India that is Bharat: Coloniality, Civilisation, Constitution. A physical & online event resented by Friends of India Austra & Hindu Council of Australia Book review by Shri Bala Varadarajan […]
Survey – Problems faced by Hindu Women
If you are a Hindu woman living in Australia, please take a minute to enter this survey. It will help Hindu Council of Australia to frame projects and policies to help you face these issues. Your Name (optional) : Your Email (optional): Your Phone (optional) : Your Age Group* : 18-25 years26-35 years35-60 yearsAbove 60 […]
Diwali 2018 at Federal Parliament in Canberra
Hindu Council of Australia celebrated Diwali at Australian Federal Parliament jointly with BAPS (Swaminarayan). Here is a brief video of the same. Related Images:
Religious freedom collides with anti-discrimination laws in Australia
By: Surinder Jain. Religious freedom is fundamental to Australian identity said the Australian Prime minister Scott Morrison. And Australians voted in favor of anti-discrimination laws to protect the rights of LGBT only recently. One would think that both are laudable achievements for Australia, but the future of religious freedom does not look so rosy. A […]
Donate
We are at present passing through an unprecedented flood crisis in regional NSW. Karma Kitchen and Hindu Benevolent Fund have come forward to help and support the community during this toughest crisis. May I request to provide whatever help you are able to provide for this humanitarian work. Now it is easy to make a […]
A Talk on Gita Jayanti by Prakash Mehta
A Talk on Gita Jayanti by Prakash Mehta, President, Hindu Council of Australia. Related Images:
Hindu Council activities report for 2018
Annual General Meeting of Hindu Council was held in Blacktown on 15th December 2018 and was attended by about 40 members. A report of activities for the year 2018 was presented and can be downloaded below : Download the report (15MB) Related Images:
Invitation to conduct further research about ANZAC Jawans
By : Prakash Mehta. Hindu Council of Australia has erected a cenotaph dedicated to all servicemen of Indian origin who have enrolled or served the Australian forces in World Wars. It was inaugurated with the joint efforts and support of the Department of Veteran Affairs, Hornsby Shire Council, Hornsby RSL, Hindu Council of Australia, local […]
Pauline Hanson gives thumbs up to Indian Migration to Australia
By : Surinder Jain. Pauline Lee Hanson is an Australian politician and a Senator representing the state of Queensland. She is also the founder and leader of Pauline Hanson’s One Nation Party (PHON). Despite Hanson’s repeated denials of charges of racism,[13] her views on race and immigration have been discussed widely in Australia. In her maiden […]
Addressing Global Warming through reducing meat consumption
By : Vijai Singhal. An Open letter to MPs and Senators. 3rd December, 2018 Dear Senators and MPs, As you already know, addressing Climate Change is the most important issue for humanity.The recent results of the Victorian State elections have clearly proved that Australian people want positive action on climate change. It has already resulted […]
Cumberland Holi Festival on 24th March 2019
Holi will be celebrated at Civic Park on 24th March 2019. Related Images:
Diwali celebrated in Strathfield
By : Rajeev Bhandula. Hindu Council of Australia celebrated Deepawali in Strathfield on 18th November 2018 at Strathfield Park. The event was supported by Strathfield Council. Diwali in Strathfield 2018 Over 1500 people attended from different communities including Australians and korean community. Jody Mckay Member of Parliament of state from strathfield and Gulian Vacari Mayor […]
Guru Nanak Dev Jayanti
Guru Nanak Dev Jyanti. Karthik Poornima, 23 Nov 2018 Hindu Council of Australia wishes happiness and peace with the blessings of Guru Nanak dev ji to all on the auspicious occasion of His Birthday, Gurpurab. Press Release – Guru NanakDev 550th Birth anniversary year Related Images:
SRE Teacher Training 2019 starting in a big way
By : Madya Lila. It’s great to see Hindu Council of Australia has finally been added to the Department of Education’s web page https://education.nsw.gov.au/teaching-and-learning/curriculum/learning-across-the-curriculum/religion-and-ethics/approved-sre-providers#letterH as a provider of Hinduism teachers to state schools for teaching Hinduism. We held a very successful training day on Saturday and 15 new volunteer teachers are now trained and ready […]
