Hindu Council of Australia was approached by Hare Krishna farm in Hunters Valley. EnergyCo is planning to run high volt transmission through the scared land of New Gokula Farm. The farm was chosen as a place for cow refuge and dietys were installed there by Srila Prabhupad, founder of world wide movement called Hare Krishna. […]
The NSW “Equality” Bill information
A bill has been introduced as a second bill that would undermine religious freedom. It is called the “Equality” Bill, and if it passes it would: Slash religious protections for churches and schools Allow people 16 and over to change their sex on their birth certificate at any time Allow children to bypass their parents […]
SPECIAL RELIGIOUS EDUCATION & TAX DEDUCTIBLE GIVING TO SCHOOL BUILDING FUNDS ARE BOTH UNDER THREAT
The deductible gift recipient (DGR) system in Australia allows certain charitable organisations to offer tax deductible donations to their donors. This tax deductablity of donations has been (rightly) used by various faiths in Australia. Hindus are in the process of establishing their first School and removing this tax deductibility status will stop Hindus from availing […]
Restore palliative care funding to support people throughout New South Wales with a life-limiting illness
The NSW state government has slashed funding for palliative care. Susan Carter MLC has lodged an official parliamentary petition calling for the NSW Government to recommit $150 million in funding that they slashed from palliative care last year. Please sign and circulate this petition in your networks so that the government doesn’t dip into palliative […]
Safety and Security regarding the celebrations of Rama Temple inauguration on 22nd January
Dear Hindu organisations, Many of you may be aware that some temples and members of our community had a concern about safety and security regarding their celebrations of Rama Temple inauguration on 22nd January. The Hindu Council of Australia had raised this issue with concerned Ministries. I have held several meetings yesterday with the Parliamentary […]
Hindus push their issues through Faith Council in NSW
The Hindu Council of Australia asks all members of Dharmic religions residing in Australia to let us know if other issues should be raised on behalf of our communities. Please email your issues to editor@hinducouncil.com.au The Hindu Council of Australia attended the first meeting of the NSW Faith Affairs Council. The council consisting of 19 […]
NSW Faith Affairs Council commits to interfaith collaboration
The new Labour government in NSW has formed a Faith Affairs Council of 19 faith leaders. Hindus are represented by Hindu Council of Australia’s representative Surinder Jain. The Council held its first full meeting 0n 29 November 2023 at NSW Parliament House. The meeting was also attended by the Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper. The […]
Deepavali message is timeless says Governor General David Hurley
“Deepavali message is timeless” says Governor General David Hurley His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia and Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley host a morning tea for Deepavali.(Governor-General of Australia Facebook) Governor-General David Hurley recently hosted Diwali celebrations at Government House in Canberra. UPDATED 2 hours ago […]
“A case for YES Referendum” – INTERVIEW WITH NOEL PEARSON
Interviewed by Dwayne Jeffries of Hope Media on behalf of Better Balanced Futures, representing the faith communities in Australia which HCA is a part of. DWAYNE: Noel Pearson, thank you for taking the time to speak with me, and the various faith communities around Australia. NOEL PEARSON: Thank you for the opportunity. DWAYNE: Faith communities […]
“A NO case for referendum” – Interview with Jacinta Nampijinpa Price
Jacinta Price leader of the NO campaign has given an interview to the organisation ‘Better Balanced Futures’ that represents the faith communities in Australia which HCA is also a part of. Below is the full transcript of the interview done by Dwayne Jeffries from Hope Media on behalf of Bright Balance Future. Interviewed by Dwayne […]
All Hindu temples – Please apply for federal funding to secure your temple
Applications are now open for the Albanese Government’s Securing Faith-Based Places grant program. You may recall that during the event to host Indian PM Modi, our PM Anthony Albanese had announced a grant of $40 million for safety and security of places of faith. The funding round is now open. Please enter your application asap […]
Community Language Schools Grant Program
Dear Community Leaders, While in Perth on Monday 28 August 2023 Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, the Hon Andrew Giles MP announced that the Australian Government is investing $15 million over two years to support education of languages other than English as part of the new Community Language Schools Grant. Community language […]
The Australian Refugee Advisory Panel – Call for Applications
Dear Community Representatives, The Australian Government has announced the creation of an Australian Refugee Advisory Panel (The Panel). The Panel will be a formal mechanism to enhance meaningful refugee participation in Australia’s engagement with the international refugee protection system and humanitarian assistance. Applications for the Panel are open from 8 – 30 September 2023 to candidates […]
