Ray Williams

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Premier’s Harmony Dinner at Rose Gardens was a spectacular success

Sydney, 28 February, 2019

Premier’s Harmony Dinner was a wonderful evening. Fantastic to celebrate diversity & multiculturalism in this beautiful state, NSW, with 1500 people in this sold out event.

Wonderful to meet so many friends from various sections of NSW. It was a matter of privilege to have met and interacted with Premier, The Hon Gladys Berejiklian, Ministers Ray Williams, Matt Kean and Victor Dominello.

We support Multiculturalism within the Australian ethos and values, and events like this go a long way in welcoming diversity and Multiculturalism.

Thank you Multicultural NSW and thank you Premier.

Dr Yadu Singh

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Chand Raat Eid Festival in Sydney was hugely successful

Sydney, 14 June, 2018

I was honoured to be invited to attend The 20th Chand Raat Eid Celebration in Rosehill Gardens, Rosehill, NSW. 20,000+ people attended the event. Premier of NSW, Gladys Berejiklian MP, Minister for Multiculturalism, Ray Williams MP and Lord Mayor of City of Parramatta Council, Andrew Wilson were in attendance, along with many MPs and Councilors.

It was a hugely successful festival with jam packed crowd.

Congratulations, Syed Atiq Ul Hassan. And thank you very much for the invitation.

Eid Mubarak!

Dr Yadu Singh

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Our team work for Keep NSW Safe achieves a successful outcome on section 20D of Anti-Discrimination Act

Sydney, 5 June, 2018

FIAN LOGOFederation of Indian Associations of NSW (FIAN) is pleased that NSW Government has decided to amend section 20D of NSW Anti-Discrimination Act. FIAN is a key and founder member of Keep NSW Safe keep-nsw-safe-logo-6.png team, which has worked actively, effectively and collaboratively with all stakeholders over last several years to achieve this spectacular result. http://www.keepnswsafe.com/

This will PROTECT DIVERSE COMMUNITIES from individuals who incite or threaten violence against people based on their race, religion, sexuality and HIV/AIDS status, and will carry a maximum three-year jail sentence and a fine of $11,000. The legislation will create a new offence in the Crimes Act of publicly threatening or inciting violence against people on the these grounds.

The path of success was difficult, because a few ministers were not keen to amend section 20D, but active work by ministers like Ray Williams and Mark Speakman has overcome the resistance.

I was made aware of this development by Multicultural Minister on 26 May, 2018, when he addressed a multicultural community forum in Strathfield, but was requested to not make it public. I kept my word.

It is indeed great to see NSW Government has listened to the concerns of our communities and responded to them in a positive way. Nobody can be allowed to harm the harmony among the communities in NSW. Punishment will be given if anyone tries to incite violence against others.

“The new laws send a very clear message to offenders that we will not tolerate behaviour which risks people’s safety”, Mr Ray Williams, Minister for Multiculturalism said, and we wholeheartedly support him.

Attorney General, Mark Speakman’s press Release is here. Mark Speakman press release on 20D

Thank you to Premier, Gladys Berejiklian and NSW Government, especially Minister for Multiculturalism, Ray Williams and Attorney General, Mark Speakman for this much needed and overdue action.

https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/they-will-not-go-unpunished-three-year-jail-terms-under-new-race-hate-laws-20180605-p4zjn0.html

Dr Yadu Singh

fianinc1@gmail.com

Federation of Indian Associations of NSW (FIAN)

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Israel’s 70th Independence Day celebration in Sydney

24 April, 2018

I participated in the celebration of Israel’s 70th Independence Day in Sydney yesterday. NSW Jewish Board of Deputies organized the celebration at Four Seasons hotel in the CBD, which was attended by the Premier of NSW, Gladys Berejiklian, Minister Ray Williams, many MPs, MLCs, Leader of Opposition, Luke Foley, diplomats from more than 20 nations, multicultural community leaders and faith leaders. Israel’s Ambassador, H.E. Mark Sofer, was in attendance too. He spoke and outlined the achievements of Israel in the field of innovation, technology and agriculture. Premier described the close relationship which NSW has with Israel in a variety of fields. There was a short video speech from Israel’s Prime Minister, H.E. Benjamin Netanyahu.

