Author: admin_fijitimes

Justice Health NSW’s First Nations Sustainability Program, at the Forensic Hospital in Malabar, is growing roots across Sydney’s east thanks to a partnership with Randwick City Council. Piloted in November 2024, the Bundaleer Project is a vocational program that contributes to local ecosystems, reduces the hospital’s environmental footprint and supports patient rehabilitation through growing native plants and bush foods within the hospital grounds. The new partnership with Randwick City Council will support local citizenship ceremonies, where each month 150 plants grown through the program will be provided as ceremonial gifts for new citizens. Plants are individually packed by patients and…

Cricket Australia (CA) has  announced a 15-player squad for the men’s U19 series against India, featuring three 50-over matches and two four-day matches in Brisbane and Mackay from 21 September to 10 October. The squad was chosen by the youth selection panel in collaboration with state talent managers. Following the series, players will return to their states and territories to continue preparations for the upcoming season. Australia Men’s U19 Squad:  Simon Budge (WA/Melville CC) Alex Turner (VIC/Prahran CC) Steve Hogan (QLD/Sandgate-Redcliffe District CC) Will Malajczuk (WA/Subiaco Floreat CC) Yash Deshmukh (NSW/Fairfield Liverpool CC) Tom Hogan (ACT/Ginninderra CC) Aryan Sharma (VIC/Carlton CC)…

The National Selection Panel (NSP) today announced 14-player men’s squads for the Australia A tour to India next month. Australia A plays two four-day matches in Lucknow and three one-day games in Kanpur. Australia A (four-day squad): Xavier Bartlett (QLD/Gold Coast CC) Cooper Connolly (WA/Scarborough CC) Jack Edwards (NSW/Manly Warringah CC) Aaron Hardie (WA/Willetton CC) Campbell Kellaway (VIC/Melbourne CC) Sam Konstas (NSW/Sutherland District CC) Nathan McSweeney (SA/Glenelg CC) Lance Morris (WA/Scarborough CC) Todd Murphy (VIC/St Kilda CC) Fergus O’Neill (VIC/Melbourne CC) Oliver Peake (VIC/Geelong CC) Josh Philippe (NSW/Western Suburbs District CC) Corey Rocchiccioli (WA/University CC) Liam Scott (SA/Glenelg CC) Australia…

Reaching for the stars is becoming an everyday affair at India’s space agency, having visited the Moon and Mars with orbital missions, now eyes are set on a mission to Venus and a sample return from the Moon. Human space flight to fly an Indian citizen on an Indian rocket from Indian soil where the countdown will also be by India, is also taking shape fast. India’s space journey reached new heights with the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 nearer the Moon’s South Pole on August 23, 2023, making India the first country to achieve this feat. This mission demonstrated ISRO’s…

A decade ago, on 12 March 2015, while commissioning in Mauritius the gleaming Offshore Patrol Vessel Barracuda, built in Garden Reach, Kolkata to Mauritian specifications, Prime Minister Modi outlined India’s policy towards the Indian Ocean Region (IOR): SAGAR – Security and Growth for All in the Region. The Indian Ocean, he pointed out, was critical to the future of the world bearing two-thirds of the world’s oil shipments, one third of its bulk cargo and half of its container traffic. The forty states that are on its littoral host nearly 40% of the world’s population. SAGAR policy emphasized five aspects:…

Ten years ago, the idea of a global day dedicated to “yoga” might have seemed far-fetched. But here we are—yoga mats unrolled across the globe, from bustling urban parks to silent, icy outposts in Antarctica. The International Day of Yoga (IDY) has become much more: a movement rooted in well-being, connection, and a shared sense of humanity. The journey to make yoga a global movement started in the year 2014, when our Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the UN General Assembly in September that year. His message was simple and powerful: “Yoga is an invaluable gift of India’s…

At the 2nd Voice of the Global South Summit hosted virtually by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 17th November 2023, one key focus area was on, “Sustain the momentum of exchange and sharing of ideas and best practices between member countries…” At the 3rd Summit also hosted by the Indian PM on 17th August 2024, there was focus on, “…challenges of new technologies and need for South-South Cooperation co-operation for technology transfers…”. Of the four-fold Global Compact put forward by PM Modi one is on technology sharing. Thus, it is clear, that as a responsible voice of the Global…

Nurses and midwives across the state are being recognised for their passion and dedication in caring for patients, with 27 finalists announced in the 13th annual NSW Health Excellence in Nursing and Midwifery Awards. The finalists have been nominated across nine award categories, including Team of the Year, the Judith Meppem Lifetime Achievement Award, and the consumer-nominated Healing Heart Award which recognises a nurse or midwife whose compassion, kindness, and professionalism stood out to a patient or family. NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce AM said this year’s finalists have demonstrated outstanding care and contributed to improved health outcomes in their…

Every year, thousands of young Indians students leave their homes and fly across continents to study in Australia. For many, studying in Australia is more than just a degree, it’s a stepping stone to a better life. According to Australia’s Department of Education, as of April 2025, there were 794,113 international student enrollments, with Indian students making up 17% of that total. That means nearly 1 in every 6 international students in Australia is from India, showing just how deeply connected the two countries have become through education. Students come for many reasons such as world-class universities, promising career paths,…

Remembering the Yash Chopra concert Kabhi Kabhi Mere Dil Mein organised by SCREAN Australia’s Manju Mittal was a truly resounding success. As the skies slowly darkened and a cold evening blanketed the city, there was a joyful hustle and bustle at the Pacific Hills Christian School with gentlemen in their warm winter clothes and the ladies clad in fine chiffon saris, a la Yash Chopra style. The event began on time with the baritone of popular MC Kartik Mohandas. The lamp was lit, the audience lights were dimmed and the very talented and jovial band was introduced. Latecomers were still…