Samajik Samrasta Meet held in Western Australia
By : Amool Bhargava. Samajik Samrasta Meet held at Perth by HSS and HCA(WA), Wednesday, 14 Nov 18. The Hindu Swaymsewak Sangh of WA organised “Samajik Samrasta” , ie “Living in Harmony” meet at Scarborough, WA, on 14 Nov 18. The meet was attended by fifty nine representatives of twenty nine groups of various Hindu […]
Anglican Retirement Village in Sydney celebrates Diwali
The Ponds is a new suburb of Sydney situated in the North West growth corridor, where the first stage of a major shopping centre and commercial space have opened. The new suburb was designed to make the estate a new community. The first lots of land were released on 31 March 2007. There are a […]
Hindu chaplains help Hindu Women prisoners in Melbourne
By : Makaran Bhagwat, Melbourne. Hindu Council of Australia (Vic) currently has volunteer spiritual care providers (Hindu Chaplains) who have been providing their services in the health care system and are now extending it to other areas include prisons. The chaplains received following request from a female prison : A Women’s Prison in Victoria : […]
Misuse of sacred Hindu symbols and spiritual images
By : Prakash Mehta. To Brookvale Union We are disappointed that a picture has been published in SMH dated 13 Nov 2018 (copy attached) depicting the image of Ganesh – the deity that Hindus worship. Incidentally, you were kind enough to write respond to earlier similar occurrence as per your email dt 11 Nov 2013 to Prof Nihal […]
ANZAC JAWAN Cenotaph Memorial dedicated to Indian Soldiers
By : Julian Leeser, Federal MP For Berowra. Saturday 10th November 2018, Greenway Park, Cherrybrook, NSW, Australia. As the Federal Member for Berowra, and as the Chair of the Parliamentary Friends of India it is an honour and a privilege to unveil the ANZAC Jawan Memorial on the eve of the centenary of Armistice. […]
Gargi Women Awards 2019
This award is given to Australian Women who have made a significant contribution to Australia. This year, eight awards are being offered, one in each of the following categories : Sports Defense, Police, Fire, emergency services Performing and Arts Community services Education Science and Research Language and Culture Journalism Nominations are accepted online at hinducouncil.com.au/gargi […]
Hindu Council connects with UWS students for Diwali
Hindu Council of Australia has made contact with University of Western Sydney (UWS) students and had a low key Diwali sweets distribution with them on 8th November 2018. UWS is one of the premier Universities of Sydney and has over 6,000 Indian students many of them from India, studying in it. Soup The University holds […]
Hindu Council Donates to Farmers Relief Fund
Hindu Council gave a cheque for $11,000 to the Premier’s Farmers Relief Fund. Related Images:
Diwali celebrated in Parramatta
By : Surinder Jain. (Photographs by Vijay Maharaj and Dharmendra Modi) Hindu Council of Australia celebrated its 20th Diwali at Parramatta Park on 3rd and 4th November 2018. Saturday the 3rd was marked by Sri Sitarama Kalyanam and Ram Lila while Sunday the 4th was Sri Sitarama Pattabhishekam, Ram Lila, Ravan Dehan and fire works. […]
Sri Sitarama Kalyanam takes place in Sydney
Long awaited Sri Sitarama Kalyanam, i.e. celestial wedding of Lord Rama and Devi Sita was celebrated in Sydney today. The tradition of the marriage it is aid was established by Shiva Ji when he visited Bhadrachalam temple during his life which was spent defending Hindus from forced conversion. Marriage Procession through the streets of Parramatta […]
Kalyanam ceremonies being held in Sydney
By : Neelima Pravastu. The Priests and Deities arrived on 26th October 2018 at night 9 PM from Bhadrachalam along with the celebrity Kuchipudi dancer Dr Padmaja Reddy and her group. The Deities and priests were taken to host at Rohin Ji’s house on their first stay in Sydney. Pre-wedding ceremonies started next day with making of […]
Take a day off on Diwali day to celebrate it with family and friends
The Hindu Council of Australia’s South Australia chapter, is urging people to take a day off on Diwali day in Australia to pass the culture and message on to the next generation. Related Images:
Office goers crowd relishes Diwali in Sydney