How to participate in the referendum – AEC information session
Australian Electoral Commission would invite everyone to participate in a referendum briefing from the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC). It’s been over 20 years since Australia’s last referendum, and voters are expected to vote on 14 October 2023. The AEC would like to provide your organisation with information about what a referendum is and how […]
Steve Kamper NSW Minister for Multicultural condemns vandalization of Hindu BAPS temple in Sydney
Everyone has the right to practice their faith free from fear and intimidation. That’s why the vandalism of the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir Sydney in Rosehill must be condemned. And I know nothing will deter the Sydney BAPS community from continuing their selfless service to others. Related Images:
NSW LABOR COMMITS $200,000 TO THE SHREE RAM KRISHNA TEMPLE
An elected NSW Labor Government will provide $200,000 to the Shree Ram Krishna Temple in Austral. The funding will be used by the temple community to undertake important upgrades and repairs around the site, including improvements to the drainage, footpaths and car park. The commitment is part of NSW Labor’s Fresh Start Plan to support […]
Hindu Council welcomes Labor’s commitment to a Hindu centre
NSW’s Labor party has promised to provide $3.75 million towards the establishment of a Hindu Cultural and Education Centre – a home for Hindus in Sydney if they form the government after the 25 March election. Hindu Council of Australia welcomed the news. Surinder Jain, National Vice President said that there is a dire need for […]
NSW LABOR COMMITS $3.75 MILLION TOWARDS A HOME FOR HINDUS IN SYDNEY
NSW LABOR COMMITS $3.75 MILLION TOWARDS A HOME FOR HINDUS IN SYDNEY A NSW Labor Government will provide $3.75 million towards the establishment of a Hindu Cultural and Education Centre – a home for Hindus in Sydney. The funding will be provided to the Hindu Council of Australia (HCA) to help plan and establish […]
NSW Labor commits $3.75 million to establish Hindu Cultural and Education Centre in Sydney
NSW’s Labor party has promised to provide $3.75 million towards the establishment of a Hindu Cultural and Education Centre – a home for Hindus in Sydney if they form the government after the 25 March election. NSW Labor Leader Chris Minns said, “The Hindu community needs a home – and that home should be in […]
Hindu defenders – Daniel Mookhey Labor candidate for Upper House
(Nitin) Daniel Mookhey, the only Hindu in NSW Upper House had taken his oath on Bhagwat Gita and his father was one of the founders of the first Hindu temple (Sri Mandir, Auburn) in Australia. Daniel Mookhy is a sitting Member and now a candidate for of the Legislative Council of NSW. Daniel defended Hindus and […]
Hindu defenders – Hugh McDermott Labor candidate from Prospect
Hugh McDermott is a Labor candidate from the seat of Prospect in NSW. Hugh had defended Hindus in the NSW state Parliament when Mr David Shoebridge of the Greens Party had attacked Hindu communitiy’s ability to provide SRE (Special Religious Education) to Hindu children in state schools. Hugh defended VHP and asked Mr Shoebridge to […]
NSW Parliamentarians who stood up for Hindus in 2021 attack by the Greens
In 2021, a Greens party member of the NSW Parliament accused VHP, a Hindu not-for-profit organization of being an extremist organization. Mr. Shoebridge’s allegations were denied by the Police and VHP’s work in teaching Hinduism at schools has been appreciated by the Department of Education, the NSW Minister of Multiculturalism and by MP Mark Latham […]
Joint Statement from the Premier of NSW, the Hon. Dominic Perrottet MP and Minister for Multiculturalism, the Hon. Mark Coure MP
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CATHY FREEMAN PARK TO BE TRANSFORMED INTO LIVE SITE FOR FIRST TWO TESTS OF INDIA-AUSTRALIA CRICKET SERIES
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Carer Gateway, a free Australia wide service
It is important that carers have access to a range of supports and services that can help them manage tough times. Your organisation has been identified as possibly providing support and services for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds (CALD) in Australia who may be unpaid carers. You can further help carers in your […]
NSW/ACT Business Industry and Regional Outreach-free online Skilled visa information sessions-August
Register for Thursday Register for Monday Register for Friday Related Images:
Chaplain Service ADF- VHP AUSTRALIA
Vishva Hindu Parishad of Australia is currently accepting applications from Australian citizens who we can nominate as a Hindu Chaplain in the Australian Defence Force (Army, Air Force and Navy). You will be appointed as a Captain (or equivalent) in a Reserve role (part-time) and will not have go move outside your state of residence. […]
Swastika: All you need to know about the new Bill passed by the Victorian Government
