by an agitated response from Matthew Guy, Planning Minister. In his reply, the Planning Minister blamed the previous government for the Little India mess and rejected Bryan Tee’s plea for “independent mediation to find common ground and can report publicly on options for a way forward in those areas where agreement cannot be reached”. He said the issue could not be solved overnight and was ready to talk to the traders. Bryan Tee said, “As the Little India was an icon in the present situation it could be lost forever.”
Hundreds of Little India traders and supporters attended the Council session when Bryan Tee raised the Little India issue. Talking to SAT, Kaushilya, spokesperson Little India traders said we had invited the Planning Minister and the Premier also to the rally, but they did not attend. Not once in the Council the Planning Minister made eye contact with the Little India traders as they sat in the public gallery.
Earlier, a big crowd of Little India traders and supporters were addressed on the steps of Victorian Parliament by the Shadow Planning Minister Bryan Tee. He assured the traders and the Indian community that the Australian Labor Party (ALP) will stand by the Little India traders. He was then handed a petition on the issue signed by about 800 people. Others who addressed the gathering were Kaushilya, spokesperson Little India traders, Jude Perera, MP, Manoj Kumar, ALP activist, Sayeed Md., Roshans Fashions.
The protest was colourful laced with a few Bollywood dances and Indian sweets. A large number of local and India media were present to cover the event. Meanwhile, photos of the event have been posted on the Save Little India Campaign Facebook page and it has been receiving a big response from the community.

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Prashant Cherkupalli. Photo: SBS TV

By our correspondent

Sydney: Prashant Cherkupalli, 31, an Indian student in Australia was detained illegally for 509 days between November 2004 and April 2006 at the Villawood detention centre. The Australian Human Rights Commission has found the detention was unlawful and the student needs to be compensated.

The commission President, Catherine Branson, has written to the Immigration Minister, Chris Bowen, with her finding that Prashant Cherkupalli, 31, be paid compensation of $597,000 for the 509 days he was illegally detained between November 2004 and April 2006, reports wa.com.au.

The findings of the Australian Human Rights Commission are not binding.

Prashant Cherkupalli was freed in 2006 and granted a bridging visa with work rights after the intervention of the Federal Magistrates Court. The department has conceded its decision to cancel his visa was invalid.
- SAT News Service

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