By : Surinder Jain. Hindu Council of Australia celebrated Diwali festival in Martin Place, the heart of Sydney today on 31st October 2018. Martin Place is a pedestrian mall in the central business district of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Office lunch time crowd Martin Place has been described as the “civic heart” of Sydney. […]
Commemorating the Centenary of Armistice – Cenotaph at Cherrybrook NSW
By: Bhagwat Chauhan. We were working on some time to create a history, a small team of Ashwani Jain, Sanjeev Bhakri, Ashwani Sharma and Parveen Gupta were working tirelessly to build a cenotaph to recognise servicemen of Indian origin, who made ultimate sacrifice during WW I. We had special contribution of Mr Rajeev Maini (Architect) and […]
Non-Alcoholic and Vegetarian Diwali celebrated by NSW Unions
By : Surinder Jain. Unions NSW held a Diwali celebration “Unions in Unison in Divine Diwali” in the Trades Hall at Trade Union office on 26th October 2018. The event was hosted by the secretary of NSW Unions and presented by Harish Velji and Aesha of the labour Union movement. Diwali celebration in Trades Hall […]
Cherrybrook Village celebrates Diwali with Hindu Council
By : Surinder Jain. Hindu Council of Australia in association with Cherrybrook shopping centre celebrated Diwali festival inside the shopping centre on 28th October 2018. Space inside of the shopping centre was converted into a stage for performances, a Saree tying workshop, a Diya painting workshop for children, a free henna workshop and a flower […]
Low lying island nations getting submerged due to climate change
Meat production is one of the major causes of climate change and it is causing many island nations in the pacific and many Andaman islands in Indian ocean to submerge. Imagine what it means for us if our major cities and the entire nation gets submerged in the sea. This is what is happening to […]
Diwali celebrated in Rouse Hill Shopping Centre
Hindu Council of Australia celebrated Diwali festival with a fun fare and cultural program in Rouse Hill Town Shopping centre on 27th October 2018. Rouse Hill Town Centre is a shopping centre in the suburb of Rouse Hill in the Hills District of Sydney. The Village Centre is the main shopping mall with hundreds of […]
Australia Rises against Temple Attack
Australians from all walks of life have risen in anger and indignation at the desecration and vandalism of a Hindu temple in Sydney last week. Hindu community has been overwhelmed by the support shown to it by the Governments, Political leaders, Religious leaders, Mayor, Councillors and ordinary Australians. Many ordinary Australians have shown their disgust […]
Lord from Bhadrachalam arrived in Sydney for Kalyanam and Coronation
By : Sai Pravastu. A historic moment for Australia – Bhagwan Sri Rama along with Sita Devi, Lakshmana and Anjaneya Swamy from Bhadrachalam Temple, have left from Bharat and are arriving today evening in Sydney. There will be a warm welcome by our local priests and Andal group with Purna Kumbam at the host’s residence. […]
Diwali ArtSpace final 2018 Catalogue
The final catalogue of all arts entries for 2018 Diwali ArtSpace. ArtSpaceCatalogue-DAE-Catalogue-5-Online Related Images:
Labour MPs condemn temple attack
Labour Mps Message – Regents Park Temple – 2018 Related Images:
Hindu Council condemns attack at Hindu Temple in Sydney
Hindu Council of Australia expresses its pain on learning of the vandalism that occurred at the Hindu Temple in Regents Park on Sunday, 14 October 2018. Unfortunately it happened in the most holy period of Navaratri in Hindu calendar. The vandalism has caused lot of pain and anguish to the devotees. We do not have enough […]
Hindu chaplains help a Hindu women in prison
Hindu chaplaincy committee was contacted by another religions Chaplain to help a Hindu prison inmate with a beads mala and some religious books. Somesh Sibal from Hindu Council got in touch and is sending the books. Mala has already been provided by a Buddhist Chaplain. Somesh Ji will stay in touch for any further help […]
Breaking Bread with Indian Chapati in Sydney Food Festival
By:Surinder Jain. Hindu Council of Australia participated in Breaking Bread with other Australian communities as an initiative of Food Faith during the ongoing Sydney Food Festival at Hyde Park Palms on 9th October 2018. Food Faith is a not for profit organization promoting environmental and social sustainability. Sharing of bread and then breaking it to […]
Walk2Temple Paad Yatra piligrimage
