Dr. Sitaram Ghimire facilitating the Australia Day 2025 event.
We were privileged to have Laura Nuttall, MLA for Brindabella ACT, deliver an insightful address on the importance of Indigenous connections to land, water, and biodiversity. Her words resonated deeply with all attendees, emphasizing the need to respect and preserve these vital links that hold profound significance for Indigenous Australians.
The event was gracefully anchored by Dr. Sita Ram Ghimire, Founding Life Member and Advisor of NEPAFE, alongside Secretary and Life Member, Sujan Neupane. Their adept coordination ensured the seamless progression of the day’s activities. The proceedings commenced with a powerful Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony led by Indigenous Elder Bradley Djirabidj Bell and his family, setting a reflective and respectful tone for the day.
Embracing Indigenous Wisdom
During the nature walk, participants observed massive heaps of fuel on the forest floor—dead branches, dry leaves, and undergrowth. Indigenous community leaders guiding the walk highlighted a crucial issue: the insufficient implementation of cultural burning, an ancient practice of controlled, low-intensity fires. They articulated how the absence of this practice, rooted in deep ecological knowledge, has increased the risk of catastrophic fires.
NEPAFE Advisor Dr. Hemant Ojha emphasized the pressing need to return to traditional practices of nature protection. He noted that our shift away from these practices has had tremendous effects on nature and its intrinsic value. Dr. Ojha underscored that building resilience requires redefining how we interact with nature—not as passive observers but as active stewards guided by ecological and cultural wisdom.
This observation echoes scientific discussions where experts underscore the role of cultural burning in reducing bushfire risks and maintaining ecological balance. The event shed light on the need to rethink the conventional notion of a “reserve”—a place where human intervention is minimal or absent. With the challenges posed by rapid climate change, this notion may no longer suffice in mitigating climate risks. The combination of extreme heatwaves and erratic rainfall patterns means that our current approach to reserve management might be compounding fire risks. By prioritizing strict preservation without active management, we may unintentionally escalate risks to our own resilience.
Community Reflections and Appreciation
Participants shared great appreciation and thoroughly enjoyed the event, recognizing it as a unique opportunity organized by the Nepalese community to connect, respect, and share between migrant communities and Indigenous Australians. The event underscored the importance of nature, environment, and history—elements we all should respect and learn from. It was a testament to how cross-cultural engagement can foster a deeper understanding and collective commitment to environmental stewardship.
NEPAFE President Dr. Yakindra Timilsena highlighted the significance of the event and acknowledged the support of the National Australia Day Council, whose funding made this important gathering possible. He emphasized that such initiatives are crucial in strengthening cross-cultural connections and promoting sustainable practices.
Contributions from Honorary Member Dr. Krishna Hamal and botany enthusiast Mr. Naresh Thapa further emphasized NEPAFE’s ongoing efforts in agriculture, forestry, biodiversity conservation, and climate action. Dr. Basundhara Bhattarai, Life Member, extended heartfelt thanks to all attendees for their participation and support, reinforcing the collective spirit of the community.
A Call to Action
The event highlighted the necessity of reconfiguring our local institutional arrangements and policy frameworks to enable traditional practices like cultural burning at scale. It served as a call to action for embracing Indigenous wisdom in environmental management, crucial for building climate resilience.
By bridging the gap between traditional ecological knowledge and contemporary environmental practices, NEPAFE aims to contribute to a more sustainable future. The organization is keen to connect with individuals and groups in the Canberra region and New South Wales to further this important conversation and foster positive impacts.
A Unified Path Forward
The event saw the participation of over 80 attendees, including professionals, community members, and environmental enthusiasts. Through this gathering, NEPAFE strengthened cross-cultural understanding, deepened respect for Indigenous traditions, and reaffirmed a collective commitment to environmental sustainability.
This Australia Day celebration was not just a day of festivity but a profound reminder of the importance of honoring the land, its history, and its people. NEPAFE remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering collaboration, unity, and environmental stewardship within the community.
Gratitude and Future Endeavours
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating Australia Day in a manner that truly honors our land, its history, and its people. Together, we are building a resilient future guided by ecological and cultural wisdom.
In association with Dr. Sita Ram Ghimire, Dr. Yakindra Timilsena, PhD, MAIFST, MAICD, MICDA, Sujan Neupane, Laura Nuttall, and Indigenous leaders.
President Yakindra Timilsena with MLA Laura Nuttal and Local Ngunnawal Elder Bradley Bell
Author
Dr. Timilsena is a food scientist with more than 20 years of experience in food safety & security, quality control, food processing and product development and nutrition.
