SAMAA JB 2010 Report

Nov 9, 2010 by admin

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South Asian Muslim Association of Australia (SAMAA) celebrated its annual event Jashne Buzurg 2010 on 20 February at Auburn Town Hall. A number of dignitaries, representatives from government agencies, community leaders alongwith large number of elderly & their families, volunteers and well wishers attended the event.

Hon Laurie Ferguson, Parliamentary secretary for Multi-Cultural affairs applauded SAMAA’s stand of not promoting its officials at a public platform and assured his support to SAMAA at the federal level.

NSW Minister for ageing Hon Paul Lynch reported alarming statistics of growth of the ageing population which would demand much higher resources even at state level. Due to the multicultural nature of NSW society, he assured SAMAA of his support for provision of culturally appropriate care to South Asian Muslims.

The guest speaker Dr Gideon Caplan, head of Geriatric medicine at Prince of Wales hospital delivered a captivating talk, highlighting the need for both medical and psychological therapies for aged. A friendly, social approach fosters a suitable environment for keeping good health during old age and thus culturally and religiously appropriate care is necessary for a multicultural society such as ours.

Auburn MP and Minister for Mental Health Hon Barbara Perry was pleased to see the progress SAMAA made by involving various aged care agencies and asked the community to support SAMAA in its efforts.

SAMAA official Mr Zahid Jamil briefed the audience about various SAMAA programmes and its efforts in accessing facilities for South Asian Muslims from various government departments. He requested the Department of health and ageing to take into consideration the complexities relating toSouth Asain Mulims during next round of Community Partners programme funding. The people of South Asian ethnicity do not only come from the subcontinent (i.e. India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan) but also from countries such as Fiji, South Africa, Malaysia, Singapore etc. Their ancestors had migrated to these countries from the subcontinent over past couple of hundred years, yet they maintained their cultural and religious traditions in their new homelands. Many of them have migrated to Australiaover past few decades. They all share strong cultural values which is evident in their family customs and lifestyle, religious practices, the food they eat, the music they listen etc. SAMAA is trying to meet religious and cultural specific needs of these elderly.

A skit entitled “Why am I Scared” thrilled the crowd depicting challenges of old age in a humorous manner.

The gathering also enjoyed delicious sub-continental cuisine. After the dinner SAMAA officials and representatives from Trans Cultural Aged Care Service(TACS) and Home and Community Care (HACC) answered the queries of audience in an open forum. The evening concluded with some thrilling entertainment of songs and ghazals by famous Sydney artists including Riyaz Shah and Sania Saeed.

SAMAA is seeking donations from individuals, community organizations, businesses and corporations. There are two separate funds:

BENEVOLENT SERVICES FUND

This fund is utilized in providing voluntary services to our elderly.

ELDERLY HOME FUND

The raised funds will be utilized for building our own aged care facilities in long run.

SAMAA ACCOUNT DETAILS:

Bank : ANZ A/C Name: South Asian Muslim Association of AustraliaIncorporated.

Benevolent Services Account:
BSB: 012 081 Account Number: 901179677

Elderly Home Account:
BSB: 012 081 Account Number: 901179853

Please send you cheques payable to

“South Asian Muslim Association of Australia Inc”

to SAMAA’s addess.