Commonwealth Bank of Australia

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There Is No Excuse For Elder Abuse

Sydney, 15 June, 2018

Today is World Elder Abuse Awareness day. Elder Abuse is not uncommon, and deserves the attention of all in the community.  http://www.un.org/en/events/elderabuse/

It is estimated that as many as 10 per cent of older Australians are estimated to be affected by elder abuse, with financial abuse the most common form. More than $3 billion is lost to scams and fraud each year, with Commonwealth Bank data indicating that 76 percent of those affected by scam activity are aged over 50. It is likely more Australians will fall victim to financial abuse in the future, with those aged over 65 set to account for 25 per cent of the population by 2050.

More info:

https://elderabuseawarenessday.org.au/

https://www.agedcareguide.com.au/talking-aged-care/world-unites-for-elder-abuse-awareness-day

The report in https://www.sbs.com.au/yourlanguage/punjabi/en/audiotrack/concerns-over-elder-abuse-punjabi-community says that at least 31% elders from Indian Australian community over and above the age of 65 suffer one form of abuse or neglect. The SBS report also says “The most common form of abuse faced by parents of Indians living in Australia is usually financial”.

It appears that elder abuse may be more common in Indian Australian community. I am aware of many examples of physical abuse and one recent example of financial abuse, which involved transfer of a large sum of money from a lady, who had dementia and short-term memory issues. Unfortunately, roles of Banking staff was questionable and is a complaint matter now.

Greater action is needed now to protect older Australians. It is a moral duty of everyone to prevent abuse of elders. Banks must play a central role in raising awareness of the issue and helping to protect customers, especially elders, from financial abuse, scams and fraud.

Knowing that financial form of elder abuse is common, it was heartening to know that one of the prominent Banks, CBA, has commenced a program today to educate their employees in identifying elder financial abuse as well as providing practical advice on tips and traps to older customers and their families.   The infographic as well as a detailed Safe and Savvy guide will be available for customers online today and in all of our branches from July. www.commbank.com.au/safeandsavvy

CBA World Elder Abuse Awareness Day infographic

Even though it’s hard to discuss, the more we understand what elder abuse, including financial abuse, is, the more we can identify it, talk about it, and take steps to prevent it from happening. More info: customeradvocate@cba.com.au and www.commbank.com.au/customeradvocate

 

 

Dr Yadu Singh

http://www.twitter.com/dryadusingh

http://www.facebook.com/DoctorYaduSingh

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INDIA DAY 2016 was a huge success

31st Aug, 2016

Sydney, NSW

INDIA DAY Fair, organised by Federation of INDIAN Associations of NSW Inc (FIAN) at the Parade Ground, Old King’s School, Parramatta on Sunday, 14 August, 2016 was a huge success. FIAN is a umbrella organisation of multiple Indian Community Associations in Sydney.

Approximately 10,000 people attended the Fair throughout the day from 12 midday to 7pm.

Over 60 stalls involving food, businesses, sports and community groups including an NSW  Government department, in addition to kids’ rides and a spectacular firework at the end of the event were part of the Fair.

Entertainment programme was truly top class, and multicultural. Shiamak Davar Group delivered a spectacular segment of entertainment, but other segments including Pacific Islanders’ group, Belly dances and Flamenco dances were no  less mesmerising.

No wonder that the INDIA DAY was covered by SBS TV news, Chanel 7 News and SBS Hindi, Punjabi and Tamil Radio programmes. Indian community media were present there with full strength.

Political leaders  saw it fit and worthwhile to show their presence in the event. They included;

Senator the Hon Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, Federal Minister for International Development and the Pacific

Hon Zed Seselja, Assistant Minister for Social Services and Multicultural Affairs

John Alexander, Federal MP For Bennelong

Mr Craig Kelly, Federal MP for Hughes

The Hon John Ajaka, NSW Minister for for Ageing, Minister for Disability Services, and minister for Multiculturalism

The Hon David Clarke, NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Justice

The Hon. Geoff Lee MP, NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Multiculturalism

The Hon. Matt Kean MP, NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Treasury

Julie Owen, Federal MP for Parramatta, Representing The Hon Bill Shorten MP, Federal Leader of Opposition

The Hon Michelle Rowland, MP, Shadow Minister for Communications

The Hon. Jody Mckay MP, NSW Shadow Minister for Justice & Police and representing NSW Leader of Opposition

The Hon. Sophie COTSIS, MLC  NSW Shadow Minister for Women, Shadow Minister for Ageing, Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism, Shadow Minister for Disability Services

Mr Hugh Mcdermott, MP, State Member for Prospect

DR Harry Harinath, Chairman, Multicultural NSW

Mr B Vanlalvawna, Consul General of INDIA, Sydney

Clr Dr Michelle Byrne, The Hills Shire Mayor

Mr Raj Datta, Coulcillor Strathfield Council

Clr Gurdeep Singh, Deputy Mayor Hornsby Shire Council

Ms Amanda Chadwick, Administrator,  City of Parramatta

Prof Frank Zumbo, Chief of Staff with Craig Kelly MP for Hughes and a friend of our community

Dr Eman Sharobeem Dr. Eman Sharobeem, National Community Engagement Manager

FIAN was pleased and grateful for the generous support from so many sponsors. It is a big credit to the team that they were able to organise this type of huge sponsorship support.

