WA World Affairs

21/08/2025

𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐮𝐫 𝐕𝐢𝐤𝐚𝐬 𝐑𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐖𝐀 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐀𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐚’𝐬 𝐑𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐭

More than two decades after migrating from India in 2000, Vikas Rambal, now worth an estimated $3.6 billion AUD, has been named the 31st richest individual in Australia according to the 2025 Australian Financial Review Rich List.

𝙁𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙀𝙣𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙤 𝙄𝙣𝙙𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙋𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙧
Starting his career at Bharat Petroleum in India, Rambal moved to Western Australia to pursue business opportunities. He identified WA’s abundant gas reserves and Indian engineering expertise as the perfect recipe for large-scale urea and ammonia production.

He built three major chemical plants on WA’s Burrup Peninsula. His latest $6.5 billion urea plant is one of Australia's largest manufacturing ventures and is expected to begin operation by 2027.

His journey faced major hurdles, failed partnerships, bankruptcy of key suppliers, cost overruns, COVID‑19 challenges, and even construction contractor collapse but through strategic patience and resilience, he secured a 25‑year gas supply deal and finalised project funding in 2023.

𝑨 𝑾𝑨 𝑺𝒖𝒄𝒄𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝑺𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒚
Rambal’s journey from migrant to billionaire is a testament to the value of resilience, strategic thinking and the opportunities Australia offers. “We didn’t buy businesses, we built them,” he told SBS Hindi in a recent interview.

WAWA will continue to bring you in‑depth coverage on influential migrant voices shaping Western Australia.

Perdaman Global Services Shami AU India in Australia (Consulate General of India, Perth)

(Photo: Australian Financial Review)

18/08/2025

India in Australia (Consulate General of India, Perth) Indian Society of WA (ISWA) Federation of Indian Associations of WA Inc Rajyashree Saklani Malaviya Dr Jags MLA Yaz Mubarakai Sindhu Nair

On August 15, 2025, India celebrated its 79th Independence Day across its missions in Australia, including Perth, Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. The day began with ceremonial hoisting of the…

18/08/2025

𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐀𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞

The India Day Parade 2025 at Esplanade Park, Fremantle was a spectacular celebration of India’s Independence Day. From vibrant cultural performances and traditional drums to the grand parade, the event showcased the unity, pride, and diversity of the Indian community in Western Australia.

This event was brought to the community by the Indian Society of WA (ISWA), led by President Deepak Sharma, in collaboration with the Consulate General of India, Perth and member organisations.

A true showcase of culture, community, and pride.

India in Australia (Consulate General of India, Perth) AU

16/08/2025

𝐖𝐀 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐄𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐊𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐢 𝐂𝐮𝐩 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓
In a rare moment at the Western Australia Parliament, Dr Jags Krishnan MLA, Yaz Mubarakai MLA, Hugh Jones MLA, Cr Balli Singh, Amit Khullar, Balbir Singh Bajwa, S Gurdeep Singh, Mandeep Chahal, and Raj Klara Andric MLC invited the community to the Perth Kabaddi Cup on 4 October 2025. Kabaddi, a traditional Indian sport combining agility, strategy, and teamwork, will be showcased alongside family-friendly activities like races, tug-of-war, and kids’ rides. The video of the members urging locals to attend highlights the growing interest in cultural and sporting events in WA.

Shami AU

15/08/2025

𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞: 𝐈𝐒𝐖𝐀 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝟕𝟗𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞
On 15th August 2025, India’s Independence Day was celebrated with grandeur in Western Australia this week, as the Indian Society of Western Australia (ISWA) proudly marked 79 years of independence. The celebrations kicked off at the Indian Community Centre with a ceremonial flag-hoisting, drawing the community together in a display of cultural pride and unity.

The event was organised by ISWA, led by President Deepak Sharma and his team, and was attended by distinguished guests including Dr. Jags Krishnan, MLA; Yaz Mubarakai, MLA; Patrick Hall, Mayor of Canning; and many others from the community.

Adding a creative flair, ISWA also inaugurated a children’s painting exhibition themed “India–Australia: Evolving Friendship”, highlighting young artists’ perspectives on the enduring and growing ties between the two nations.

The celebrations continue on Sunday, 17th August 2025, with the India Day Parade in Fremantle, featuring vibrant cultural performances, food stalls, and family-friendly activities. Supported by the City of Fremantle and sponsors including ANZ, Murdoch University, THEJO Australia, HSBC, SBS, and Western Union, the parade celebrates the rich heritage of India while bringing the community together in a lively showcase of Indian-Australian culture.

ISWA’s celebrations this week highlight its unwavering commitment to cultural exchange and community engagement, offering a platform for all ages to celebrate, learn, and enjoy the spirit of India in Western Australia.



Shami AU Dr Jags MLA Indian Society of WA (ISWA) Mayor Patrick Hall - City of Canning

13/08/2025

𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐀𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐚

The Parliament of Western Australia came alive this week with vibrant cultural pride as the India Day celebration marked 79 years of India’s independence. The event paid tribute to India’s journey since 15 August 1947, highlighting the shared values of democracy, multiculturalism, and friendship between Australia and India.