Nazi Symbol Public Display Prohibition Bill Victoria – All You Need to Know Background The Victorian Government has just passed Summary Offences Amendment (Nazi Symbol Prohibition) Bill 2022. This amendment is based on a Parliamentary Committee Inquiry into anti-vilification protections. The report was tabled in the Parliament in September 2021 and accepted. There were 36 […]
Progress on teaching Religious Education in Victoria
A meeting was held today between representatives of VCAA of the education department and GRE Education Multi-faith collaboration team. The meeting was attended by Hindus, Christians, Muslims, Jews and some educationists. The department explained their framework for developing or changing curriculum for students from F-10. Faith communities will be involved to develop GRE classroom & […]
Hindus meet Shadow Education Minister for SRE and GRE
By: Surinder Jain. Hindu Council of Australia and other faith SRE providers met with Prue Car, Member of the NSW Legislative Assembly, Member for Londonderry, Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Shadow Minister for Education, and Shadow Minister for Early Childhood Learning (Australian Labor Party) on 24th May 2022. We held a positive meeting with her […]
Congratulations The Honorable Prime Minister Mr Anthony Albanese
The Honorable Prime Minister Mr Anthony Albanese On Behalf of 700,000 Australian Hindus, the Hindu Council of Australia congratulates you on becoming the 31st Prime Minister of Australia. We support your leadership in creating an inclusive and resilient Australia that stands for mutual respect – not just tolerance. Hindu Dharma is based on an ancient, […]
Statement following Meet and Greet with Political Parties
HCAElectionLeaRihinnon Presso-v1 Related Images:
PM announces $250,000 for Karma Kitchen
PM announces $250,000 for Karma Kitchen. HCAKKGrantPresso-v1 Related Images:
Regarding Euthanasia
Leaders of faith communities in NSW have been asked to express their position to the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill 2021. While major faiths of Australia unequivocally reject euthanasia and assisted suicide, same is not the case with the Hindu faith. It allows unassisted and assisted ending of life in some special circumstances. Hindu Council therefore […]
Watch Q and A session with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison
Q and A session with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison Related Images:
Faith communities meet ALP and ask for a Religious Affairs Council as a part of a Ministerial Portfolio
Faith representatives from major faiths including Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Judaism and Hinduism met NSW state ALP leadership to discuss common matters that are important to all faiths. The issues taken up during the meeting included: – A representative group (eg Religious Affairs Council) that is part of a Ministerial Portfolio at a Cabinet level, in […]
Hindus thank Government for Safer Communities Grants
Hindu Council of Australia thanks the government for recognizing the need for safety for the Indian and Hindu places of religious worship. Many of these places of worship have been subjected to vandalism’s, threats even fire bombs over the years. Therefore a vital need was there to ensure the safety and protection of patrons […]
Leader of opposition Mr Anthony Albanese addresses Hindu concerns on Religious Bill
PRESS RELEASE Religious Discrimination Bill Date : 12th February, 2022 Hindu Council supports a Religious Bill that helps preserve Hinduness of our temples, schools, religious institutions and saves them from unnecessary interference from activists. We support the right to express our faith and the outlawing of religious discrimination. The bill passed by the Parliament gives […]
Press Release – Religious Discrimination Bill – 9th February, 2022
Press Release Religious Discrimination Bill Hindu Council of Australia understands the main purpose of the Religious Discrimination Bill and is in agreement with Government in principal and supports the bill. While we have some concerns on certain parts of the bill, we have discussed them with Minister Alex Hawke, the Prime Minister’s office, and Assistant […]
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of the Religious Bill
Federal Parliament is debating a Religious Bill that will profoundly affect Australian Hindus in some good ways and some not so good ways. Here is a run down. GOOD aspects of the Religious Bill The bill makes discriminating against a person on the basis of their religion illegal. Yes, in some states, someone can discriminate […]
Hindu Council stands with Australian Jews against discriminatory and hate filled campaign of BDS
The road to hell is paved with good intentions. The world is full of conflict. Whether it is in Afghanistan where every woman seems to be in trouble or it is Bangladesh where religious minorities seem to be in trouble. The Middle East has multiple, long-standing conflicts which have been simmering and sometimes boiling over, […]
No place for message of Intolerance
The Hindu faith and community has a rich artistic history. Hindu spirituality is expressed in many ways, including dance, drama, painting, architecture, sculpture and music. As a community, we embrace the artistic expression of all cultures, religions and backgrounds. We welcome Sydney festival that embraces and exhibits the talents, cultural influences and artistic expression of […]