  • Parramatta Council for being the major sponsor
  • Indian Australian Association of NSW (INDAUS) a member of FIAN and a major sponsor
  • Commonwealth of Australia
  • Castle Group
  • Western Union
  • Bathla Group
  • Square Yards
  • Fly4Less Travel, Harris Park
  • Indian Link Media Group
  • Air India Australia
  • Incredible India, India Tourism Australia
  • Central Equity
  • State Bank of India
  • Bank of Baroda
  • Sharmas Kitchen
  • Union Bank of India
  • Atlas Consultants Melbourne
  • Patel Brothers Group
  • ABC Print Shop
  • Maya Da Dhaba
  • MultiConnexions
  • Cricket Australia
  • Macquari Bank
  • Shiv Saini of Milan Bazar, Seven Hills
  • Mahesh Raj of Go Cool, Harris Park

INDIA DAY 2016 JULY 24 FINAL.jpg

In addition to Parramatta and Blacktown newspapers, INDIA DAY had the support of following media houses;

  • SBS Radio programmes
  • Arti Banga Desi Media for ever so willing and continuous support
  • Pawan and Rajni Luthra, Indian Link for many things including being a sponsor, promotion
  • Jugandeep Jawaharwala, Pardesh Express
  • Harpreet Singh, Punjab Times
  • Rajwant Singh, Punjab Express
  • Prakash and Sneh Chandra, Navtarang Media
  • Ram Khatry, SouthAsia.com.au
  • Santosh Naga, Editor Indiansite
  • Ashok Kumar, The Indian Subcontinent Times
  • Mr MP Singh SBS Punjabi
  • Mr Sham Kumar, Punjabi Radio
  • Mr Vikram and Jagat Sharma, Voice of India
  • Inder Magar, The Indian Telegraph
  • Indian Down Under
  • Fiji Times
  • Divya Gujarat

INDIA DAY Fair has now become a key event of multicultural community in Western Sydney. The team has a track record of delivering top class event of this nature. The team clearly has the clout and goodwill in the community and is able to generate sponsorship and support from all relevant groups and businesses.

Here are a few pics.

 

Events like INDIA DAY require a lot of work and can not be done without a fantastic team. Everyone in the team deserves a “thank you”, but special “thank you” is reserved for Satish Bhadranna, secretary, Kumar Madappa, vice president and John Niven, Fair director.

Dr Yadu SIngh

President, Federation of Indian Associations of NSW Inc

http://www.fian.org.au

http://www.facebook.com/FianInc

http://www.twitter.com/Fianinc

 

 

 

 

 

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An evening with Cricketing legends Brian Lara & Glenn McGrath

23rd March, 2015

Sydney, NSW

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) organised an evening on 23rd March 2015 at Novotel Hotel, Parramatta, NSW for a select group of community members, which gave them an opportunity to interact with Cricketing legends, Brian Lara and Glenn McGrath.

After a meet and mingle for about 45 minutes, where drinks and finger food were served, the interaction in the form of Q+A started. At the outset, a brief description of their background was read out. Both legends were asked questions about Cricket, predictions for the winner between India and Australia on 26th March and who is the tallest and shortest cricketer. Someone also asked whether they were ever approached by Bookies and whether they were ever stopped by Cops for speeding etc. I asked Glenn about his highest score, which, to my surprised, was 61. Glenn described how and when he scored these runs, painting a picture of his own disbelief  and disbelief even among his team mates. They also gave their views about three forms of Cricket and felt that T20 variety has made the game very popular and brought many spectators.

They answered the questions with a great sense of humour and self-depreciation.

Brian Lara even wondered about the name of Lara Datta if she married him. People laughed with the name “Lara Lara”. It was all in fun.

Brian Lara felt that India have been playing very well during the ICC World Cup matches and their poor results in January will be of no consequences. He felt India would win the Semi-final against Australia on 26th March. Not surprisingly, Glenn felt that it is Australia which will win on 26th March.

It was an enjoyable evening, with plenty of selfies which people had with both legends. Legends definitely knew how to entertain people.

Thank you, Kavita Shukla (CBA Manager, Migrants’ Banking) and CBA as an institution for providing this great opportunity to meet and interact with these two Cricketing legends.

Yadu Singh/Sydney/24th March, 2015

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