Melbourne, 31 August 2026: On Sunday evening, a few thousand members of Melbourne’s emerging Nepalese diaspora gathered at Federation Square to remember those who lost their lives in Nepal’s recent flash floods.
Against the backdrop of the massive electronic screen displaying “Victoria Unites For Nepal”, the mood was sombre as attendees carried battery-operated candles to honour the latest victims of a warming planet in Nepal.
The open-air function drew MPs from across parties, community activists, and Nepalese residents. In his address, Victoria’s new Premier, Ben Carroll, announced $100,000 in emergency support for flood victims. He said the people of Nepal were not alone and that Victoria stood with them.
The gathering was also addressed by Victoria’s Multicultural Minister, the Shadow Multicultural Minister, a representative of the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC), and the Nepalese Consul-General in Melbourne. Their remarks expressed sympathy for those affected and solidarity with the Nepalese people.
Flowers and candles were laid at a makeshift memorial in front of the stage, which glittered with electric candles bearing messages of homage.
While the tribute was heartfelt and aid was announced, the causes behind the startling tragedy remain the subject of media debate. The crowd at Federation Square was predominantly Nepalese, with few non-Nepalese attendees — a stark reminder of fragmented communities still coming to terms with life in multicultural Victoria.
*The writer is the Editor of SAT, and South Asia analyst.
