Our Events

9th Annual General Meeting 

On 16th November, the 9th AGM was conducted electing new members of Committee of Management. The outgoing committee of management presented financial and activity report.

7th Annual General Meeting concluded

The 7th Annual General Meeting of BKBAT Inc has been concluded, electing new Committee of Management for the 2017-2018 financial year. As usual Treasurer Ms Karma Drukpa presented a financial report of the last financial year and Chairperson Jug Fafencha-Chamling presented the activities and progress report of the Association.

Almost 70% of the voting members were presented in the meeting. The outgoing Chairperson thanked all members and stakeholders for assisting in various activities of the association. 

Participation in Community Kitchen

12th September 2016

On 7th August and 11th September, the BKBAT was given opportunity to do catering of Bhutanese/Nepalese food as part of Community Kitchen project organised by the Migrant Resource Centre, North (Inc) in the Inveresk Travern. The project was sponsored by Inveresk Tavern & Big Bargain Bottle Shop. BKBAT has raised some funds for its projects. Significance of this project is not limited to fundraising only, however, it is a good opportunity to gain some useful skills such as customer services, teamwork, management and planning. Furthermore, it's an opportunity to introduce our culture and foods to wider communities.

BKBAT Inc thanks all attendees for their support and for providing an opportunity to serve you with our spicy tastes of Himalayas.

Lots of thanks to Migrant Resource Centre (North) Inc and Inveresk Tavern for providing this opportunity. BKBAT Inc highly appreciates the fantastic works of all volunteers.

5th Bhutanese soccer event completion

The 5th Interstate Soccer Tournament was successfully concluded on 6th July 2016 at Churchill Park Launceston. Ten boys and five girls teams participated the event from across Australia. The Bhutanese United Launceston Team became champion of the event from boys and Adelaide Druk Sporting club lifted the championship trophy from girls.

Congratulation to all teams for the participation. The 6th event will be held in Cairns in 2017.

Successful screening of Nepali movie for fundraising

The BKBAT and BCTN have successfully screened Nepali movie Kabbadi Kabbadi in UTAS Newnham Campus on 13th December 2015 and raised more than $1000 for the upcoming sporting event (Bhutanese Soccer Federation Championship). Thanks to all participants and volunteers.

Bhutanese Soccer Federation Championship

On 20th September 2015, representatives of both BKBAT Inc and the BCTN Inc discussed about the upcoming Interstate Bhutanese Soccer in Launceston. The meeting ended with following resolutions:
1. Six working teams will be formed consisting of representatives from both BKBAT and BCTN in equal proportion.
2. Each group will be distinct roles and responsibilities and group leader should keep record of the progress of the work.
3. On every fortnight, the team leader or team representative should brief the progress of their achievements.
4.Both BKBAT and BCTN shall bear equal responsibility and liability of the event.

5th Annual General Meeting (16th August 2015)

17th August 2015

BKBAT Inc. successfully concluded its 5th AGM and General Election today in Rocherlea Community Hall. In the meeting, BKBAT's chairperson Mr Jug Chamling Rai presented the activities report of the last financial year. 
People who have contributed to BKBAT Inc in various fields in the last financial year were felicitated with Certificate of Appreciation. BKBAT Inc thanks them and highly acknowledges their support and contribution. 
The newly nominated/elected members of the Committee of Management are as follows
1. Chairperson: Jug Chamling
2. Senior Deputy Chairperson: Harka Lachi Rai
3. Deputy Chairperson: Aita Rai
4. Public Officer: Jagat Fendwa Subba
5. Treasurer: Desh Dumi
6. Secretary: Til Baalisampang
7. Deputy secretary: Nar Rai
8. Senior group co-ordinator: Bhadri Kempacha
9. Women & Children group co-ordinator: Pranita Subba
10. Games & sports co-ordinator: Prem Pooma
11.Media co-ordinator: Sanjay Tamang
12 Cultural co-ordinator: Tekan Rungmang

 

Citizenship Test Mentoring

27 June 2015

Since 23 May 2015, BKBAT has been running Australian Citizenship Mentoring classes in Northern Suburbs Community Centre in Mowbray to assist Bhutanese people to prepare for Australian Citizenship Test. The mentoring classes will complete on 8th August 2015 covering all testable sections and doing more than 400 relevant questions and answers. The mentoring classes are being voluntarily facilitated by Aita Rai, Jug Rai and Til Baalisampang.

In past years, all participants have passed the test and now they have become Australian citizens and ended about two decades of statelessness. They are really proud to be called Bhutanese Australian.

