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Australia Day Celebrations at Government House
26 January 2026
Australia Day celebrations were held at Government House following an invitation from the Governor of Victoria, bringing together community leaders, government representatives and members of Australia’s Defence Forces.
Service, Respect & Shared Responsibility
The occasion provided an opportunity to reflect on the values that unite Australians, including service, respect and shared responsibility. The celebrations included engagement with Deputy Premier Ben Carroll and senior leadership from the Australian Army, Air Force and Navy.
The professionalism, dedication and continued service of the men and women of Australia’s Armed Forces were acknowledged, recognising their vital role in protecting communities and upholding national values both at home and abroad.
The event highlighted Australia’s strength as a nation, not only through its institutions but through the everyday contributions of those who serve, support and strengthen communities.
Australia Day celebrations concluded with a shared commitment to building a fair, inclusive and resilient nation.
Hon Ben Carroll MP
Deputy Premier of Victoria (2023–present)
Minister for Education (2023–present)
Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC (2023–present)
Former Minister for Public Transport, Industry and Innovation
Former Minister for Crime Prevention and Corrections
Captain Ben Esler, RAN
Commanding Officer, HMAS Cerberus (2025–present)
Former Defence Attaché, NATO Maritime Security Centre of Excellence
Air Commodore Brett Williams, RAAF
Commander, Air Force Training Group (2025–present)
Former Commander, Air Academy, Royal Australian Air Force
Allan Hamley
Student, Defence and Strategic Studies Course, Australian Defence College (2025–present)
Former Project Director, LAND 400 Phase 2, Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group
Former Program Director, Main Battle Tank, Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group
Australia Day Reception at Government House Victoria
21 January 2026
Held this evening and graciously hosted by Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC FASSA, Governor of Victoria.
Community & Service
The Australia Day Reception at Government House Victoria brought together the Governor, Deputy Premier of Victoria Ben Carroll, distinguished members of the Armed Forces, volunteers, and leaders from Victoria’s diverse multicultural communities.
The evening highlighted the values that unite Australians—service, inclusion, and a shared commitment to community.
The event also provided an opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions and to recognise the individuals and organisations whose contributions continue to strengthen Victoria and the nation.
Why it matters
Celebrates unity and acknowledges the people and organisations strengthening Victoria’s multicultural fabric.
Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC FASSA
Governor of Victoria (2023–present)
Hon Ben Carroll MP
Deputy Premier of Victoria (2023–present)
Minister for Education (2023–present)
Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC (2023–present)
Former Minister for Public Transport, Industry and Innovation
Former Minister for Crime Prevention and Corrections
Rajat Vinayak with Hon Ben Carroll MP
Australia Day Reception at Government House Victoria
Showcasing AusInd Bridge Foundation’s next-generation leadership alongside Victoria’s Deputy Premier.
Major General Jason Blain DSC AM CSC
Head Land Systems, Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG), Department of Defence (2023–present)
Former Commander, 7th Combat Brigade, Australian Army (2020–2021)
Former Branch Head / Senior Adviser, National Security & Defence, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (c. 2018–2020)
Former Director General Force Options and Plans, Department of Defence (2016–2018)
Former Director of Military Commitments – Army (2014–2015)
Mohamed Semra
Mayor, Maribyrnong City Council (2025–present)
Councillor, Maribyrnong City Council (2024–present)
Ahmed Hassan
CEO – Youth Activating Youth
Diwali State Reception Victoria's Multicultural Celebration
19 October 2025
A vibrant celebration of culture, cuisine, and shared values between Victoria and the Indian-Australian community
A Celebration of Community & Inclusion
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
The Diwali State Reception, hosted by the Victorian Government at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre with Premier Jacinta Allan, celebrated the vibrant connection between Victoria and the Indian-Australian community.
The evening showcased the richness of Diwali through culture, cuisine and shared values, reflecting the strength of Victoria's multicultural fabric. It was a meaningful celebration of community, inclusion and collaboration.
