Nepali Community Organisations in Canberra, Australia — Why Engagement and Membership Matter (Part 4)

Umesh Dhakal

KNA – Canberra

Note:
This report series presents Nepali community organisations operating in Canberra in a sequential manner. The numbering is for identification purposes only and does not imply ranking or priority. We apologise for any organisations that may have been unintentionally omitted due to limited information and will include them in future editions. Organisations wishing to share additional details are encouraged to contact us to support accurate and inclusive coverage.

Canberra, Australia —

With the steady growth of the Nepali community in Australia’s capital, a number of social and professional organisations have become increasingly active. Although these organisations operate with distinct mandates and areas of focus, they share a common objective: to support the Nepali community, safeguard community interests, promote social and cultural identity, and contribute to Nepal’s tourism and positive international profile.

Canberra is home to the Embassy of Nepal in Australia, further strengthening the city’s importance as a centre for community coordination and engagement. Alongside this diplomatic presence, several long-established Nepali organisations have played a significant role in advocating for community wellbeing and participation over many years.

9. Nepalese Association of Agriculture, Forestry and Environment in Australia (NEPAFE)

The Nepalese Association of Agriculture, Forestry and Environment in Australia (NEPAFE) provides scientific, technical and professional support in the fields of agriculture, forestry, environment and natural resource management in both Australia and Nepal.

NEPAFE was established on 9 February 2019 following a formal workshop held in Sydney, initiated by professionals and subject experts. The organisation’s core purpose is to promote the exchange of scientific knowledge and strengthen collaboration between Nepal and Australia.

Registered with the NSW Department of Fair Trading, NEPAFE conducts academic, research and professional programs across Australia.

Key objectives include:

• Contributing to scientific research and enhancing educational quality in Nepal
• Organising scientific meetings, seminars and workshops in Australia related to agriculture, forestry, environment and policy development
• Promoting collaboration between Australian and Nepali academic and research institutions, including higher education pathways, scholarships and research partnerships
• Providing academic and technical guidance to Nepali students studying agriculture, forestry and environmental sciences in Australia
• Offering research support, policy advice, technical expertise and training programs to schools, rural municipalities and local governments in Nepal

Membership and engagement
NEPAFE provides a professional platform for practitioners, researchers and students working in agriculture, forestry, environment and natural resource sectors. Membership enables professional networking, access to current research and policy discussions, and participation in collaborative research and development initiatives between Nepal and Australia. The organisation also serves as a practical channel for Nepalis in Australia seeking to contribute technical and intellectual expertise to Nepal.

Office Bearers:

• Dr Yakindra Timilsena (VIC) – President
• Mr Sujan Neupane (ACT) – Secretary

Website: https://nepafe.org.au/executive-committee/
Facebook: NEPAFE

10. Nourish Nation Foundation

The Nourish Nation Foundation focuses on promoting healthy lifestyles, strengthening community wellbeing and empowering individuals through nutrition-based and educational initiatives.

The foundation delivers programs across Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney, Perth, Queensland and other regions, responding to the growing demand for accessible and culturally appropriate health and wellbeing services.

Guided by a vision of a healthy, inclusive and empowered society, the organisation supports people from diverse cultural backgrounds by providing education, resources and practical assistance to encourage sustainable and healthy living.

Key areas of focus include:

• Promoting nutritious and culturally diverse food choices and encouraging community engagement in healthy eating
• Delivering educational initiatives, including workshops, cooking programs and health seminars, addressing nutrition, sustainable food practices and lifestyle wellbeing
• Collaborating with local organisations to address food insecurity, promote mental and physical health, and strengthen social inclusion

These initiatives place particular emphasis on culturally and linguistically diverse communities, young people and vulnerable groups, supporting healthier, more connected and resilient communities.

Contact details:

• Phone: 0450 491 976
• Email: nourishnation.org@gmail.com
• Website: https://nourishnation.org/

Leadership:

• Dr Yakindra Timilsena – Founder and President (PhD, Food Science)
• Dr Raju Adhikari – Chief Executive Officer
• Mr Pradeep Timilsina – ACT State Coordinator

11. Recycle To Revive

Recycle To Revive promotes environmental sustainability through recycling and circular economy practices, while supporting disadvantaged communities through welfare, education and health-related initiatives.

The organisation operates with a vision of communities thriving in harmony with the environment, ensuring that no individual or group is left behind due to poverty, environmental injustice or lack of opportunity.

Core values include:

• Sustainability: Responsible use of resources to protect the environment for future generations
• Equity: Fair access to education, health and wellbeing for disadvantaged communities
• Community Empowerment: Strengthening local capacity through skills development and resource support
• Global Solidarity: Local action contributing to shared global progress

Key initiatives include:

• Reducing waste while generating positive social and environmental impact through recycling programs
• Supporting vulnerable communities with food assistance, school supplies, health materials and essential items
• Promoting sustainability and climate action through awareness campaigns and educational workshops
• Supporting education and leadership development through school programs and volunteer engagement

Recycle To Revive operates 10-cent container collection programs in Canberra, Melbourne and other locations. Funds raised support disadvantaged communities, environmental clean-up activities and climate-related initiatives.

Founder and Office Bearers:

• Mr Bhaskar Regmi – Founder and President

Canberra Representatives:

• Mr Sujan Neupane
• Mr Bishal Thapa
• Mr Amrit Sharma
• Mr Ramesh Belbase

Website: https://recycle2revive.org/about/

Collaborative Activities

These three organisations operate both independently and collaboratively across Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania, delivering social, educational, environmental and community development programs.

Part 5 of this series will feature additional Nepali community organisations.