Australian Citizenship Mentoring Class on 27th June 2015 

Refugee Week Celebration in Launceston

20/06/2015 

On 19th June 2015, Friday, the Migrant Resource Centre, North Inc organised Refugee Week Celebration co-ordination with Welcome Dinner Project with a theme of 'Celebrating a global milestone in the resettlement of refugees from Bhutan'. As Launceston is the first region to welcome refugees from Bhutan in Australia, this year's theme was best suited and relevant to Launceston. In the celebration Bhutanese people, members of wider Australian communities and members of other migrant communities shared savoury cultural dishes. Til Baalisampang and Pabitra Subba presented their settlement journey or story. Nepali dances and group photo sessions were fascinating part of the celebration. Some heart touching paintings of Issac Rai were displayed that collectively depicted his settlement journey from Bhutan to Nepal and then to Australia. How the Bhutan Army/government of Bhutan treated Nepali speaking Bhutanese and other ethnic groups are depicted in these drawings. These treatments include arrests, detention, rape, tortures and crime against humanity.

Some paintings portrayed life in Refugee camps, where we need to be in long queue for drinking water and rations. It was full of struggles and difficulties.

Some paintings describe his life in Tasmania with full of hopes, happiness and freedom and privileges to be Australian.

 

A group of BKBAT members served a savoury and popular dish 'MoMo' in Brooks High School as part of Refugee Week celebration. The BKBAT expresses special thanks to all volunteers for giving their valuable time and efforts to retain Bhutanese cultural identity in Tasmania and for consistent Bhutanese community development through co-operation, mutual relationship and connecting with members of wider Australian in Tasmania. Thanks to Brooks High School for the opportunity and co-operation.

BKBAT volunteers are preparing Momos in Brooks High School in Refugee week 2015

Relief funds sent to Earthquake victim of Nepal

20th June 2015

BKBAT raised funds from its members and members of other wider Australian communities and directly distributed it to earthquake victims of Habeli village, Sudal VDC ward number 7 in Bhaktapur Nepal. The village was chosen by BKBAT executive members on the basis of reliable medium to handover the fund and it is one of the politically and socially back-warded village as well as an urgent need of any support was required. 

Financial support was provided to each family of the village  and it is understood that they used it for buying their daily needs. The BKBAT sincerely thanked all donors for their co-operation and highly acknowledges their benevolent service.

This is the feedback response received by BKBAT after providing the support.

''We are outrageously grateful with BKBAT members who made some contribution  on our relief .We are delighted with the effort that BKBAT has made, in light of  from such a distance part of the world . Furthermore, we have produced some glimpse(photos) of fund distribution and paper of acceptance.Moreover,we have also provided consent of sharing of photos wherever BKBAT feels convenient.''

Australian Citizenship Test Mentoring

Every year Bhutanese Kirat/Buddhist Association of Tasmania (BKBAT) Inc has been organizing Australian Citizenship Test Mentoring Classes since 2012 to help Bhutanese people to prepare for Australian Citizenship Test. Most of the past participants have successfully passed the test and awarded with Australian Citizenship. The mentoring classes helped them to prepare the test and assist them to learn more about Australia and its culture. As before, the BKBAT is running Australian Citizenship Test Mentoring Classes from 23^rd May 2015. For more info please contact Jug Rai on 0470 445 817.

More info about the mentoring classes

1. The mentoring class will be conducted on every Saturday which starts from 23rd May 2015 and ends on 8th August 2015.
2. Interested person need to complete the  'Expression of Interest Form' which can be obtained by contacting Jug Rai.
3. The contents of the testable section will be explained in both English and Nepali languages.
4. Each participant will get 'Questions answers practice book' to be used during the mentoring classes and to use for the test preparation.
5. The mentoring classes will be facilitated by a group of volunteers with relevant experiences.
6. In order to help in the management of some expenses such as hall hiring and printing the practice book, each participant is expected to pay $10 dollars for the whole mentoring classes (Once only).
7. The purpose of the mentoring is not limited to help to prepare citizenship test only, but discussion about Australian culture and life style, Australian history will be done indirectly.
8. Freely available Citizenship Test Preparation resources such as book and DVD will be distributed to each participant. 
9. Every participant is expected to attend all 10 sessions (weeks) to complete the testable section.
10. Disclaimer: BKBAT does not guarantee that by participating in the mentoring classes all participants will pass the citizenship test. 