The celebration was graced by a distinguished gathering of leaders, including Speaker Stephen Price MLA, President of the Legislative Council Alanna Clohesy MLC, Parwinder Kaur MLC, Attorney General and Minister for Multicultural Interests Dr Tony Buti MLA, Minister for Regional Development Stephen Dawson MLC, Minister for Energy Amber-Jade Sanderson MLA, Leader of the Opposition Basil Zempilas MLA, Acting Speaker Ron Sao MLA, and a host of other parliamentary members such as Michelle Maynard MLA, Ayor Makur Chuot MLC, Kate Doust MLC, Frank Paolino MLA, Minister for Health Meredith Hammat MLA, Dr Jags Krishnan MLA, Yaz Mubarakai MLA, Minister for Creative Industries Simone McGurk MLA, Hugh Jones MLA, Geoff Baker MLA, Deputy Leader of the Opposition Libby Mettam MLA, and Kevin Michel MLA.

Consul General of India in Perth, Kajari Biswas, addressed the gathering, commending the strong ties between India and Australia and the contributions of the Indian diaspora in Western Australia.

India Day at WA Parliament underscored the growing cultural bonds between Western Australia’s Indian community and the wider public. Speeches celebrated India’s progress over 79 years, with many attendees adding to the festive spirit by wearing traditional sarees. The event was organised by the Indian Society of Western Australia (ISWA), with President Deepak Sharma and his dedicated team putting in tireless effort to bring the community together for this memorable celebration.

The festivities don’t end here. Over the weekend, we’ll bring you special coverage of the Independence Day celebrations at the Consulate General of India and the spectacular India Day Parade, so stay tuned for all the sights, sounds, and stories.



Shami AU India in Australia (Consulate General of India, Perth) Balli Singh Indian Society of WA (ISWA) Dr Jags MLA Stephen Dawson MLC Amber-Jade Sanderson Alanna Clohesy Basil Zempilas Ayor Makur Chuot Hon Kate Doust MLC Frank Paolino MLA Meredith Hammat MLA Hugh Jones MLA Geoff Baker MLA Kevin Michel MLA

11/08/2025

𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐧-𝐎𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐧 𝐃𝐮𝐨 𝐀𝐫𝐲𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐚 & 𝐘𝐚𝐬𝐡 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐡𝐦𝐮𝐤𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐀𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐚 𝐔𝟏𝟗 𝐒𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬

Cricket Australia has announced a 15-member Under-19 squad for the upcoming series against India, featuring two Indian-origin players: A***n Sharma (Victoria) and Yash Deshmukh (New South Wales). The series runs from September 21 to October 10, 2025, with three 50-over matches and two four-day games in Brisbane and Mackay.

This series is part of Cricket Australia’s long-term plan to develop young talent, giving players international experience in both white-ball and red-ball formats. It also serves as preparation for the ICC U19 World Cup in January 2026, hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia.

The squad, selected by the youth panel and state talent managers, includes five players from New South Wales. This will be the first assignment for new U19 head coach Tim Nielsen, a former Australian coach with vast international experience.

After the series, players return home to prepare for the National Under-19 Championships in December, where the final World Cup squad will be chosen.

Australia U19 squad vs India:
Simon Budge (WA), Alex Turner (VIC), Steve Hogan (QLD), Will Malajczuk (WA), Yash Deshmukh (NSW), Tom Hogan (ACT), A***n Sharma (VIC), John James (NSW), Hayden Schiller (SA), Charles Lachmund (QLD), Ben Gordon (QLD), Will Byrom (NSW), Kasey Barton (NSW), Alex Lee Young (NSW), Jayden Draper (NSW).

Stay tuned as WAWA brings you all the action and updates!

Shami AU

09/08/2025

𝐇𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐢 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐣 𝐨𝐟 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐀𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐚: 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩, 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐳𝐨𝐧𝐬
Hindi Samaj of Western Australia (HSWA) held its Annual General Meeting today, presided over by outgoing President Rupesh Kulshreshta. Under his dedicated leadership, HSWA strengthened its literary, cultural, and educational initiatives, leaving a lasting legacy that will inspire future committees.

The Treasurer’s Report was presented by Jyotsna Chhabra, who now steps into the presidency. Beginning her career young at Doordarshan, her journey has come full circle from media and communication to leading an organisation devoted to Hindi’s preservation and promotion. Her appointment has been warmly welcomed and met with great enthusiasm in the community.

Ankur Verma, outgoing Principal of Paathshala, highlighted the school’s achievements this year. A kind and passionate Hindi lover, he strengthened Paathshala’s vision and its reputation as an exemplary community language school.