Event Highlights
- Cultural performances celebrating Indian traditions
- Authentic Indian cuisine and traditional foods
- Engagement with Victorian government and community leaders
- Strengthening people-to-people connections
Hon. Jacinta Allan
MP — Premier of Victoria — 2023–present
MP — Member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly (Bendigo East) — 1999–present
Hon Lily D'Ambrosio
MP — Member for Mill Park (Victorian Legislative Assembly, 2006–present)
MP — Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change (2014–present)
Hon. Ros Spence
MP — Minister for Treaty and First Peoples; Minister for Agriculture; Minister for Community Sport; Minister for Carers and Volunteers — 2025–present
MP — Member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly (Kalkallo; formerly Yuroke) — 2014–present
Hon. Nick Staikos
MP — Minister for Consumer Affairs and Minister for Local Government — 2024–present
MP — Member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly (Bentleigh) — 2014–present
Hon. Enver Erdoğan
MLC — Minister for Casino, Gaming and Liquor Regulation; Minister for Corrections; Minister for Youth Justice, Government of Victoria — 2024–present
MLC — Member of the Victorian Legislative Council (Northern Metropolitan Region) — 2019–present
Hon. Bronwyn Halfpenny
MP — Parliamentary Secretary for Roads, Government of Victoria — 2024–present
MP — Parliamentary Secretary for Jobs — 2022–2024
MP — Acting Speaker, Victorian Legislative Assembly — 2023–2024
MP — Parliamentary Secretary for Workplace Safety — 2020–2022
MP — Government Whip, Legislative Assembly — 2016–2020
MP — Member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly (Thomastown) — 2010–present
Pauline Richards
MP — Member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly (Cranbourne) — 2018–present
John Mullahy
MP — Member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly (Glen Waverley) — 2022–present
Mathew Hilakari
MP — Member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly (Point Cook) — 2022–present
Vivienne (Viv) Nguyen AM
Chair, Victorian Multicultural Commission
Chair, Victorian Multicultural Commission
Community Connection & Government Support
The Diwali State Reception demonstrates Victoria's strong commitment to celebrating cultural diversity and fostering inclusive communities. The presence of multiple government leaders underscores the importance of Australia-India relations and the recognition of the Indian-Australian community's invaluable contributions to Victoria's multicultural society.
NALSAR Professor Felicitated at Parliament of Victoria
9 May 2025
Recognition for advancing India–Australia academic ties and Campus Startup Culture across universities.
Parliament Recognition
Melbourne, Parliament of Victoria
Prof. Srinivas Subbarao, Dean and Professor at the Department of Management Studies and Head of the International Office at NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad, was formally felicitated at the Parliament of Victoria for strengthening academic and people-to-people ties between India and Australia.
During his Melbourne visit, Prof. Subbarao engaged with policymakers, academic leaders, and institutions advancing collaboration under the Victoria India Strategy 2025–2030. His leadership in the Campus Startup Culture initiative—now sparking dialogue in Indian universities and gaining traction in Australia—was specially acknowledged.
The felicitation was hosted by Iwan Walters MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs, at Parliament of Victoria. The visit was facilitated by AusInd Bridge Foundation, led by Deepak Vinayak OAM JP, with support from Prof. Kamala Kanta Dash, Secretary of the Foundation.
Prof. Subbarao thanked Walters for the warm reception and acknowledged the pivotal role of AIBF, Deepak Vinayak OAM JP, and Prof. Dash in advancing India–Australia academic diplomacy. He also expressed gratitude to Prof. Srikrishna Deva Rao, Vice-Chancellor of NALSAR, for visionary leadership enabling NALSAR’s global engagement.
Why it matters
Highlights growing momentum in India–Australia higher-ed collaboration and shared commitment to innovation, academic excellence, and people-to-people connections.