Venue: Northern Suburbs Community Centre, Dover Street Mowbray

Time: 9 am – 12 pm (Saturday)

२०१२ देखि प्रत्येक वर्ष भूटनिस किरात/बुद्धिस्ट अस्सोचिअशन ओफ तास्मनिया (BKBAT)ले भूटानी जनलाई अस्ट्रेलियन नागरिकता परिक्षा तयार गर्न अस्ट्रेलियन नागरिकता परिक्षा परामर्श कक्षाहरु सन्चालन गर्दै आएको छ | बिगतमा जस्तै, BKBATले अस्ट्रेलियन नागरिकता परिक्षा परामर्श कक्षाहरु यही २३ मे २०१५ देखि सन्चालन गर्दैछ | थप जानकारीको लागि जग राईलाई ०४७० ४४५ ८१७ मा सम्पर्क गर्नु होला |

स्थान: नोर्थेर्ण सुबुर्ब्स कोममुनिटी सेन्टर, दोवर स्ट्रीट, मोव्ब्रय

समय: ९ ए एम -१२ पी एम (सनिबार)

2015 Harmony Day Celebration 

On 20th March, the Bhutanese Kirat/Buddhist Association of Tasmania Inc took participation with food stall, cultural dance and soccer team. From the food stall, the BKBAT raised fund for its activities. The Harmony Day celebration at the University of Tasmania has been a great opportunity to showcase and share diverse cultures, foods and attires. Additionally, the soccer match of people from diverse backgrounds is always an exciting part of the celebration. The celebration highly supports the promotion of multiculturalism in Launceston. The BKBAT Inc. sincerely thanks all organizers, sponsors and funding agencies.

130th Anniversary of Mahaguru Phalgunanda

Food catering by BKBAT

On 22nd October 2014, BKBAT catered MoMo in Brooks High School. It was great fun and pleasure to share a typical Bhutanese-Nepalese MoMo with teachers and students of the school. BKBAT sincerely thanks volunteers namely, Nabin Gurung, Sarmila Chamling, Tekan Rungmang, Madhu Pooma, Dilu Baalisampang, Man Maya Rai and Tufaney Baalisampang.

Food (Momo) catering in Brooks High School on 22nd October 2014

Fund raising in Bunning Warehouse Launceston

On 19th October 2014, Bunning Warehouse Launceston had provided an opportunity to raise fund for BKBAT Inc. Nabin Gurung, Jug Rai, Ghana Awana Hangkhim, Tufaney Baalisampang, Lalita Rai and Dilu Baalisampang voluntarily took part in the successful fund raising activity. The BKBAT heartily thanks all volunteers. The BKBAT really appreciates and expresses thanks to Bunning Warehouse for playing such a kind and supportive role. Thanks to Bunning Warehouse for helping local communities. 

Fund raising in Bunning Warehouse Launceston on 19th October 2014

Farewell to John Brown

On 16th October 2014, John Ali invited BKBAT leaders in the farewell program of John Brown in MRC office. On behalf of BKBAT, Nabin Gurung and Jug Rai presented small gifts to him acknowledging his contribution to migrant communities of Launceston. He is fond of learning cultures of people from diverse background. BKBAT highly appreciates his supports given in social cohesion and integration of migrant people.

Blood Donation

On 10th October 2014 (Friday), more than 10 BKBAT volunteers donated blood in Launceston Red Cross Blood Donation Centre on the great day of 4th establishment anniversary day of BKBAT. The BKBAT has been involving in  various community activities since its establishment day. This is an inspiring activity for all migrant communities in Launceston. Special thanks to all donors.

Blood donation by BKBAT in Launceston 

Invitation to Annual General Meeting 2014

Hi everyone,

Its our pleasure to inform you that on this Saturday [19th July 2014] BKBAT Inc is having its 4th Annual General Meeting in MRC Haig Street Hall Mowbray at 10 am. All voting as well as non-voting members are informed and requested to attend it as there will be financial report presentation, activities report presentation and election of committee of management of BKBAT. Its a good opportunity to known or let know what BKBAT has done in the last financial year and what BKBAT strives to do in future.

Cheers

Australian Citizenship Mentoring 2013 by BKBAT

Australian Citizenship test mentoring organized at Northern Suburbs Community Centre for Bhutanese people was concluded on 11^th January 2014. The mentoring session was conducted once in a week with three hours session for 12 weeks.

It is known that due to high illiteracy rate in senior group of Bhutanese community, such mentoring is very important to them. It is challenging to them to pass Australian Citizenship Test, however, the participants are positive to learn and pass the test in future because of practical based mentoring.