Religious freedom Bill
Hindu Council of Australia has made representations to both major political parties about the concerns of Hindus. We have expressed following concerns : 1. The bill will reduce freedom of religion for Hindus working in non-Hindu faith based organizations. 2. The bill will encourage conversions of members of non-proselytizing religions like Hindus, 3. The bill will […]
Hindus excellence in SRE being recognized on 9th Nov – Join the Premier and others to celebrate
By: Surinder Jain, Hindu Council of Australia. Hindus in NSW have been very active in providing Hindu spiritual education to Hindu children in NSW schools. Five Hindu organizations provide volunteers who go to schools and teach. Other religions are also providing spiritual education to school children of their respective faiths. Selfless volunteer service being provided […]
Hindu Genocide in Bangladesh by Jihadi’s continues
You may have been aware that there have been vicious attacks on the minority Hindu Community. As we understand it, there were attacks and vandalism across the country, during the Durga Puja festival, in the last week or so. Severely impacted districts include Comilla, Chandpur, Noakhali, Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, Sylhet, Feni. Temple and deities vandalized; property looted; some […]
HAF asks Office of Civil Rights to investigate Univ. of Pennsylvania’s role in Hinduphobic conference
Sponsoring Dismantling Global Hindutva event may have violated Hindu students’ rights under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 In a historic first for the Hindu American community, the Hindu American Foundation filed a Title VI complaint with the US Department of Education Office of Civil Rights against the University of Pennsylvania for […]
HCA Victoria Media Statement on Swastika
By: Makarand Bhagwat, Hindu Council of Australia. Related Images:
No to Vaccination passport for entry to a temple
By: Hindu Council of Australia. Temples should not be required to police their congregation for vaccination certificates. That is a job for the Police. Religious services should not be selective on whom they can serve. Police should not stand outside places of worship to check vaccination certificates as much as it does not do that […]
MESSAGE FOR THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF INDIAN INDEPENDENCE – MINISTER FOR IMMIGRATION
THE HON ALEX HAWKE MP MINISTER FOR IMMIGRATION, CITIZENSHIP, MIGRANT SERVICES AND MULTICULTURAL AFFAIRS MESSAGE FOR INDIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY 2021 I send my warmest wishes to members of the Indian-Australian community celebrating the 75th anniversary of Indian Independence. As democratic nations, our close friendship and partnership is bound by our shared liberal democratic values of respect […]
Hindu priests can go perform tervi (13th day memorial) at clients home in NSW during lockdown
I was approached by a number of Hindu priests enquiring if they can go to a clients home to perform puja and other rituals after a death in the family. I have sought clarifications from the health department and they have said that a priest can go to provide funeral and memorial service. Performances of […]
Labor’s Daniel Mookhey opposes Greens vilification of Hindus in NSW Upper House
You may be aware that a Greens party member of NSW Parliament had recently accused VHP, a Hindu not-for-profit organization of being an extremist organization. Mr Shoebridge’s allegation has been denied by the Police and VHPs work in teaching Hinduism at schools has been appreciated by the Department of Education, by the NSW Minister of […]
Mark Latham calls out Greens parties vilifications of Hindus in Australia
A Greens party member of NSW Parliament had recently accused VHP, a Hindu not-for-profit organization of being an extremist organization. Mr Shoebridge’s allegation has been denied by the Police and VHPs work in teaching Hinduism at schools has been appreciated by the Department of Education, by the NSW Minister of Multiculturalism and by MP Mark […]
Repeal the draconian criminal conviction and fine for Australian Citizens
Media Release – Repeal draconian criminal law for returning Australians from India Related Images:
Shoebridge’s Hinduphobia exposed as hollow lies and false propaganda
By: Hindu SRE Providers. A NSW Member of Parliament has made a baseless claim that Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) is a terrorist organization in NSW. The Hindu community is deeply hurt and offended by this spurious allegation. We wish to inform and assure you that the NSW Police have refuted the allegation and affirmed that […]
The Hon Ros Spence, Minister of Multicultarism, Victoria
MIC0417-Letter-to-the-Hindu-Council-of-Victoria-CBM-141469 Related Images:
Lobbying to ease Covid restrictions for Temples
By: Surinder Jain. Hindu Council of Australia has been working with other faith organizations to ask NSW government to ease restrictions on religious activities in the state in line with health safety and inline with special permissions that have been granted to sports and other activities. A multi faith group has made representations to the […]