Held at the Council Chambers, Mayor Cr Jodie Ashworth, CEO Fiona Weigall and Councillors were joined by Council executives and staff of Indian heritage, representatives from business, agriculture, industry, education, healthcare and emergency services from across the region for an afternoon of conversation and connection.
Cr Ashworth said the visit was a chance to build connections, share ideas and strengthen the relationship between India and East Gippsland.
“East Gippsland is a diverse region with a strong sense of community. We’re proud of the people who call this place home, including those who have come here from different parts of the world and brought their cultures, experiences and perspectives with them,” Cr Ashworth said.
“Strong communities are built when people feel welcome, have opportunities to participate and can share their knowledge and experiences with others.”
Cr Ashworth acknowledged the important contribution people of Indian heritage make to communities across Australia through their skills, businesses, professional expertise and community involvement. She also highlighted opportunities to explore connections in areas where East Gippsland has strengths, including agriculture, food production, tourism, energy and manufacturing.
“Of course, a strong relationship between communities is about much more than business and investment. One of the things I value most about East Gippsland is the way people come together to support one another,” she said.
The Consul General also addressed the room, echoing the sentiment behind the visit.
"East Gippsland represents the very best of regional Australia. A strong agricultural foundation, vibrant local businesses, beautiful natural surroundings and a welcoming community. These achievements deserve recognition, and I congratulate your leadership, your businesses, your farmers, your workers and your community organisations that contribute to Gippsland's continuing prosperity.
On this visit, I hope to learn more about the business opportunities in East Gippsland for causing stronger business ties between India and East Gippsland."
East Gippsland local Tarun Bajaj spoke at the reception. He has been a major driver of the visit and has organised a weekend of activities for Mr Rajan.
Mr Bajaj said the approach behind it was simple: take the best of one culture and share it with another.
“I often describe my role as finding the very best fun from every culture and sprinkling it into the Australian way of life. Not to change Australia. Not to compete with Australian traditions. But to add to the incredible culture that already exists here,” Mr Bajaj said.
“Multiculturalism is about sharing the very best of each culture and creating something richer together.”
“This is what multicultural Australia looks like at its best. Not separate groups living alongside one another. One community celebrating together.”
During his stay, Mr Rajan will tour local businesses, enjoy a private dinner at The Maharaja Palace and take a cruise on the Gippsland Lakes. On Saturday evening he will join the community for Diwali, the Festival of Light, at the Bairnsdale Show, a 144-year-old local event.
East Gippsland Shire Council is proud to support this year's Diwali celebrations through seed funding from its Culture and Creativity team, helping bring this first-time event to the Show program. Running from 6 pm to 10 pm on Saturday, the celebrations will showcase Indian culture through food, live performances, a fire show and fireworks set to Bollywood music.
“For me, this partnership represents far more than an event. It represents the Australia we are building together,” Mr Bajaj said.
Cr Ashworth thanked Mr Rajan for taking the time to visit.
“We look forward to maintaining an open dialogue with you and your office and exploring opportunities to strengthen our connections in the years ahead,” she said.
Everyone is welcome to join the celebrations at Diwali at the Bairnsdale Show tomorrow, 7 November which Council is proud to support.