The oldest and largest not-for-profit organisation representing Nepalese community in Victoria and was incorporated on 10 January 1997 to promote Nepalese culture, and language and play a role in multiculturalism in Victoria. Nepalese Association of Victoria (NAV) was formally registered in Victoria in 10th January 1997 with the objective to represent and protect the Nepali community’s interest, preserve the Nepalese culture and heritage whilst promoting ties between the countries. Before its formal registration, NAV was also active as an informal community group and a few people, namely Chandra Yonzon, CB Tamang, Prasad Subba, Netra B Khadka, Santosh Aryal, Surendra Man Shresta, Pradeep Pradhan and Raju Adhikari had played a proactive role towards its establishment. Ranjan Vaidya (2003 - 2007), Dr Deepak Pant (2007- 2009), Mr Bom Yonzon (2009-2014), Mr. Sudhir Shakya (2014 - 2016), Dr. Anupam Pokharel (2016 - 2018), Mr. Tara Gaire (2018-2020) ,Mr. Ram Gurung (2020-2022), and Mr. Prem Raj Upreti is current president for 2022-2024. Since its inception, NAV has gone stronger day by day with overwhelming support from the community and has now become a household name. In its founding years, NAV formulated policies, constitution, logos, and embarked on activities like celebration of national festivals (e.g. Dashain/Tihar/Nepali New Year/Teej etc.). In subsequent years, many of its initiatives such as Bal Diwas celebrations, Community radio service (Melbourne Chautari), establishing ties with many community organizations and Victoria state government are indicative of its great vision and commitment. In recent years, NAV started community engagement via publications (eMagazine and eNewsletter etc.), social media updates (Facebook, Instagram, etc.). NAV has also been recognized for playing a very proactive role in promoting and preserving multiculturalism in Victoria. NAV is also one of the pioneers of the Australian Nepalese Multicultural Community (ANMC). In recent years, NAV focus has been to drive community spirit amongst young generations through sports activities and sporting events like Badminton, Table Tennis, Golf, Basketball, Soccer, and Cricket which are now held as annual events. NAV has now established strong ties with the Victoria State Government, Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) and local councils with participating regularly on many projects in cultural, social and charitable fronts. NAV is continuing to grow in vision and activities and we all are proud of its history and legacy.