By: Sai Pravastu. As the quote goes “one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind” similarly one man’s initiative to continue the tradition of pilgrimage in Australia has just reached a new milestone of 2 decades. It is true that, this year marks 20th year since this walk was started by […]
Meat Free campaign promoted by Radio Sur Sangam
Mr Vijai Singhal, director of Hindu Council of Australia was interviewed at Radio Sur Sangam 99.9 FM by Nitin Madan on the topic of 10th Anniversary of the launch of “Meat Free Day” campaign on 2nd October 2008. Related Images:
Significance of Sri Sitarama Bhadrachalam
रामो रामो राम इति प्रजनामभवन् कथााः | रामभूिं जिभूद्रमे राज्यं प्रशासति । तनत्यपश्ु पा तनत्यफलास्िरवस्र तनर्व्नर ााः | कामवशी च पजन्र याः सखु स्पशश्र च मारुिाः । Sri Vaalmeeki Ramayana – Yuddha Kanda – CXXVIII. 103, 104 Under Sri Rama’s rule, people rejoiced everywhere hailing Rama ! Rama! Rama! in jubilation and recounting his deeds; […]
Dowry abuse submission by Hindu Council of Australia
On 26 June 2018, the Senate of Australia (Upper house of Parliament) referred the practice of dowry and the incidence of dowry abuse in Australia to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee for inquiry and report by 6 December 2018. The committee’s focus is on the broad issues raised in the terms of reference […]
Be a Yajmann for Sri Sitarama Kalyanam
By:Sai Pravastu. This year during Deepavali celebrations at Parramatta on 3rd & 4th November, we are blessed by Sri SitaRama, Lakshmana and Anjaneya Swamy from Bhadrachalam (India), As you may know this year is Vilambi nama samvatsara i.e the year Lord Sri Rama was born and and it comes every 60 years. we will be […]
Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam explained to Youth Parliament of World Religions
The Youth PoWR conference was organized by the Columban Centre for Christian-Muslim Relations to bring young representatives of different religions (Buddhism, Christianity, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, and Sikh) to one platform in order to share how each of these religions are contributing towards peace in the society. Vincy Jain represented the Hindu faith and explained the […]
Farmers helped during Walkathon to Temples
Hindu Council of Australia organized a Walk to Temples event in Sydney on 29th September 2018. Funds were raised for Farmers Drought Relief efforts during the walk. According to Walk organizer Mr Sai Pravastu, $850 were raised on the first day and $540 were raised on second and final day of the walk. More funds […]
Hindu peace philosophy explained at Ahamadiya Peace Conference
By:Tara Sharma. I attended Ahmadiyya Muslim community a Peace Symposium on behalf of Hindu Council of Australia. We were also represented a few weeks back, on their function on Eid festival. It was a good experience. There were people from other faiths too like Budhists, Sikhs, Christians from two faiths. There were political leaders too […]
Ganesha Puja held in Adelaide Zoo
Hindu Council of Australia performed Ganesh Chaturathi festival in Adelaide Zoo on 13th September 2018. Related Images:
Interfaith prayers for Rain
Australia is going through a severe drought. Religious leaders of various faiths including Hindus participated in rituals to bring about rains. Hindu Priest is Pandit Prakash Pandey recited the prayers in Sanskrit. Mr Basu Banka explained the rituals and spoke at the Prayer Service. A sum of $260 was collected for Buy a Bale […]
Hindus in Victoria advise Premier on Multicultural issues
By: Makrand Bhagwat. Hindu Council of Australia Victoria is a member of the Multifaith Advisory Group under the Department of Premier and Cabinet (DPC) , which advises the Premier and the minister for multicutural affairs on faith related matters in the community. Some of the issues MAG discussed in the recent times were the Voluntary […]
Hindus participate in City2Surf for charity
By:Vikas Chopra. City2Surf is an annual run for fun event in Sydney. Eighty Thousand people took part in the annual fun run this year running/walking a stretch of 14 km from Sydney’s Hyde Park through the city’s eastern suburb to Bondi beach. Hindu organizations in Sydney and their members participated in the fun run this Sunday […]
Hindu Council in its 20th years
In 1998, five pioneer Hindus of Sydney came together, Dr Anand Lalchandani co-founder of Sri Mandir in Auburn, Dr A Balasubramaniam co-founder of Sri Venkateswara Temple in Helensburgh, Surinder Jain co-founder of Hindu Swayamsewak Sangh, Bhagwat Chauhan of VHP Australia and Mr Jagdish Raniga of Braham Kumaris. Together they founded Hindu Council of Australia. Sanjeev […]
