Nepali Community–Run Social Organisations in Canberra, Australia ;Why Connect and Become a Member? (Part 3)
Umesh Dhakal
KNA – Canberra
Note:
This report series presents Nepali community organisations based in Canberra in a sequential manner. The numbering is for listing purposes only and does not imply hierarchy or ranking. We apologise if any organisation has been unintentionally omitted due to lack of information and will endeavour to include them in future editions. Organisations wishing to provide additional details about their work are kindly requested to share relevant information. We believe this will help your organisation reach the wider community more effectively.
Along with the growing and increasingly active Nepali community in Canberra, a number of social organisations are also operating actively. Each organisation has its own objectives and areas of focus. While they work according to their own values and principles, their shared core purpose is to serve the interests of the Nepali community, provide support, promote Nepal’s tourism, and preserve social and cultural identity.
Nepal’s Embassy to Australia is also located in Canberra, the capital city. In addition, several long-established Nepali social organisations have been working for decades to protect and promote the rights and welfare of the Nepali community.
Listed Organisations:
- Jana Samparka Samiti Australia (JSSA)
- Nepali Progressive Forum Australia (NPPFA)
- Overseas Nepali Forum Australia (ONFA)
- Overseas Nepali Contact Department Australia (PNSBA)
These organisations were established to organise Nepalis living abroad and raise awareness on contemporary political, social, and civic issues related to Nepal. They are not only active in Canberra but are also recognised under similar names in many countries around the world.
Although these organisations are indirectly associated with political ideologies related to Nepal, under Australian law, they are not permitted to engage in or conduct any political activities related to Nepal within Australia.
Primarily, these organisations focus on social and community-based activities in their respective regions, such as community picnics, blood donation programs, support and counselling for newly arrived students and those facing hardship, and fundraising to support Nepal during natural disasters and other crises.
Jana Samparka Samiti Australia (JSSA)
Jana Samparka Samiti Australia is an active organisation that has been involved in various social initiatives across Australia. It is registered as a Not-for-Profit organisation under Australian law and continues to carry out diverse community services.
Key Activities:
- Community picnics and blood donation programs
- Support and counselling for newly arrived students and those in difficult circumstances
- Financial assistance during natural disasters and emergencies in Nepal
- Advocacy for the rights and welfare of Nepalis living abroad
Those interested in becoming members and contributing to community service are encouraged to get in touch.
Contact Details:
- Central President (Australia): Suresh Gurung
- Phone: 0450 302 155
- Canberra Secretary: Kedar Chapagain
- Email: Janasamparkasamitiausgralia@gmail.com
Nepali Progressive Forum Australia (NPPFA)
NPPFA aims to organise and mobilise Nepalis living abroad to promote justice, equality, freedom, federal democracy, nationalism, and the rights and welfare of the Nepali community. The organisation is registered as a Not-for-Profit in Australia and actively conducts programs across social sectors.
The forum is committed to fostering patriotism and unity, safeguarding the rights of Nepalis abroad, and addressing community issues. It has been involved in distributing relief to the poor, disadvantaged families, families of martyrs, providing long-term assistance, supporting families unable to afford emergency medical treatment, and contributing during natural disasters in Nepal.
Key Activities:
- Promoting patriotism and unity
- Protecting the rights of Nepalis living abroad
- Relief distribution to poor, disadvantaged, and martyr families in Nepal
- Financial support for emergency medical treatment
- Assistance during natural disasters
- Cultural and public awareness programs
Those interested in joining and contributing to social work are encouraged to contact the organisation.
Contact Details:
- Central President (Australia): Mr Deepak Pandey
- Canberra President: Ramesh Belbase
- Phone: 0451 282 075
- Email: info@nppf.com.au
- Website: https://nppf.com.au/
- Facebook: NPPF Australia, NPPF ACT
Overseas Nepali Contact Department Australia (PNSBA)
To ensure effective coordination and participation of Nepalis living in Australia, the Overseas Nepali Contact Department Australia has established one Central Committee and six State Committees. The Central Committee is responsible for overall strategy development, policy direction, and national-level coordination, while the State Committees implement local programs, expand membership, conduct awareness campaigns, and maintain direct engagement with the community.
The organisation regularly conducts awareness and cultural programs targeting parents and newly arrived migrants across different states. It is particularly active in supporting students through programs focused on scam awareness, safe employment practices, job placement guidance, and providing legal and practical information.
These initiatives have significantly helped new students and migrants become more informed, secure, and self-reliant in Australia.
Through these efforts, PNSBA continues to serve as a bridge that strengthens unity among Nepalis abroad and makes their responsibility, contribution, and engagement with Nepal more organised, empowered, and effective.
Key Activities:
- National-level strategy, policy guidance, and coordination through the Central Committee
- Local program implementation, membership expansion, and awareness campaigns via State Committees
- Scam awareness, safe employment guidance, job placement support, and legal/practical information for students and newcomers
- Regular cultural and awareness programs
Contact Details:
- Canberra President: Suren Puri
- Email: act.committee@pnsba.com.au
- Phone: 0450 557 611
Overseas Nepali Forum Australia (ONFA)
This organisation is active in Canberra and has been at the forefront of various social initiatives. Registered as a Not-for-Profit organisation under Australian law, it continues to conduct a range of community-focused activities.
The forum is dedicated to fostering patriotism and unity, safeguarding the rights of Nepalis living abroad, and addressing community challenges through collective initiatives.
Key Activities:
- Promoting patriotism and unity
- Protecting the rights and welfare of Nepalis abroad
- Community-based initiatives to address social issues
- Cultural and public awareness programs
Those interested in becoming members and contributing to community service are encouraged to reach out.
Contact Details:
- Canberra President: Subas Subedi
- Facebook Page: ONF Australian Capital Territory
- Email: onfactcanberra@gmail.com
These organisations continue to play a vital role in uniting the Nepali diaspora in Australia, supporting community welfare, and strengthening Nepal-related responsibility, contribution, and engagement in a structured and effective manner.
Part 4 will feature additional organisations.
