Sydney: The Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) Australia inaugurated its own office building in Sydney in a ceremony. The office was inaugurated by the Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns, who was the chief guest at the event held yesterday, Thursday. In his speech, Minns praised the Nepali community. Minns, who is also the MP for Rockdale, Kogarah, areas with a high density of Nepali residents, congratulated all Nepalese who have made Australia their home. The New South Wales government provided a grant of 210,000 dollars for the purchase of the office building, which was bought for approximately 588,000 dollars. NRNA Australia will now conduct all its administrative and other activities from this building.
Similarly, Nepal’s Ambassador to Australia, Kailash Raj Pokharel, said that the network of Nepalese in Australia is strong and that this is a matter of pride for all Nepalese. He assured that the Government of Nepal and the Nepali Embassy are committed to work hand in hand with NRNA Australia, as in the past.
NRNA President Anil Pokharel thanked everyone who supported the NRNA campaign, expressing that the unity and support of the community made the purchase of the office building possible. He remarked that it took a significant amount of time for the Premier of New South Wales to attend any NRNA event personally, and expressed gratitude to Chris Minns for the support received from the Australian government.
He added, “NRNA is ready to collaborate for the benefit of the Nepali community in the days to come.” He emphasized the need to make support for students who come to Australia with dreams of a bright future and face various problems, including mental issues, more effective. He continued, “This is a great achievement for us; this is not just our office, but a shared home for all Diaspora Nepalese.” “The contributions of former NRNA presidents and volunteers have been significant in reaching this point. We are still working to make policy collaboration and relationship expansion at the government level more effective.”
According to NRNA President Pokharel, it was the first time various officials, including the Premier of NSW, actively participated in an NRNA event. Tokens of appreciation were presented to the chief guest and other officials. The event saw the presence of former NRNA presidents, officials from various organizations, media personnel, and the general public.
The office building in Merrylands was handed over by President Anil Pokharel to NSW Coordinator Binod Kunwar and President of Nari Nikunj Australia, Sangita Chapagain. The event was conducted by NRNA New South Wales Secretary Kalyan Khadka. The office has its own boardroom and a hall that can accommodate up to 50 people at once. It is planned to be used for Nepali language classes, dance classes, and programs of various community organizations, as well as for NRNA’s administrative work.
