Australian Nepalese Multicultural Centre president Gandhi P Bhattarai spoke with Faith Macale about establishing the Diggers Rest community centre, the first of its kind in Australia.
What’s your connection to the ANMC?
I am president of ANMC until Sunday, February 23, then Dr Tilak Pokharel is taking over as president. It was back in 2007 when I first joined the community group of 50 families. That group was raising $100 a month from every member to build a temple and community centre. Going through different stages of life’s ups and downs, our group formed the Victorian Nepalese Community Centre and later ANMC was registered in 2014 and then in 2015 we became a group of 100 lifetime members by contributing $75,000 to ANMC. Like minded leaders have had thoughts since 1997 that it was an absolute need for initiative like ANMC but wasn’t possible to start back then.
What do you like about the ANMC?
For me personally, when I go to ANMC I feel peace, ease of mind and relief. Also a similar sort of version I have heard from community members. They say they feel like home.
3. What, if anything, would you change about the ANMC?
If we were able to have better facilities at ANMC that would improve community participation, their experience and engagement to the next level. That will result in better community harmony and their improved holistic wellbeing.
What is the favourite thing you do or experienced at the ANMC?
Celebrating festivals authentically and being able to go a Nepali temple with thousands of other community members is the significant thing I like and appreciate the most. Especially outside of my home country being able to have large gatherings and celebrate culturally, I enjoy it the most. It’s very inspiring for the community when they attend and meet up with others. They say it’s like back home and they feel peace. Because it’s achieved through huge efforts and thousands of families have contributed financially, they feel very happy to be able to have a place such as ANMC.
What is something about you that would surprise the ANMC community?
It may not be an exciting answer to this question, but I would like to share the very important fact that in 2020 I suffered horrific work place injuries followed by ongoing medical treatments over the years and still going through medical procedures. ANMC is the second reason after family that gave me reasons to smile, even in pain. I would like to request you all to work safely, adhere to manual handling procedures and, most importantly, take your time. I would encourage everyone to enjoy life in the present, stay safe and healthy.
What is your message tp the Nepalese Community in Australia?
Let’s join hands together and work together to achieve. If you haven’t been able to come to the centre yet, we heartily request you to come and visit. We are thankful for your ongoing support that brought us here, many kudos to you all.