Inspirational Visit by Dr. Kiran Bedi to Melbourne
30 April 2025
India's first woman IPS officer engages with diaspora on leadership and social reform
Dr. Kiran Bedi
First woman officer of the Indian Police Service (IPS)
Distinguished Career
Key Positions:
- Former Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry — 2016–2021
- Former Director General, Bureau of Police Research & Development (BPR&D) — until 2007
- Former Inspector General of Prisons, Tihar Jail, Delhi — 1993–mid‑1990s
- Former Civilian Police Adviser, United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations — 2003
- Founder and Chairperson, India Vision Foundation
Diaspora Engagement
Strengthening India-Australia people-to-people ties
Dr Kiran Bedi, India's first woman IPS officer and social activist, brings decades of experience in public service and social development. Her visit to Melbourne and engagement with the Indian diaspora underscores the importance of strengthening people-to-people ties between India and Australia.
Focus Areas of the Visit
Leadership
Social Reform
Governance
Youth Engagement
Visit Impact & Legacy
People-to-People Ties
Strengthening connections between Indian diaspora and homeland
Youth Inspiration
Motivating next generation of leaders in the diaspora community
Community Engagement
Promoting civic responsibility and active participation
Launch of the Parliamentarians Forum for Tech Diplomacy
21 April 2025
Advancing Responsible, Inclusive Tech in Global Diplomacy
Global Initiative Launch
A new era in technology-driven diplomacy, we were thrilled to launch the Parliamentarians Forum for Tech Diplomacy, a global initiative dedicated to fostering collaboration on the responsible and inclusive use of emerging technologies.
It was an honour to host Dylan Wight MP, Mathew Hilakari MP, and distinguished members of the Australian delegation from the Parliament of Victoria. This gathering, organised in partnership with the AusInd Bridge Foundation, brought together policymakers, business leaders, academics, and young changemakers from Australia and India.
Key Takeaway
A key takeaway from the event was the importance of tech-enabled diplomacy and inclusive leadership in shaping a better future. Drawing inspiration from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s G20 model, we explored how multi-stakeholder engagement across diverse sectors can drive positive change on the global stage.
Forum Launch Ceremony
Official launch of the Parliamentarians Forum.
Event Highlights
Multi-Stakeholder Engagement
Policymakers, business leaders, academics, and young changemakers coming together.
Tech-Enabled Diplomacy
Exploring the responsible use of emerging technologies in global relations.
Global Inspiration
Drawing from Prime Minister Modi's G20 model for inclusive leadership.
Meeting with Hon. Sanjay Seth, Minister of State for Defence, Government of India
11 September 2024
Mr. Deepak Vinayak OAM JP, our Founder and Chairperson, had the privilege of meeting Hon. Sanjay Seth, Minister of State for Defence, Government of India, at a reception hosted by the Consulate General of India in Melbourne. Their discussions spanned a wide range of topics, including strategies to further strengthen bilateral ties between India and Australia.
Such fruitful meetings play a vital role in fostering business and political relationships between the two nations, reinforcing the commitment to deepening Australia‑India cooperation across multiple sectors.
Current Positions
- Minister of State for Defence, Government of India (since June 2024)
- Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) — Ranchi, Jharkhand (since 2019, re-elected 2024)
Former Positions
- Chairman, Jharkhand State Khadi & Village Industries Board (2016–2019)
- Member, Local Board of State Bank of India (1999–2005)
Strengthening Victoria–India Relations India's Independence Day Celebrations
11 September 2024
Landmark celebrations at MCG highlight growing bilateral partnership ahead of Premier's visit to India
Historic Celebration at MCG
Uniting communities, strengthening ties
The celebration of India's Independence Day at the Melbourne Cricket Ground highlighted the enduring and growing relationship between India and Victoria. The event brought together community leaders and senior representatives of the Victorian Government, including the Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, the Hon. Ben Carroll MP, underscoring the strength of people-to-people and institutional ties.
A significant highlight was the illumination of Melbourne's iconic landmarks in the colours of the Indian tricolour, including Flinders Street Station, symbolising unity, multicultural pride and shared values. These gestures reflected Victoria's commitment to recognising the contributions of the Indian community and strengthening bilateral connections.
