Anniversary celebration in Adelaide (updated)

Adelaide, May 13, 2009: Resettled Bhutanese celebrated first anniversary of their arrival in Australia. About three hundred Bhutanese gathered at Olympic House at Franklin street to mark the day, showcasing their food, culture, dance and singing. The first two families had arrived South Australia on May 13 last year.

Of 7 hundred Bhutanese resettled in Australia, 3 hundred have made Adelaide their homes. They have started fresh lives in Adelaide, New South Wales, Victoria, Tamania and Darwin.

Premier Mike Rann said that he was impressed by the remarkable quality and commitment shown by Bhutanese refugees. Inaugurating the anniversary function, he said he was looking forward to know more about Bhutanese people. “The story of Australia is the story of migrant. I am myself a migrant.”

Greg Kelly, state Director at the Department of Immigration and Citizenship appreciated the communities’ contribution in Victorian Bushfire early this year.

Lately, the Bhutanese have come together to start a Bhutanese Australian Association (yet to be announced) under the chair of Ratan Gazmere, a Bhutanese rights activists back in Nepal. Ratan arrived in Adelaide three months ago with his family. He said he is happy to be here to start anew.

Five thousand exiled Bhutanese will make home in Adelaide, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania and Darwin with in five years as a part of Australian government’s commitment to resettle them. About 80 thousand will be resettled in USA, Canada, Denmark, Netherlands, New Zealand and Norway. (Contributed by Bhuwaneshor Sharma in Adelaide)