In his final moments as President, Rupesh chose to close with the words of Perth's beloved poet Abhishek Mishra
"ज़िंदगी से की तिजारत, पर कमाया कुछ नहीं,
“Zindagi se ki tijarat, par kamaya kuch nahi,
कर्ज़ सब मुझ पर रहे, उस पर बकाया कुछ नहीं।
Karz sab mujh par rahe, us par bakaya kuch nahi.
बे-ज़रूरत भी मुझे कुछ लोग कर लेते हैं याद,
Be-zarurat bhi mujhe kuch log kar lete hain yaad,
बस यही हासिल है मेरा, और बचाया कुछ नहीं।"
Bas yahi hasil hai mera, aur bachaya kuch nahi.”

A reminder that life’s true gains are intangible; just being remembered is itself a reward, even if nothing material is earned or saved.

Following this, the Returning Officer announced the full quorum of the new committee: - 𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕, 𝑱𝒚𝒐𝒕𝒔𝒏𝒂 𝑪𝒉𝒉𝒂𝒃𝒓𝒂; 𝑽𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕, 𝑷𝒐𝒐𝒋𝒂 𝑩𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒘𝒂𝒋; 𝑺𝒆𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒚, 𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒂 𝑨𝒈𝒂𝒓𝒘𝒂𝒍; 𝑻𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆𝒓, 𝑰𝒍𝒂 𝑮𝒐𝒆𝒍; 𝑷𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒊𝒑𝒂𝒍, 𝑺𝒉𝒓𝒂𝒅𝒉𝒂 𝑽𝒂𝒓𝒔𝒉𝒏𝒆𝒚; 𝑽𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝑷𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒊𝒑𝒂𝒍, 𝑳𝒆𝒆𝒏𝒂 𝑴𝒊𝒔𝒉𝒓𝒂; 𝑴𝒆𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓𝒔 – 𝑫𝒆𝒆𝒑𝒕𝒊 𝑺𝒉𝒖𝒌𝒍𝒂, 𝑯𝒂𝒓𝒔𝒉 𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓𝒆, 𝑺𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓 𝑺𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒉 𝑹𝒂𝒈𝒉𝒂𝒗, 𝑨𝒌𝒉𝒊𝒍 𝑹𝒂𝒊𝒛𝒂𝒅𝒂, 𝑨𝒃𝒉𝒊𝒔𝒉𝒆𝒌 𝑴𝒊𝒔𝒉𝒓𝒂; 𝑻𝒓𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒆𝒔 – 𝑨𝒍𝒌𝒂 𝑱𝒂𝒊𝒏 & 𝑴𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒔𝒉𝒂 𝑺𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒌𝒂𝒓.

Jyotsna, as HSWA President, expressed her hope to “soar the skies with Hindi not only as an ATAR language in WA and a link to Indian heritage, but also as a gift to the wider Australian community.”

The evening concluded with the inauguration of Bharat Bharti, HSWA’s annual publication showcasing Hindi literary talent from Australia, followed by closing remarks from outgoing Secretary Aman Sharma. The event ended with a delicious spread of Indian delicacies, reflecting the warmth and hospitality for which the community is known.

WAWA proudly follows HSWA’s work and will keep you updated on their upcoming cultural and literary events.

; Shami AU India in Australia (Consulate General of India, Perth); .ies; Jyotsna Chhabra; Shradha Varshney; Pooja Bhardwaj; ; Jhankaar Deepti Shukla; Surinder Raghav; Akhil Raizada; Alka Jain; Manisha Shankar; Hindi Samaj WA

08/08/2025

𝐒𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐀𝐌 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓: 𝐀 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫

From the rhythm of classical dance to the energy of Bollywood beats, SANGAM 2025 lit up Perth with the colours of India!

Hosted by the Indian Society of Western Australia (ISWA), this celebration brought the community together in honour of India’s Independence Day. The evening was graced by the presence of Consul General Kajari Biswas, Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti, Federal MP Matt Keogh, MLA Adam Hort, MLA Basil Zempilas, Senator Dean Smith, Senator Varun Ghosh, and other dignitaries; a strong show of support for cultural diversity in WA.

The event was organised under the leadership of ISWA President Deepak Sharma, with support from the wider ISWA team, who played a key role in bringing together this celebration of culture and community.

WAWA was proud to be there to witness the energy, pride, and unity. Here’s a glimpse into the magic!

Shami AU India in Australia (Consulate General of India, Perth)Balli SinghIndian Society of WA (ISWA) Dr Jags MLA

08/08/2025

𝐈𝐧 𝐏𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬: 𝐀𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐚 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐦𝐚𝐩 – 𝐀 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭
The Australia India Business Council (AIBC), in collaboration with the Consulate General of India, Perth and The University of Western Australia, hosted a panel discussion on 7 August 2025 exploring new opportunities under the evolving Australia–India economic relationship.

Speakers included Kajari Biswas (Consul General of India, Perth), Sally Dawkins (Director, DFAT WA), and Jennifer Howell (Pro Vice Chancellor, UWA), among others.

Held at the Duxton Hotel, the event brought together government representatives, business leaders, and academics. Topics included trade, regional engagement, research collaboration, and investment.

WAWA was present to capture the event, as part of its continued coverage of Australia–India engagement initiatives.

(Photo Credit: WAWA)

Shami AU Indian Society of WA (ISWA)India in Australia (Consulate General of India, Perth)