Sada-e-Watan Sydney ™
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SAMAA’s Annual event & Dinner at Auburn Town Hall Sydney
South Asian Muslim
Association of Australia (SAMAA) celebrated its annual event Jashne Buzurg 2010
on 20 February at Auburn Town Hall. A number of dignitaries, representatives
from government agencies, community leaders along with large number of elderly &
their families, volunteers and well wishers attended the event.
Hon Laurie Ferguson, Parliamentary secretary for Multi-Cultural affairs
applauded SAMAA's stand of not promoting its officials at a public platform and
assured his support to SAMAA at the federal level.
NSW Minister for ageing Hon Paul Lynch reported alarming statistics of growth of
the ageing population which would demand much higher resources even at state
level. Due to the multicultural nature of NSW society, he assured SAMAA of his
support for provision of culturally appropriate care to South Asian Muslims.
The guest speaker Dr Gideon Caplan, head of Geriatric medicine at Prince of
Wales hospital delivered a captivating talk, highlighting the need for both
medical and psychological therapies for aged. A friendly, social approach
fosters a suitable environment for keeping good health during old age and thus
culturally and religiously appropriate care is necessary for a multicultural
society such as ours.
Auburn MP and Minister for Mental Health Hon Barbara Perry was pleased to see
the progress SAMAA made by involving various aged care agencies and asked the
community to support SAMAA in its efforts.
SAMAA official Mr. Zahid Jamil briefed the audience about various SAMAA
programmes and its efforts in accessing facilities for South Asian Muslims from
various government departments. He requested the Department of health and ageing
to take into consideration the complexities relating to South Asain Mulims
during next round of Community Partners programme funding. The people of South
Asian ethnicity do not only come from the subcontinent (i.e. India, Pakistan,
Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan) but also from countries such as Fiji, South
Africa, Malaysia, Singapore etc. Their ancestors had migrated to these countries
from the subcontinent over past couple of hundred years, yet they maintained
their cultural and religious traditions in their new homelands. Many of them
have migrated to Australia over past few decades. They all share strong cultural
values which is evident in their family customs and lifestyle, religious
practices, the food they eat, the music they listen etc. SAMAA is trying to meet
religious and cultural specific needs of these elderly.
A skit entitled "Why am I Scared" thrilled the crowd depicting challenges of old
age in a humorous manner.
The gathering also enjoyed delicious sub-continental cuisine. After the dinner
SAMAA officials and representatives from Trans Cultural Aged Care Service (TACS)
and Home and Community Care (HACC) answered the queries of audience in an open
forum. The evening concluded with some thrilling entertainment of songs and
ghazals by famous Sydney artists including Riyaz Shah and Sania Saeed.
SAMAA is seeking donations from individuals, community organizations, businesses
and corporations. There are two separate funds:
BENEVOLENT SERVICES FUND
This fund is utilized in providing voluntary services to our elderly.
ELDERLY HOME FUND
The raised funds will be utilized for building our own aged care facilities in
long run.
SAMAA ACCOUNT DETAILS:
Bank : ANZ A/C Name: South Asian Muslim Association of Australia Incorporated.
Benevolent Services Account:
BSB: 012 081 Account Number: 901179677
Elderly Home Account:
BSB: 012 081 Account Number: 901179853
Please send you cheques payable to
“South Asian Muslim Association of Australia Inc” to SAMAA’s address.
72 Hobart Place, Illawong NSW 2234.
If you deposit money
directly into SAMAA account, please let SAMAA know via email
(samaa.inc@hotmail.com) or phone (02
95439769).