Premier's Upcoming Visit to India
The occasion also coincided with engagement ahead of the Hon. Jacinta Allan MP's forthcoming visit to India. A pre-departure briefing and community feedback session held at the Parliament of Victoria demonstrated the Government's inclusive approach and its focus on deepening collaboration across education, innovation, business, technology, transport, and the visitor economy.
Jacinta Allan
MP — Premier of Victoria — 2023–present
Hon Jacinta Allan, MP — Member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly (Bendigo East) — 1999–present
About the Celebration
The celebration of India's Independence Day at the Melbourne Cricket Ground highlighted the enduring and growing relationship between India and Victoria. The event brought together community leaders and senior representatives of the Victorian Government, including the Deputy Premier and Minister for Education, the Hon. Ben Carroll MP.
Landmarks Illuminated in Tricolour:
- Flinders Street Station
- Melbourne Town Hall
- Arts Centre Melbourne
- Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
Ben Carroll
- Hon. Ben Carroll, MP — Deputy Premier of Victoria — 2023–present
- Hon. Ben Carroll, MP — Minister for Education — 2023–present
- Hon. Ben Carroll, MP — Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC — 2024–present
- Former Minister for Public Transport — 2020–2023
- Former Minister for Medical Research — 2023–2024
- Former Minister for Manufacturing Sovereignty — 2022–2023
- Former Minister for Industry and Innovation — 2022–2023
- Member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly (Niddrie) — 2012–present
Event Highlights
Iconic Landmark Illumination
Flinders Street Station and other Melbourne landmarks lit in Indian tricolour colours
Community Engagement
Pre-departure briefing and feedback session at Parliament of Victoria
Bilateral Partnership
Focus on education, innovation, business, technology and transport collaboration
Victoria-India Relations Enter New Era with Premier's India Strategy Launch
13 January 2018
Deepak Vinayak OAM JP addresses historic moment at Australia India Institute
Historic Address
Deepak Vinayak OAM JP's keynote speech
Key Quote:
"This is a historic day when we witness Victoria's relationship with India entering a new era. Victoria's India Strategy is holistic. I want to congratulate the Hon. Daniel Andrews & his government for taking this forward."
- Deepak Vinayak OAM JP
At the prestigious Australia India Institute (University of Melbourne), Deepak Vinayak delivered a powerful address reflecting on India's diaspora and the strength of Victoria's personal connections with India during the launch of the Hon. Daniel Andrews India Strategy.
The event marked a significant milestone in bilateral relations, with the strategy representing a comprehensive framework to deepen economic, cultural, and educational ties between Victoria and India.
About Deepak Vinayak OAM JP
A respected community leader and advocate for Australia-India relations, Deepak Vinayak OAM JP has been instrumental in fostering cultural and economic partnerships. His contributions were recognized with the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) and appointment as a Justice of the Peace (JP).
Victoria's India Strategy Highlights
Holistic Framework
Comprehensive approach covering economic, educational, and cultural dimensions
Diaspora Engagement
Leveraging the strength of India's diaspora in Victoria
Academic Partnership
Hosted at Australia India Institute, University of Melbourne
Marty Mei
Multicultural Affairs Adviser to the Premier of Victoria — 2017–2024
Event: Victoria’s India Strategy Launch — Australia India Institute, University of Melbourne
Instrumental in community engagement strategies, supporting multicultural partnerships and Victoria–India relations alongside Hon. Ros Spence MP.
Dignitaries
- Hon. Colin Brooks, MP — Minister for Industry and Advanced Manufacturing, Government of Victoria — 2024–present
- Hon. Colin Brooks, MP — Minister for Creative Industries, Government of Victoria — 2023–present
- Former Minister for Development Victoria — 2023–2024
- Former Minister for Precincts — 2023–2024
- Former Minister for Housing — 2022–2023
- Former Minister for Multicultural Affairs — 2022–2023
- Former Minister for Child Protection and Family Services — 2022
- Former Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers — 2022
- Former Speaker of the Victorian Legislative Assembly — 2017–2022
- Member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly (Bundoora) — 2006–present