The coaching session was also an appropriate time to share positive knowledge about how to get involved in Australian society. It helps to reduce the stress of the participants as they are stressed with reading, writing and the test. It is also found that the participants felt sense of security and belonging among each other and within the community. The mentoring was organised by Bhutanese Kirat/Buddhist Association of Tasmania (BKBAT) Inc.

For videos or photo please click HERE

One Day Bhutanese Soccer Tournament 2014

Annual Bhutanese Festival 2013 concluded

Annual Bhutanese Festival

Food handling Workshop

On 11th May 2013, BKBAT has organised Food Handling Workshop in order to help its members to be aware of food safety. It was conducted according to free online food safety training available in Launceston City council's official website, i.e.  www.launceston.imalert.com.au

BKBAT Soccer Team

On 13th April 2013, the Bhutanese Kirat/Buddhist Association of Tasmania Inc. formed a soccer team from its members and in order to have regular practice and training the team has joined Northern Tasmanian Social Soccer Association (NTSSA) on the same day. The team will play every week in Carrick with other teams of the NTSSA as well as the team member will get experience of umpiring and lineman. It is a good opportunity for all interested Bhutanese to involve in playing soccer and have mutual relationship with local clubs, have fun, exercise and representation of Bhutanese in soccer.
                 BKBAT soccer

In order to manage and lead the team properly, a four-membered team management committee is elected by BKBAT's management committee and players of the team. They are as follows:
(updated for 2013 -2014 financial year)
Team Coach: Drona Pooma Rai
Team Manager: Kamal Subba
Team Captain: Pranim Subba
Team Vice-Captain: Narayan Rimal

For more info about game 'Roster' please click HERE

Invitation

Namaskar,                                                                                               Date: 28^th February 2013

The Committee of Management of BKBAT has decided to organise a special general meeting on following venue and time to update its activities and concerns. All members are informed and requested to attend. Newly arrived families are also highly welcomed in the meeting.

Venue: MRC hall, Haig Street. Date: 16^th March 2013 (Saturday), Time: 10.15 am - 1.30 pm

For further info, please contact on 0470155370

Thank you

Nabin Gurung

 Chairperson BKBAT

नमस्कार,

BKBATको व्यवस्थापन समितिले निम्न स्थान र समयमा केही पछिल्लो गतिबिधिहरु छलफल गर्न विशेष भेला आयोजना गरेको छ | उक्त भेलामा BKBATको सम्पूर्ण सदस्यहरुलाई उपस्थित हुन जानकारी र अनुरोध गरिन्छ | नव आगन्तुक परिवारहरुलाई पनि उक्त भेलामा हार्दिक स्वागत छ |

स्थान: MRC हल, हिग स्ट्रीट मोव्ब्रय, डेट: १६ मार्च २०१३ (सनिबार), समय: १०.१५ am - १.३० pm

थप जानकारीको लागि ०४७०१५५३७० मा सम्पर्क गर्नु होला |

धन्यवाद

नबिन गुरुङ 

सभापति BKBAT

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Kirat Sewa (Prayer)

On 16th and 17th February 2013, about 50 Bhutanese people performed prayer near Lake Parangana and Invermay, Launceston (Tasmania) praying for the global peace, wellbeing of all people, nature and its elements. It is a culture of Kirat people to honour nature at least once a year wishing peace and prosperity. It is believed that god of the nature will grant high yield of crops, intellectual progress of people, cleanse of past and present sin, peace and prosperity and helps to prevent natural disasters and epidemics. We are fortunate to continue our culture and beliefs in Australia aspiring to conserve ethnic identity. It is believed that beginning of Kirat Culture in Australia would obviously add a new chapter in the cultural history of Australia and enriches its cultural diversity. 

For short video please click HERE

Picnic 2013

On first January 2013, the Bhutanese Kirat/Buddhist Association of Tasmania Inc. organized a day picnic at Trevalyn Dam. The Picnic was coincided with birthday of many resettled Bhutanese people and the great festival of Gurung people called ‘Tamu Lhosar’. For more info about it, please click here

 Citizenship Test Coaching Concluded

The BKBAT had organised Australian Citizenship Test Coaching Class for Launceston Bhutanese people who are having low level of English language literacy. It was started on 1st September and completed on 3rd November 2012. The coaching class was run weekly for ten weeks and covered all testable portions. 20 people of targetted group had attended the class. All  participants are happy with the coaching class and said that it was very useful for them to learn many things about their new country Australia.
For photos and videos please click  Here

A Special Meeting concluded

On 25th November 2012, a special meeting of the association was conducted under the chairmanship of Mr. Jagat Fendwa Subba. About fifty voting members were participated the meeting to discuss about the upcoming Annual Bhutanese Festival. The meeting decided to organize its annual festival on the first week of the January next year. At the end of the meeting, small get to gather was done for the Deusi and Bhailo team and all members who were presented on the meeting.

