Fijians in Bathurst

14/05/2026

Today on Girmit Day, we remember the strength, sacrifice and resilience of our Girmitiya ancestors who arrived in Fiji under the indentured labour system between 1879 and 1916. Taken far from their homeland, they endured hardship, long working hours, harsh conditions and uncertainty, yet they held firmly to their values, culture, faith and unity.

Through their perseverance and determination, they laid the foundation for future generations. Today, the descendants of those Girmitiyas have spread across the world — including here in Bathurst — excelling in education, business, healthcare, public service, sports and many other fields while continuing to honour their roots and heritage.

As we commemorate Girmit Day, we pay tribute to their struggles, courage and lasting legacy. Their journey remains a powerful reminder of resilience, hope and the importance of preserving our history for future generations.
Lest we forget.

14/05/2026

Girmit Day is deeply connected to Fiji’s history and identity. It commemorates the arrival of Indian indentured labourers, known as Girmitiyas, who came to Fiji between 1879 and 1916 to work on sugarcane plantations during British colonial rule. Despite facing many hardships, they preserved their culture, language, faith, and traditions while contributing greatly to the development of Fiji’s economy, education, and multicultural society. Girmit Day is a time for all Fijians to reflect on the sacrifices of the Girmitiyas, celebrate unity and diversity, and honour the lasting impact they have had on building modern Fiji.

09/05/2026

Mother’s Day is not only a celebration of mums, but also a reminder of the sacrifices, guidance, comfort, and unconditional love they give so selflessly. Their care shapes families, builds values, and leaves a lasting impact on every life they touch. Today we honour all mothers for being the heart of the home and the light that guides us through life.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the incredible mums around the world. 💐❤️

24/04/2026

“Lest we forget.”

ANZAC Day is more than a date on the calendar but it is a solemn moment woven into the identity of a nation. Commemorated on April 25, it marks the landing of the ANZAC troops at Gallipoli in 1915, a campaign that, despite its hardships and heavy losses, revealed extraordinary courage, endurance, and mateship. These qualities have since come to define what is often called the “ANZAC spirit”a legacy of standing strong in the face of adversity, looking out for one another, and placing service above self.

The importance of ANZAC Day lies not only in remembering those who gave their lives, but also in honouring all who have served and continue to serve in defence of peace and freedom. It invites us to pause in gratitude for sacrifices that secured the liberties we sometimes take for granted. Dawn services, moments of silence, and the laying of wreaths are not just rituals they are acts of collective memory, connecting generations across time.

In reflecting on ANZAC Day, we are reminded that remembrance is a responsibility. It calls us to carry forward the values of courage, resilience, and compassion into our everyday lives. By remembering their stories, we ensure their legacy endures not just in history books, but in the way we choose to live, support one another, and strive for a more peaceful world.

02/04/2026

Wishing everyone a blessed and joyful Easter.

This special time of the year reminds us of the true meaning of hope, renewal, and new beginnings. Easter holds deep significance as it celebrates the victory of life over death, light over darkness, and faith over fear. It encourages us to reflect on kindness, compassion, and the power of forgiveness, inspiring us to grow into better, more understanding individuals in our everyday lives.

As we celebrate Easter, may we take a moment to appreciate the love and sacrifices that shape our lives, and the relationships that bring us strength and comfort. It is a beautiful reminder to renew our hearts with positivity, spread joy to those around us, and embrace each day with gratitude and faith. May this Easter fill your homes with peace, your hearts with happiness, and your lives with countless blessings. Wishing you and your loved ones a meaningful and refreshing Easter season!

28/03/2026

Wishing you all a blessed Palm Sunday filled with peace, faith, and joy. May your heart be as open and welcoming as the people who received Jesus with palm branches, embracing love, humility, and hope in every moment. As this holy day marks the beginning of a meaningful journey, may you find strength in your faith, courage in challenges, and kindness in your actions. May peace enter your home and blessings flow into your life, today and always.

28/03/2026

With the blessings of Bhagwan Shree Ram, we were able to celebrate Ram Navmi in our own small way, to the best of our knowledge and abilities. It was a truly beautiful and heartfelt day filled with bhakti, peace, love, and togetherness, where family and friends gathered to remember and honour the divine birth of Maryada Purushottam Prabhu Shree Ram.
Ram Navmi is a sacred and special occasion for all devotees, as it reminds us of the birth of dharma, truth, compassion, humility, and righteousness in this world. Prabhu Shree Ram’s life continues to guide us on how to live with faith, patience, respect, duty, and devotion, no matter what challenges come our way. Celebrating this day is not only about marking his divine appearance, but also about reflecting on his teachings and trying to bring those values into our own lives and homes.
A heartfelt and sincere thank you to Mr. and Mrs. Salesh Chand for kindly hosting this blessed occasion and opening their home for satsang, prayer, and seva. Your generosity, warmth, and devotion helped create such a peaceful and loving atmosphere for everyone present.
We would also like to lovingly thank each and every person who helped in any way—whether through seva, preparations, cooking, singing, organising, supporting behind the scenes, or simply offering your time and effort. No contribution is ever too small in Bhagwan’s work, and every helping hand played a part in making the day so meaningful and successful.
And to everyone who came and joined us, thank you for being part of this beautiful celebration. Your presence, devotion, and support made the day even more special and memorable.
May Prabhu Shree Ram’s blessings always remain upon all of us and our families.
Jai Shree Ram 🚩

09/03/2026

Harmony Day reminds us that Australia is a beautiful blend of cultures, languages, and traditions where everyone belongs. It is a day to celebrate respect, kindness, and inclusion, and to recognise that our differences make our community stronger and richer.

On this day, we also pay our respects to the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live, learn, and work, and honour the deep history, culture, and connection that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have with this land.

When we listen to one another, learn about different cultures, and treat everyone with understanding, we build a community where harmony can truly grow. Harmony is not about being the same; it is about accepting and valuing each person for who they are. By showing compassion, friendship, and respect every day, we create a welcoming place where everyone feels valued and proud to belong.

08/03/2026

On this Women’s Day, we celebrate the strength, courage, wisdom, and compassion that women bring into the world every single day. Women are leaders, nurturers, teachers, and changemakers who inspire others through their resilience and determination.

Their ability to balance challenges with grace and to uplift those around them leaves a lasting impact on families, communities, and future generations. Every step a woman takes toward equality, kindness, and leadership creates a path for others to follow.

Today is a reminder to appreciate, respect, and empower the incredible women who continue to shape our world with their courage, dedication, and unwavering spirit.

08/03/2026

08/03/2026

Today we celebrated Holi in Bathurst for the very first time with our Fijian community. It was a beautiful gathering filled with faag, laughter, colour, and togetherness. 🌸🌈

Seeing families come together for Faag singing, and Holi celebrations reminded us how powerful our traditions are, even when we are far from our homeland. Moments like these keep our culture, devotion, and unity alive for the next generation.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who came and made this day special. Hopefully this becomes a yearly tradition in Bathurst, growing bigger every year.

Holi is not just about colours, but about love, forgiveness, devotion, and community.

Below are glimpses of our little journey — from Faag gatherings, Ramayan and Faag sittings, to today’s joyful Holi celebration. May this tradition continue to grow in Bathurst every year. 🙏🌸