Orana Residents of Indian Sub-Continental Heritage (ORISCON Inc) board member Gargi Ganguly speaks to Dubbo Photo News about the volunteer organisation. As told to Yvette Aubusson-Foley.

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What is ORISCON?

Oriscon was established about fifteen years ago by community members as a social and cultural organisation to support migrant settlement from Indian sub continental countries into the Central West. It organised social, cultural and sporting events through voluntary contributions. Subsequently, it was officially registered as a not-for-profit community-based organisation. At the Annual General Meeting held on Sunday, March 27, a new Board was sworn in which is a requirement under the ORISCON constitution.

Who joins ORISCON?

Membership to ORISCON is open to all migrants who have their original homelands in the Indian Sub Continental nations, or the wider diaspora including Fiji, South Africa, UK etc.

What does the ORISCON Board do?

The Board works to design and implement sporting, cultural and social events in the Central West. It acts as a voice for the communities it represents. ORISCON also supports Dubbo Regional Council, and other not for profit organisations to hold events, and implement service responses to migrants.

What sorts of activities is the Board involved with?

Social, cultural, religious, sporting and healing workshops. The Board implements projects according to the identified needs within the community.

The goal is to support communities to settle and thrive in regional Australia, and more importantly, to support children and young people develop a sense of pride in their culture and identity, as they move to be part of the broader Australian community. The aim is to promote the benefits of diversity and multiculturalism. This is done while promoting and advocating for improved understanding of the needs of migrants as they make Dubbo and the Central West their home.

What role does the board play in connecting communities?

ORISCON has organised successful events over the past fifteen years to support their community and promote its interests. ORISCON has also partnered with Dubbo Regional Council to organise multicultural events in the Central West. For the past six years, it has been also organising a Cross Cultural Carnival in partnership with Western Plains Cultural Centre; last year’s event was attended by over 2000 spectators.

Why is ORISCON important to the Dubbo community?

ORISCON contributes to improve social and emotional wellbeing outcomes within the communities it represents, and works collaboratively with non-government, government and private enterprises and the business sector to foster social cohesion, harmony, peace, cultural understanding and mutual respect so that we reap social and economic benefits as an Australian community.

The organisation has not shied away from complex issues like domestic and family violence and has been part of solutions focussed forums to address these issues. It has worked with organisations like Regional Development Australia to address issues faced by migrants in Dubbo and the Central West.

It has represented the needs of migrants in national forums. It has celebrated the success of migrants in their endeavours, and assisted migrants to find their place in their new homeland.