Like previous years, this event was a high profile celebration. The typical Israeli cuisine and select top grade wines were enjoyed by the guests. The hospitality was excellent. As would be expected, the security was elaborate and tight.

I was pleased to be at the celebration and caught up with many including the Premier, Leader of Opposition and MPs and MLCs.

Dr Yadu Singh

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Parramasala 2018 launched

Sydney, 9 Feb, 2018

(Parramasala, 9-11 March, 2018)

I was pleased to be at the launch of Parramasala 2018 by the Minister of Multiculturalism, the Honorable Ray Williams, at Parramatta River Foreshore, today.

The program for Parramasala (9-11 March 2018) was announced.

It was attended by Dr Harry Harinath, Chair of Multicultural NSW, Dr Geoff Lee, Local State MP and Mr Andrew Wilson, Lord Mayor of City of Parramatta Council. A big contingent of media was present too.

A glimpse of cultural performances was presented.

I was very pleased to know that the NSW Government has committed an additional $600,000 over three years to one of the State’s largest multicultural arts and cultural festivals, Parramasala.

Now in its eighth year, Parramasala celebrates the cultural diversity of NSW through music, dance, theatre, food and film, representing more than 40 nationalities with the theme of “Many Cultures. One Sydney”.

The minister said “Parramasala is a vibrant festival showcasing Western Sydney’s extraordinary multicultural identity, and its growth as an economic and social hub.”

“The NSW Government is committed to supporting the evolving arts and cultural scene of Greater Western Sydney,” he said.

The 2018 program features some of the best in international and domestic acts, including free concerts by Grammy-nominated group Hiatus Kaiyote and Grammy Award-winning Saharan band, Tinariwen.

Crowds will also enjoy the opening night multicultural parade, interactive drumming and dancing workshops and the delicious Masala markets.

As a partner in Parramasala, City of Parramatta Council welcomed the State Government’s extra funding for what has become the signature event on the Multicultural March calendar.

“We are proud supporters of Parramasala. Western Sydney is home to a lively assortment of cultures and the City of Parramatta is pleased to lead the way in showcasing the very best our region has to offer,” Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Andrew Wilson said.

Parramasala Chairperson Dr GK Harinath OAM encouraged every member of the community interested in arts, music, food and culture to attend the festival this year.

“With a mixture of free and ticketed high-quality events, there is something for everyone at any age this year,” Dr Harinath OAM said.

Since 2016, the NSW Government has committed $2.2 million to secure Parramasala’s rightful place in our cultural calendar until

For more information about the festival, the 2018 program and for daily event schedules, see www.parramasala.com

Dr Yadu Singh

http://www.twitter.com/dryadusingh

http://www.facebook.com/DoctorYaduSingh

 

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Independent Review finds the Ganesh Video decision of Advertising Standards Bureau wrong

Sydney, 21 November, 2017

Finally, it’s a victory for common sense. It’s also a victory for our community.

As we know, there were concerns about a video by Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA), which used Lord Ganesh in it.

 Lamb video

Concerns were raised by various Indian community groups throughout Australia.

We too did our part. I organised a  meeting with NSW Minister for Multiculturalism, Ray Williams in Sydney. Minister wrote to relevant parties including Prime Minister of Australia.

https://yadusingh.com/2017/09/11/community-reps-meet-minister-for-multiculturalism-on-lord-ganesh-video/
https://yadusingh.com/2017/09/14/nsw-minister-for-multiculturalism-writes-to-meat-and-livestock-australia-and-prime-minister-about-lord-ganesh-video/

Formal complaints were submitted to Advertising Standards Bureau, which dismissed the complaints.

https://yadusingh.com/2017/09/18/advertisement-standards-bureau-dismisses-complaints-about-ganesh-video/the An independent review

This decision was appealed and requests were made for an independent review.

KARTHIKARASU from Melbourne took the lead and submitted the request for an independent review. This was a constructive, targeted, wise and a right step, unlike some others who, for their self promotion,  were more into unproductive stunts, which failed miserably, and ended up harming our community.

