Prominent dignitaries marked their presence at the annual dinner of Subcontinent Friends of Labor

Subcontinent Friends of Labor in New South Wales hosted its annual dinner on 7th

August with the Leader of Opposition, The Hon Bill Shorten. The evening was

well attended by many community groups, individuals, state and federal MPs.

In the opening remarks Ms Kaila Murnain, NSW Labor Assistant Secretary

applauded the Subcontinent Friends of Labor (SFOL) team. Ms Murnain

highlighted the achievements of the group in the party and introduced the President

of SFOL, Dr Moninder Singh.

The President Dr Moninder Singh welcomed the guests. Mr Singh highlighted the

exemplary achievements of SCFOL group across the country. “We have been

instrumental in forming similar groups in Victoria and ACT”, he added. He

emphasised the importance and support extended by this group to various

candidates during and after elections to reach out to the community.

Blacktown, Mayor Stephen Bali welcomed the Leader of Opposition in his

Council. The Mayor Bali highlighted the valuable contribution of the subcontinent

people in his local Council. He admired the growth and multicultural environment

of in Blacktown.

Former State leader of opposition and MP from Blacktown Hon John Robertson

said, “It’s time to recognise the contribution of the subcontinent communities in

the decision making bodies”.

Mr Ejaz Khan, Vice President of SFOL was the MC of the formal part of the event

and introduced Hon Ed Husic Member for Chiefly and thanked his extended

support to SCFOL. Hon Husic, reiterated the contribution of the SFOL team to

promote Labor values. “Member of the SCFOL should be promoted to Local, State

and Federal Governments to reflect true representation of the sub-continent

communities”, he said.

Hon Bill Shorten in his speech acknowledged subcontinent communities

contribution in every walk of Australian life. He said, “The Labor fought against

the abolition of sec 18 of the Anti-Discrimination Act and raising of fees for the

Contributory Parent visa in the Parliament which could affect the life style of the

subcontinent communities in Australia”.

The highlight of the evening was the honour extended to Professor Nihal Agar

AM, President of Hindu Council of Australia who was conferred with the Member

of Order of Australia and former Premier of NSW Nathan Reece. The Hon Bill

Shorten, Leader of Opposition, presented shawls and thanked both of them for

their contribution.

Mrs Aruna Chandrala presented the Hon Bill Shorten with a plaque and miniature

statute of ‘Lord Ganesha’ the symbol of good luck, wisdom and success; chair of

women’s committee in SFOL.

Many communities supported this event SFOL secretary Mr Amarinder Bajwa

acknowledged their support. These organisations included Multicultural

Communities Council of NSW, Indian Crisis Support Agency, Sri Guru Singh

Sabha, Revesby Sikh Temple; Lions Club Blacktown, Ahmadiyya Muslim

Association Blacktown, Punjabi Council, Australian Sikh Council, Global

Women’s Network, Jeeyar Educational Trust, Unions NSW, Temple PadaYatra,

Islamic Association of Blacktown, Pakistan Association and LBY Foundation.

A number of ethnic media also attended and supported the event, these included

SBS Punjabi, SBS Urdu, Indian Down Under, Rabitah, Sada e Watan, Navtarang,

Punjabi Tribune (India), Daily Ajit Jalandhar (India), Jagbani (India), The Punjab

Herald Sydney, Punjab Express, Punjab Times, Radio SWR, Nepali Times, Asia

Times, Desi Australia and Hindi Gaurav.

Cultural performances; songs sung by Alysa and Ellie and cultural performance

from Gujarati dance group by Hiral Chabbra as well as enthralling Bhangra dance

performance by Varun Tiwari and team enhanced the celebration level.

The dinner was attended by the following state and federal MP’s, Hon Michelle

Rowland, Hon Ed Husic, State MP’s Prue Carr, Jihad Dib, Jodi Mckay, John

Robertson, Hugh McDermott, Shaoquett Moselmane MLC, Peter Primrose MLC

and Sophie Cotsis MLC.

Number of councillors attended the event from the area and beyond including the

Mayor and Councillor Stephen Bali, Khal Asfour, George Barcha, Karl Saleh,

Pierre Esber, Raj Datta and Susai Benjamin.

Kenrick Cheah, Community Relations Director; NSW Labor Party and members of

young Labor were also present at the event.

For information of any kind, contact-

Amrinder Bajwa

Secretary

Subcontinent Friends of Labour (NSW)

Ph-0421998458

scfol@outlook.com