Guthi Australia

Primary and Secondary Research

Guthi Australia envisions itself to be a centre for information of Newar cultural heritage. For this, Guthi Australia is in the process of sourcing well researched articles on various themes. Guthi Australia is also looking into the possibility of collaborating with various University departments and research centres to build up a collection of research already undertaken. At a later stage, Guthi Australia will look at undertaking primary research.

Cultural Preservation

This is Guthi Australia’s key working area connecting it to its vision of raising awareness regarding Newar cultural heritage. Guthi Australia has already undertaken Mha Puja 2009 and the 1st Guthi Australia Art Competition 2009 to spread awareness regarding the rich Newar cultural heritage. Similar programs will follow suit in 2010 with plans for a Jhwo Bhwe program, Mha Puja 2010, 2nd Guthi Australia Art Competition 2010, Rites of Passage Service and the GA Pathsala (in collaboration with Gurkha Nepalese Community). In 2011, we are working towards undertaking small-scale restoration in Kathmandu in collaboration with various authorities in Nepal such as UNESCO Kathmandu, Department of Archaeology, local municipalities, NGO’s and the community. Efforts to collect approximately $20,000 for this by 2011 are underway.

Youth Capacity Building and empowerment

Guthi Australia has also organised various youth oriented events with the youth as the target group. These events are a great way for Nepalese youth to learn more about what Guthi Australia is doing and how they can contribute in their own way. Events planned for 2010 include the 1st Guthi Australia Dance Party 2010 to be held in April (around the Easter break) and the 1st Guthi Australia Concert 2010 to be held in June/July. Both these events promise to be fresh, exciting and BIG!

Youth oriented activities

Fundraising Events

Guthi Australia is embarking on a challenging path. We aim to raise $20,000 by 2011 for restoration of small Nepali temples in Kathmandu. For this, we have a strong fundraising drive in place in 2010. Guthi Australia advocates continual support in small amounts although large lump sum amounts are appreciated as well! So, keeping in mind that the average individual can only contribute so much, we have developed a $1 a week program. The $1 a week program (as the name suggests!) is a program where an individual donates a $1 a week towards our restoration project in Nepal. These donations are in no way used for administrative expenses. In fact, our administrative offices are almost non-existent. The Executive Committee are all volunteers, Guthi Australia does not have a physical office yet and so no overhead expenses are involved. $1 a week program IS sustainable and most Nepalese and non-Nepalese can commit to this amount. Guthi Australia aims to commit 400 persons to this program. This will provide us with the $20,000 amount needed to undertake the restoration project in Nepal. Other fundraising programs have also been developed for 2010 because every contribution will help Guthi Australia achieve its $20,000 target such as the Fundraising dinner to be held in mid-February.

Sporting Activities

Guthi Australia wants its members to be fit and healthy. And so, we have various sporting programs organised for 2010. For the serious players, we are setting up Guthi Australia football, basketball and cricket teams. Then there is also the Swimming Carnival that we will organise next summer to cool down! A bit of pool, and even computer game challenges for the virtual competitor will cater to just about everyone’s interests!

Integration with the Australian community

Guthi Australia believes in integrating with the Australian community while still keeping those aspects of Nepali culture that are important to the individual. Culture, after all, is interpreted by the individual. It is not rigid. It is what we make of it. For this, Guthi Australia will participate in various community events to show our support and concern for various issues that have an impact on the Australian community. Guthi Australia participated in the Manly Walk for Human Rights 2009 and in the Canterbury Council Community Tree Plantation Program in 2009. We will give this continuity in 2010. Guthi Australia will also provide opportunities for interested members and friends to donate blood through its Club Red Blood Donation Program. Our blood donation program is expected to take place every two months. We are targeting 25 donors for each session.

Forums

Guthi Australia aims to provide various groups and community organisations a platform for discussion. With this in mind, Guthi Australia has established the Guthi Australia Women’s Forum. This forum is planning to exchange skills and to raise funds through this. Possible projects in the pipeline for the women’s forum include Newar cooking lessons, blouse making, knitting, jewellery making and card making. Another important program for 2010 includes a Talk program with other Nepalese community organisations in Sydney. This will be undertaken with the main aim to understand key working areas of other organisations, possible ways of collaboration and developing efficient ways of communicating.

Information Dissemination

Guthi Australia will undertake information dissemination through its monthly Guthi Australia Snapshots. The Guthi Australia Snapshot is a monthly summary of the events that have taken place in the previous month. Guthi Australia newsletter (every 4 months) will also be released to reach a wider group of individuals. Information dissemination on Guthi Australia’s activities as well as on cultural awareness will be a focus on these publications.

Fostering ties in Nepal

Guthi Australia is working on fostering ties in Nepal on many levels. The first step has been to approach experts in Nepal to take up a position on the Guthi Australia advisory committee. The project in 2011 is the major focus for Guthi Australia with discussions underway on the exact project that Guthi Australia could undertake. Further details on this project will be updated as when details are finalised.

Organisational Development

Guthi Australia’s focus under this working area is internal development. The website is a major focus with changes in design and development to cater to Guthi Australia’s growing needs expected to take place in late 2010. Internal training for its members is also a focus .