On a quiet Saturday morning at Burwood Library, voices from across Sydney’s Nepalese community came together with one shared purpose: finding hope and solutions for challenges facing their people. The Nepalese Community Forum, held on 13 September 2025, brought more than 50 participants together, including community members, students, service providers, and government representatives.
The event was organised by Burwood Council and the Consulate of Nepal. Cr. Sukirti Bhatta attended on behalf of the Mayor of Burwood Council, alongside Hon. Sanjeev Kumar Sharma, the Consulate General of Nepal to NSW, who had first identified the need for such a gathering.
A highlight of the day was the keynote speech by Bandana Rana, an international advocate for women’s rights and gender equality. Rana is a member and former Vice-Chair of the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), and the first Nepalese national to be elected to the committee. With more than three decades of experience in advancing women’s rights, including her leadership in organisations such as ‘Saathi’ and the National Women’s Commission of Nepal, she spoke about the power of confronting silence and stigma, and encouraged the community to create safe spaces where women and young people can seek help without fear.
The forum also hosted a panel discussion that dug into the heart of the issues. Bharat Nepal, Founding President of Australia Nepal Public Link and a certified Mental Health First Aider, stressed the importance of early intervention and open conversations. Superintendent Christine McDonald, Commander at Burwood Police Area Command, spoke about building trust between the Nepalese community and law enforcement, while Ritu Vaidhya, a bilingual Health Navigator, outlined practical ways to bridge language and cultural gaps when accessing health services.
Throughout the day, several key challenges faced by young Nepalese students were discussed: visa stress and work restrictions, which left them financially pressured and mentally drained, with feelings of social isolation. Mental health stigma was a recurring theme; cultural shame often stops people from seeking professional help. Other concerns included family and domestic violence, sexual assault, and difficulties reporting crimes due to language barriers and cultural expectations. Rising living costs, limited eligibility for services, lack of proper orientation for new arrivals, and even the weight of global events back home in Nepal were also seen to impact wellbeing locally.
The discussion then turned to solutions. Participants called for practical steps, such as pre-departure booklets and arrival packs to prepare students before they land in Australia, and university open days where services can directly connect with students. They suggested translated resources and culturally safe spaces, like women-only reporting rooms at police stations, to help break barriers of fear and shame. Training community leaders in Mental Health First Aid and equipping police with cultural awareness skills were seen as vital to catching problems early, before issues escalate to crisis levels. Schools were urged to introduce education on respectful relationships and the risks of gambling, while employers were encouraged to be held accountable for fair work conditions. Networking events and community gatherings were also proposed to help newcomers feel connected and supported.
As the gathering ended, what stood out was not only the seriousness of the challenges but the determination of a community ready to face them. The Nepalese Community Forum reminded everyone that real change begins when people come together, listen, and act, with empathy leading the way. That is how a diaspora becomes a community. One practical step at a time.