Dalai Lama 83rd birthday celebrated
By:Prakash Mehta. ACT Tibetian community Inc. celebrated 83rd Birthday celebration of His Holy Highness Dalai Lama in Cenberra. Mr Prakash Mehta, President , Hindu Council of Australia represented Hindus in Australia in the celebrations. Related Images:
City2Surf Join Hindu team to run for fun
By:Bimal Joshi. City2Surf is a popular road running event held annually in Sydney covering a 14-kilometre course. The event is a “fun run” as well as a race, attracting both competitive runners and community participants who can choose to run or to walk. Did you know: City2Surf is the fifth-largest running event in the […]
Take a Quiz on Hindu Diaspora
Please enter your email: 1. According to the Australian census of 2016, Hinduism was the fastest growing religion of Australia? Yes/No Yes No 2. When did the first Hindus came to Australia? 2000BC 1890AD 1970AD 800AD 3. When was the first Ganesh visarjana festival held in Sydney with clay Ganesha being immersed in the ocean […]
Take a Quiz on Hindu History
Take a Quiz on Hindu History Please go to Take a Quiz on Hindu History to view the test Related Images:
Youth PoWR chooses a Hindu youth speaker
By:Vincy Jain. A Youth Parliament of World’s Religions is being held next month. Hindu council of Australia is participating as one of the organizers. Our youth member Vincy has been participating in its cabinet meetings and has sent the following report. “Our meeting was held at this year’s venue, the Soka Gakkai International in Olympic […]
New Volunteers induction
By: Bimal Joshi Hindu Council of Australia organized a Volunteer Induction for new volunteers in Sydney. The event commenced with a short presentation on HCA values and work culture including volunteering activities and benefits. It was an interactive session where HCA volunteer shared their experiences. New Volunteers Event followed by tea and snacks. It was a […]
Take a Quiz on Hindu Society and Institutions
Take a Quiz on Hindu Society and Institutions Please go to Take a Quiz on Hindu Society and Institutions to view the test Related Images:
Tributes to Prof Raja Jayraman, former Vice President
Prof Raja Jayraman is remembered by us all. He did so much work for Hindu education in schools and for promoting interfaith harmony in Australia as Vice President of Hindu Council of Australia. Tributes are still pouring in. Surinder Jain Professor Raja Jayaraman left his mortal body on last Thursday; his funeral will be at 2 pm on […]
Take a Quiz on Hindu Festivals
Test your knowledge about Hindu festivals. Please go to Take a Quiz on Hindu Festivals to view the test Related Images:
Hindu Unity Day unites Hindus in Canberra
Hindu Council of Australia invited about 15 Hindu organizations together on 16th June to discuss how can we preserve Hindu culture in Australia. Each organization spoke about what they are doing and their idea of how we can preserve our culture in Australia. There was a unanimous agreement among all gathered Hindu organizations that such […]
Hindu Council welcomes ISKCON Gauranga Prabhu
Gauranga Prabhu, disciple of H.H.Radhanath Swami Maharaja Graduated from IIT Bombay in 1993, his interest in Krishna Consciousness dawned during his college days.He moved in as a full time preacher at ISKCON Chowpatty. ISKCON is a member of Hindu Council of Australia. Mr Prabhu visited Sydney on 23rd June 2018 and held a special dinner […]
Fiji awards Hindu Council of Australia for its help during floods
Fiji was recently devastated by floods and a series of cyclones. Many people were marooned. Hindu Council of Australia had organized a drive to send materials and money to help. Fiji Counsul General in Australia, Mr Zarak Khan has awarded a Certificate of Appreciation to Hindu Council of Australia. Related Images:
Sankskrit workshop held in Sydney
By: Radhey Sharma Sydney Sanskrit School and Hindu Council of Australia arranged a two days workshop for Sanskrit lovers by Dr Jyoti Raj ji Assistant Professor Delhi University and DD Sanskrit news reader, editor and reporter. First day class was conducted at Sydney Sanskrit School in Liverpool with over 135 children, parents and other […]
Hindu Chaplaincy course in Melbourne