Appreciations are also in order for many others including team at Durga Temple in Melbourne and Kapil Sachdeva from Queensland for doing what was necessary.

Independent review has found that decision by Advertising Standards Bureau was incorrect.

Submission for Review-KarthikARASU_Complaint reference number 0412-17 MLA ad on Lord Ganesha

Review Decision-0412-17 on Lord Ganesh Video by MLA

Karthik was rightly and justifiably thrilled with the outcome and said “So happy to receive this good news, not sure how it will transpire in getting that derogatory advertisement removed from online platforms, but I am feeling ecstatic! This is a Victory for the entire community and it is because of the United fight & efforts of the entire community!”

Kudos, Karthik. Great job. We all are just as thrilled.

MLA disagreed with this outcome, but informed that the offending video was not being currently used.

Dr Yadu Singh

http://www.facebook.com/DoctorYaduSingh

http://www.twitter.com/dryadusingh

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NSW Minister for Multiculturalism writes to Meat and Livestock Australia and Prime Minister about Lord Ganesh Video

Sydney/ 14 September, 2017

I have received communication from NSW Government about letters from NSW Minister for Multiculturalism, The Hon Ray Williams, to Meat and Livestock Australia and Prime Minister of Australia, The Hon Malcolm Turnbull.

He has summarised the feelings of the community, following his meeting with the community representatives on Monday, 11 September, 2017.

As is known, our community is very concerned and unhappy with the video, depicting Lord Ganesh in a Lamb advertisement by Meat and Livestock Australia.

Community reps had met the Minister a few days earlier. Report here: https://yadusingh.com/2017/09/11/community-reps-meet-minister-for-multiculturalism-on-lord-ganesh-video/

Dr Yadu Singh

fianinc1@gmail.com

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Community reps meet Minister for Multiculturalism on Lord Ganesh Video

Sydney, 11 September, 2017

Community Reps with Minister Ray Williams re Lord Ganesh Video

I was pleased to be able to organize a meeting of the Indian community Representatives with The Minister for Multiculturalism, The Hon Ray Williams & Chair of Multicultural NSW, Dr Harry Harinath, today in the Multicultural NSW Offices in Parramatta, Sydney to discuss the Meat and Livestock Australia’s (MLA) offensive video involving Lord Ganesh. The Chief Executive Officer of Multicultural NSW, Mr Hakan Harman, was also present.

Community reps included people from not only Hinduism faith but also from Sikhism and Islamic faith. Seventeen community leaders took part in this meeting, and they included Mr Jagtar Singh, Ms Pallavi Sinha, Mr Gurdeep Singh, Ms Anju Kalra, Mr Surinder Bhogal, Mr Shamim Khan, Mr Brijrajsinh Jhala, Mr Premjitsinh Rathod, Mr Sri Ranga Reddy, Pandit Athreya Ramachandran, Pandit Krishnamurthi Venkataraman, Mr Chirag Parikh, Dr Manish Bhutada, Mr Anagan Babu, Mr Tara Chand Sharma, Dr Nihal Agar and myself (Dr Yadu Singh).

img_3209-1

Every rep expressed their unhappiness with the video. Lord Ganesh is one of the most revered deity of Hinduism and is invoked before every religious activity among Hindus. The video is an advertisement for Lamb. Alcohol is also shown to be served in the video. To people from Hinduism faith, associating Lord Ganesh with meat and Alcohol is inappropriate, incorrect, offensive and hurtful.  They also felt that use of deities and religious figures of any religion for commercial use is wrong. It was also felt that the timing of the ad video was particularly hurtful as the video came out only a few days after Indians celebrated Ganesh Chaturthi all over the world. Reps also felt that video like this don’t help the multiculturalism in Australia and end up creating disharmony and undermine cohesion in the community.  They generate a bad image of Australia, which, otherwise, is a successful example of multiculturalism. A rep also mentioned that Meat and Livestock Australia receives funding from the Government sources, which meant that our taxes are being used to abuse our beliefs and portray our deities inappropriately. This is unacceptable.

