President's Annual report 2024
17 Sep, 2024
Dear Members,
It is with great pride and gratitude that I present to you the annual report for NRNA Australia, highlighting a year filled with remarkable achievements and milestones. Over the past twelve months, we have experienced significant growth and progress in our mission to serve and empower the Nepali diaspora in Australia. Here are some of the key highlights of our accomplishments:
1. Acquisition of Our Office and Community Space
We are thrilled to announce that NRNA Australia has successfully acquired its very own office space, valued at $600,000. This acquisition not only strengthens our financial position but also enhances our sustainability as an organization. The office is available for community use, serving as a vital resource for non-commercial purposes. Numerous community groups have already made regular use of this space.
2. NRNA Foundation ACNC Registration and DGR Endorsement
One of our most significant milestones this year was the successful registration of the NRNA Australia Foundation with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC), coupled with securing Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status. This achievement opens new opportunities to expand our community support efforts, and we are actively engaging with members and stakeholders to chart the path forward.
3. Lobbying and Advocacy for the Nepali Community
NRNA Australia has been a tireless advocate for the Nepali community. Our efforts have included meetings with state and federal officials, including NSW Premier Hon. Chris Minns. We proudly witnessed the appointment of Ms. Julia Finn and Ms. Jacqui Munro as co-chairs of the NSW Parliamentary Friends of Nepal. NRNA Australia has been recognized in the NSW and NT Parliaments for its contributions to the community, and we remain committed to continuing our advocacy work
4. Grant Revenue Milestone – $0.5 Million
For the first time in NRNA Australia’s history, we have secured more than $350,000 in grant revenue in a single financial year. Future commitments total an additional $210,000, bringing our total to over $0.5 million. We continue to explore new funding opportunities to further our initiatives.
5. Supporting Community Centre Initiatives across Australia
We have been actively involved in community centre projects across various states and territories. NRNA Australia has contributed both financially and through volunteer efforts to initiatives such as the Queensland Nepalese Cultural Centre (QNCC) and the Australian Nepalese Multicultural Centre (ANMC) in Victoria. We are also collaborating on the Pashupatinath Bouddhanath project in Western Australia. Notably, NRNA Australia played a key role in the formation of the Greater Sydney Nepalese Multicultural Centre (GSNMC) on 28 April 2024. To further support these projects, the board has decided to contribute $5 from each registered membership and $50 from each lifetime membership. Additionally, we are hosting “Walk for Community Centre” events to raise awareness and support.
6. Launch of New Website
We are excited to share the launch of our newly redesigned website, which offers a comprehensive overview of NRNA Australia’s activities. The website includes FAQs, project details, team profiles, upcoming events, and contact information. We encourage you to explore the site at www.nrn.org.au and share your feedback with us.
7. Robust Emergency Response and Repatriation Support
NRNA Australia provided critical emergency response and repatriation services to the Nepali diaspora. Over the last year, we assisted with 12 funerals, 11 repatriations, and 20 medical assistance cases. Additionally, our Social Welfare Fund disbursed over $51,135 to support 44 cases. This work is a testament to our unwavering commitment to supporting those in need.
8. Giving Back to Nepal
NRNA Australia continues to give back to Nepal, this year committing funds to reconstruct Shree Shankar Bhawan School in Jajarkot, Nepal, which was damaged by an earthquake. The project, with a total budget of $40,000 AUD, will commence following the rainy season, with a projected completion date of 31 January 2025. We will keep you updated on the progress of this important initiative.
9. Consular Services Delivered Across Australia
In collaboration with the Embassy of Nepal in Canberra, NRNA Australia’s State Coordination Council (SCC) successfully delivered consular services in Darwin, Adelaide, Perth, and Brisbane, serving more than 1,900 community members and saving over $2 million in travel costs to Canberra. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the SCC team and the Embassy for their outstanding work. Beyond these major milestones, our states, forums, and taskforces have been actively involved in numerous philanthropic and charitable activities. Highlights include Parents’ Picnics across various states, the Nepal Festival Darwin, First Aid training in collaboration with the Scientology Volunteer Minister, the Understanding Nepalese Economy Summit in Melbourne and Sydney, International Women’s Day celebrations, and ongoing Mentor-Mentee sessions.
Looking Ahead With these accomplishments behind us, the second half of our term promises to be equally eventful. We are planning Nepal festivals in all states and territories, the inaugural Youth Conclave in Adelaide in September 2024, and several exciting new projects.
A Heartfelt Thank You I want to express my deepest gratitude to all of you for your unwavering support and engagement throughout the first half of this term. Your encouragement, feedback, and participation have been instrumental to our success. As we move forward, I welcome your suggestions and continued support to make even greater strides together.
Kind regards,
Anil Pokhrel, President, NRNA Australia
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