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NEPAFE Celebrates Australia Day 2025 with Cultural Walk and Community Awareness Event

Canberra, 26 January 2025 –

The Nepalese Association of Agriculture, Forestry, and Environment in Australia (NEPAFE) successfully hosted the Australia Day 2025 celebration at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, bringing together over 55 participants from diverse backgrounds to engage in cultural exchange, environmental awareness, and community discussions.

The event, titled “Tidbinbilla Sanctuary Cultural Walk, Community Awareness & Talk Event,” was made possible through the generous support of the National Australia Day Council (NADC) and featured a series of enriching activities designed to foster Indigenous engagement, environmental sustainability, and multicultural inclusion.

 The program began with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, led by Ngunnawal Elder Bradley Djirabidj Bell and family, acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land and their deep-rooted connection to nature. Laura Nuttall MLA, the distinguished guest of the event, highlighted the importance of Indigenous perspectives in environmental conservation and encouraged migrant and CALD communities to take an active role in sustainability initiatives.

NEPAFE President, Dr. Yakindra Timilsena, addressed the gathering, emphasizing NEPAFE’s mission in promoting environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and community-driven conservation efforts. He also expressed gratitude to NADC for supporting this meaningful initiative.

 This program (NEPAFE Celebrates Australia Day 2025 with Cultural Walk and Community Awareness Event) was conceptional-directed and run by founding member (former Vice President) & Current advisor Dr. Sita Ram Ghimire. Event was coordinated by NEPAFE Secretary and Life Member, Sujan Neupane and supported by members from various communities

 The day’s activities included a guided Sanctuary Walk, where Indigenous leaders shared their knowledge of native plants, traditional land management practices, and wildlife conservation. Participants also engaged in environmental awareness discussions, with expert speakers such as Dr. Hemant Ojha (NEPAFE Advisor), Dr. Krishna Hamal (Honorary Member) and Botany enthusiast Mr. Naresh Thapa presenting on topics related to climate change, forestry, and biodiversity protection with role and efforts of NEPAFE in agriculture, forestry, biodiversity conversation underscoring the importance of environmental protection and sustainability.

The event concluded with a community refreshment and networking session, offering attendees the opportunity to exchange ideas, build connections, and discuss future environmental initiatives. The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Basundhara Bhattarai (Life Member, NEPAFE), who acknowledged the contributions of Indigenous leaders, community partners, and volunteers.

NEPAFE looks forward to expanding its environmental conservation initiatives and strengthening partnerships with Indigenous communities to promote sustainable environmental practices.

For more information about NEPAFE’s initiatives, visit https://nepafe.org.au.

 

 

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