Community reps urged the Minister and Multicultural NSW to take the matter of the offensive Video up with relevant authorities, including relevant ministers in the Federal Government, and get the video taken out of circulation. The minister was also urged to get the standards of advertisement reviewed to ensure that public videos are not allowed to use religiously insensitive and offensive  materials.

The minister agreed that the community is offended and agitated. He agreed to write a letter to the Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) and to the Federal Government authorities, seeking remedial action.

A proposed protest march to MLA offices in North Sydney is a potential step which our community is planning, but it has been postponed for some time to see the outcome following the discussion today. There will be community consultation in this regard sometime in the future.

Community reps thanked the Minister and Dr Harinath for the meeting.

Dr Yadu Singh

fianinc1@gmail.com

http://www.facebook.com/DoctorYaduSingh

http://www.twitter.com/dryadusingh

 

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Multicultural Media awards create healthy competition for quality and standards

Sydney, 30 August, 2017

It was great and a matter of privilege to be invited to attend NSW Premier’s Multicultural Media Awards tonight at the Waterview, Bicentennial Park, Sydney Olympic Park, NSW.

These awards honour the quality journalism from the thriving and highly competitive multicultural media in NSW. Multicultural journalists won top awards under various categories. Indian Link media, as before, was finalist in many categories. Gurcharn Singh Kahlon, a Punjabi journalist, was a finalist too. Congratulations to all finalists especially Tia Singh (Indian Link) and Vijay Badhwar (The Indian Down Under), who were the winners in their categories.

Wonderful to catch up with the Premier of NSW, The Hon Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Multiculturalism, The Hon Ray Williams, along with so many media people including our own community media personalities and friends.

One thing which was very clear was that these awards are very important as they create healthy competition and help improve the quality and standards in multicultural media in NSW.

Dr Yadu Singh

http://www.facebook.com/DoctorYaduSingh

http://www.twitter.com/dryadusingh

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Enjoyed GWS Giants vs Gold Coast SUNS football match, Spotless Stadium Sydney Saturday 1 April 2017

1/4/17


It was a pleasure to be invited as a guest by AFL to join their pre-match reception and watch the match on Saturday, 1/4/17.

NSW Minister, Ray Williams and Multicultural NSW Chair, Dr Harry Harinath were present apart from other key members of NSW community.

It was a fantastic match. My favorite team, Greater Western Sydney Giants (GWS Giants) defeated the visitors, Gold Coast SUNS.

Congratulations, GWS Giants!

Dr Yadu Singh

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Welcome reception for NSW Minister of Multiculturalism, Ray Williams MP 

Sydney, 22 March, 2017


I attended the reception for new minister for Multiculturalism, Ray Williams MP at NSW Parliament today. NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian MP, was present. There were about 100 key community leaders in attendance.

Dr Harry Harinath and Hakan Harkan (Chair & CEO of Multicultural NSW respectively) were the key officials.

Ray was sworn in as the minister for Multiculturalism 6 weeks ago.

Dr Yadu Singh

http://www.facebook.com/DoctorYaduSingh

http://www.twitter.com/dryadusingh

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Parramasala Parade, Friday, March 10, 2017

Sydney, March, 10, 2017

It was a matter of privilege and pride to be invited as a guest for the launch/inauguration  of Parramasala 2017 at Riverside Theatre, Parramatta, Friday, 10 March, 2017.

NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, Minister for Multiculturalism, Ray Williams and Chair of Parramasala Board, Dr Harry Harinath, along with others were present.

The parade with contingents from more than 50 cultural and other groups was the highlight of the evening.

Premier Berejiklian and Minister Williams were, as usual, the charming and graceful hosts for the event.

Thank you, NSW Government, Premier Gladys Berejiklian and City of Parramatta Council for your ongoing support and funding for Parramasala.

Parramasala events will continue this weekend (Saturday 11 March and Sunday 12 March).

Go, visit and enjoy Parramasala 2017.

My previous post on Parramasala is here. https://yadusingh.com/2017/03/08/parramasala-2017-the-festival-of-cultures-and-diversity-10-12-march/

Dr Yadu Singh

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