Author: admin_fijitimes

A grand new chapter in Australia’s multicultural story will be revealed this year with the opening of the BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir and Cultural Precinct in Sydney’s southwest. Located in Kemps Creek, the 25-acre precinct will become a major cultural destination close to the Western Sydney Airport. It will feature cultural centres with traditional Indian architecture, Australia’s tallest metal statue, a meditation garden with native Australian plants and be a site for sharing, learning and understanding for people from all backgrounds. “This precinct has been 10 years in the making and is a place where people can experience India’s rich…

We, the Mayors of the following Councils, are united in calling out violence, hatred, and extremism. Our communities are welcoming and connected and made stronger by our diverse views, faiths, backgrounds, cultures and identities. The acts of hate and violence seen across Sydney must be condemned in the strongest terms, while these brazen and cowardly acts require prosecution with the full force of the law. These criminal acts aim to create fear, chaos and division. We call on our communities to stand together, as we are standing together, to support one another during these challenging times. We unequivocally condemn the…

The Albanese Labor Government is reinforcing ties with a vital trading partner, with applications for the Australia-India Strategic Research Fund (AISRF) opening tomorrow. Australian researchers will share in $4 million of funding through the AISRF Round 16. Grants from $200,000 to $1 million are available per project. Collaborations can include joint research projects, workshops, fellowships and institutional partnerships. The AISRF – backed by the Albanese Government – is Australia’s largest bilateral program dedicated to science and has supported over 370 collaborative activities since it was established in 2006. To be eligible for funding projects must address priority areas and challenges…

Australian fans watched cricket in huge numbers as a blockbuster summer delivered record viewing figures for Cricket Australia’s (CA) broadcasting partners Foxtel and Seven West Media, and in India on JioStar. The engrossing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the excitement and drama of the Big Bash Leagues and the dominance of the Australian Women’s team throughout their Ashes whitewash captivated viewers across the season. With an optimised schedule ensuring full days of Test cricket were followed almost immediately by BBL matches, millions of Australians watched cricket throughout the day as Fox Sports, Kayo Sports, Seven and 7plus Sport brought them all the action.…

Marcus Stoinis has announced his immediate retirement from One-Day International (ODI) cricket, capping his games for Australia at 74. He will continue to be available for selection in T20Is. Stoinis’ ten-year ODI career began against England in 2015 at Old Trafford. He also played his first T20 International on that tour. He had to wait until the following year for his next opportunity to establish himself in Australia’s ODI team, scoring 146 not out against New Zealand at Eden Park and taking three wickets. Stoinis was part of Australia’s ODI World Cup title in 2023 and was voted the country’s…

Hawkesbury, Australia – The Asian Fashion Festival, Heritage Runway 2025, is excited to announce its inaugural event scheduled for 17 May at Crowne Plaza Hawkesbury and 18 May at Blue Mountains Botanic Gardens, coinciding with the prestigious Australian Fashion Week at Carriageworks, Sydney from 12-16 May. This groundbreaking festival aims to celebrate multicultural fashion, sustainability, and creativity while providing a vibrant platform for designers and models from diverse backgrounds. Supported by Sydney Academy of Makeup and Hawkesbury City Council, the two-day event is set to be held in the iconic Blue Mountains, and will feature exclusive runway shows, designer showcases,…

Australian households and businesses should benefit from lower interest rates and improved market conditions, in what a University of South Australia economist predicts will be a year of recovery for the country. UniSA’s Credit Union SA Chair of Economics Dr Susan Stone says global economic growth is expected to improve in 2025, with G20 economies averaging growth rates of 3.35%. India and Indonesia are stand out markets and will benefit Australia as they are both major export markets. Dr Stone says inflation is also expected to further recede, with central banks having reached their monetary policy targets in nearly half of the…

ACT MINISTER FOR SKILLS, TRAINING, AND INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS MICHAEL PETTERSSON: Well, good morning everybody. I’d like to begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land we’re gathered on and all the people as well as all the families with connections to these lands. Well, today is an exciting day for the passage of the Free TAFE bill through the House of Representatives. Free TAFE is so important to the ACT community. It enables people to make life changing decisions to gain the skills and training that they need to engage in our growing and modern economy. Here in the…

Where cycling enthusiasts can discover the beauty of the city with their partner Love is in the air, and there’s no better way to explore it than cycling through a new city with your loved one on Valentine’s Day! Whether you’re pedaling through ancient streets or coasting along scenic paths, cycling with your partner is a unique romantic experience that enhances your relationship while providing a sense of adventure and excitement. But with so many charming cities worldwide, where should you and your partner cycle first? buycycle, Europe’s leading marketplace for high-value, pre-owned bikes, put together a list of the…

Vardhaan Puri is all set to charm audiences in his upcoming romantic comedy Bobby Aur Rishi Ki Love Story, directed by Kunal Kohli. Starring opposite Kaveri Kapur, the film is set to release on OTT on February 11, making it a perfect Valentine’s treat. What makes this film even more special is the connection between the lead actors’ families. Vardhaan, the grandson of legendary actor Amrish Puri, and Kaveri, the daughter of filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, are continuing a legacy that dates back to Mr. India, where Amrish Puri’s iconic role as Mogambo was directed by Shekhar Kapur. Decades later, their…