Hindu Council of Australia, Victoria chapter is conducting a refresher course for Hindu Chaplaincy on 23 and 30 June in Melbourne. This course is a part of an ongoing commitment by Hindu Council of Australia to increase the number of trained Hindu Chaplains in Australia. Hindu Council offers scholarships for practicing Hindus to train as […]
International Yoga Day celebrated in Sydney
By: Jay Raman IYD 2018 event continues to be successful across Australia. The day started with a sunrise yoga session at Melbourne Cricket Ground, followed by a Yoga session in the noon at Royal Adelaide Hospital. In Sydney, the event was organised at Indian Cultural Centre. The event witnessed numerous speakers/presenters touching upon various aspects […]
Take a quiz on Hindu Rituals
Please go to Take a quiz on Hindu Rituals to view the test Related Images:
Take a Quiz on Hindu Scriptures
Take a Quiz on Hindu Scriptures Please go to Take a Quiz on Hindu Scriptures to view the test Related Images:
Ram Sita Kalyanam Vivah in Parramatta 3rd November 2018
Hindu Council of Australia is celebrating Deepavali festival on 3rd and 4th of November 2018 in Parramatta Park this year also. A special attraction of this year is likely to be an elaborate performance of Rama Sita Kalyanam or Ram Sita Vivah (marriage of Ram and Sita) being planned for 3rd November in Parramatta park […]
Local government recognizes Hindu Council volunteers
Many Hindu Council members living in various local councils, give their time as a volunteer to help build the Australian community and to help Hindus integrate well in the Australian society. Cumberland Council in Sydney recently held a session to thank all its volunteers including those from Hindu Council. Related Images:
SBS TV records growth of Hinduism in Australia
SBS (State Broadcasting Services) is an Australian TV and radio network supported by Australian government and specializes in ethnic community news. Decades ago when there were very few Hindus in Australia and Internet had not been invented yet, SBS was a major (and sometimes the only) source of news and entertainment for new migrants to […]
HCA joins hands with Strathfield Council for a Diwali Art Exhibition
Hindu Council (HCA) has been approached by Strathfield council via our website. The Council said that it would like to run an Indian Art exhibition, hopefully in the theme of Diwali between Thursday, 8 November – Tuesday, 20 November 2018. The council has a professional art hanging system at High St Library and wants to […]
State of Teaching Hinduism in NSW Australia
By Vijai Singhal and Surinder Jain (Hindu Council of Australia) 1st March 2018 Apart from various temples and organizations running their own religious and scripture classes, Hinduism is being taught in primary and secondary Schools. At Primary School level (SRE) – An hour of class time is allowed in state schools per week to teach […]
Brisbane Buddhist temple appreciates Hindu Council
A Buddhist temple in Brisbane appreciates Hindu Council of Australia (HCA)’s presence at their annual Multi-Faith prayer for peace and harmony. Mr Surendra Prasad has been attending this event every year for the last 6 years on behalf of HCA. Related Images:
Hindu Council releases a Multi-faith Music CD
Hindu Council of Australia – Release of Multi-faith Music CD The Hindu Council of Australia organised a Multi-faith Music CD Release function from 4pm till 6.00pm on Saturday 1 July 2017 at Theo Notaras Multicultural Centre in Canberra. The theme of the program was “Theology and Music”. The music CD was produced by Mr Divyanshu […]
Indian Link Newspaper, HARSHAD PANDHARIPANDE reports on Hindu Council
Indian Link Newspaper, HARSHAD PANDHARIPANDE reports Hindu Council to felicitate women achievers – HCA launches the Gargi Awards for role models in various fields. [Read More…] Related Images:
VIC 2017 Report
HINDU COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA (VICTORIA) REPORT CARD 2017 HCA continues to actively participate in the Multifaith Advisory Group to the Premier of Victoria which meets on a quarterly basis. The visibility of HCA in this group is important and is now well recognised. The lamb meat ad was debated in this meeting, the video […]
Brookvale upsets us
Brookvale Union continues to upset Hindus world over with juxtaposed Hindu images The Sydney-based Brewery goes back on word, continues to circulate insensitive images of Hindu Deities <!more> 12 January 2015 Sydney: We, the members of the ‘Hindu Council of Australia’ deplore and condemn with utter dismay the […]