Day Picnic

On 16th December the Committee of management of the BKBAT Inc. decided to organise a day picnic on eve of new year celebration. All members of the association are informed and requested to attend it. An invitation letter has been sent to each family for the picnic.
Food and cold drinks will be served freely. Transport is available from following place and time if necessary.
For Invermay residents: Vinnies, Time: 9am – 9.45 am (contact: Bhagi Rai)
For Mowbray residents: Chickenfeed: 9 am – 9.45 am (contact: Desh Rai)
For Newnham residents: Mission shop: 9 am – 9.45 am (contact: Tula Bhujel)

^{हार्दिक निमन्त्रण}

^{नमस्ते,
यही आऊदो नव वर्ष 2013 जनवरी 1 (एक) तारिकका दिन भुटनिस किरात /बुद्धिस्ट एस्सोसिअसोन ओफ तस्मनिया इन्कको व्यवस्थापन समितिले त्रिभालेन डयाममा　डे पिकनिक आयोजना गर्ने निर्णय गरेको छ | सम्पूर्ण सदस्यहरुलाई सो पिकनिकमा उपस्थित हुन जानकारी र बिनम्र अनुरोध गरिन्छ | खाना र चिसो पेय पदार्थ नि:शुल्क दिईने छ | यदि आवस्यक परेमा, निम्न स्थान र समयमा　यातायातको व्यवस्था गरिएको छ |
इन्भारमयका लागि:
 भेन्निस, समय: 9 am - 9:45 am (सम्पर्क: भागी राई)
मोव्ब्रेका लागि:
चिकेनफीड पछाडी, समय: 9 am - 9:45 am (सम्पर्क: देश राई)
न्युनामका लागि:
मिसन शोप, समय: 9 am - 9.45 am (सम्पर्क: तुला भुजेल)
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"}Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all" BKBAT Inc.


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Happy Tamu Losar to all

Tamu Losar is celebrated on every 15 Poush of the Nepali calendar (in December/January). This year Losar is on 30th December 2012 on Sunday. 

Losar is the time when family members of all generations get together and exchange love and greetings.

In big cities, Gurungs come together to celebrate Tamu Losar (Gurung’s New Year) at a common place and rejoice in various cultural processions, feasting and greetings. In the old days in the villages, they gathered in courtyards to celebrate Losar. In Kathmandu, Losar is celebrated in Tundikhel ground at the city center vibrant with colorful stalls and people flooding inside on Poush 15 under Nepali Bikaram Sambat Calendar. Poush 15 marks the end of winter and start of spring that also brings warmness and charm to Tamu Losar. Gurungs all across the world celebrate Tamu Losar by organizing rallies in traditional attires and cultural programs. They also visit Buddhist shrines on that day. The days in Losar and the events are the opportunities to Nepal traveler to witness cultural heritages of the Gurung community. Gurungs (Tamu) are indigenous inhabitants of west-central parts of Nepal and some live east of Kathmandu. There are numerous clans of Gurungs, the members of which are all well known for their bravery and cultural wealth. Their warm welcome and hospitality at the Losar celebration were evident from the plates with sel roti (Nepali Bread) and Achaar (Nepali pickles) being served in the festival.  Gurungs divide time into cycles of 12 years (lohokor), to each year of which a special name is given, which is known as Barga (lho). Losar also heralds the change in ‘Lho’. According to the oriental astrological system, there are 12 lhos–garuda, serpent, horse, sheep, monkey, bird, dog, deer, mouse, cow, tiger and cat. Therefore, each year is marked by a particular animal and they are arranged in a single circle (on paper), closely following the Tibetan calendar with its’ 12 animals. In early days, when there was no calendar system in Nepal, the 12 rotation system was used to calculate peoples’ ages. As Poush 15 marks the end of winter and start of spring, Losar it traditionally celebrated for three days doing banbhoj (picnic) too. It’s a public holiday in Nepal on Tamu Losar day. Gurungs are very rich in tradition and culture. Rodhighar, Chudka, Sorathi, Ghantu and Dhori are some of their wonderful contributions of Gurung culture to Nepal. Gurungs have their own language, cultural, festivals, rituals, traditional, but are consistence with Nepali culture and values.          Women dancing in Gurung attire                Singing in Rodighar

Source: http://www.weallnepali.com/hamro-nepal/tamu-losar