PIA NEWS VOL.

ISSUE 23

PIA News
Vol.6

28th November, 2016

T

LETS CELEBRATE

PASSION, INTEGRITY & APNAPAN

The holy month of Rabi ul Awwal is on our doorstep and Muslim community is getting ready to
celebrate 12th Rabiul Awwal. Depending on moon sighting tomorrow the Eid e Miladu Nabi will
be 12th or 13th December.
The photographs from Matters of the Heart are now available at:
https://youtu.be/TXBMLXJz3L4
AMENDMENTS TO THE PARTNER VISA STREAM THAT OCCURRED ON 18 NOVEMBER.
From 18 November 2016, there will be limitations on approval of sponsorships for Partner and
Prospective Marriage visa applications.
Sponsors of Partner and Prospective Marriage visa applicants who lodge a visa application after
18 November 2016 will be required to:

provide Australian or foreign police checks to the department when requested; and

consent to the department disclosing their convictions for relevant offences to the visa
applicant(s).
The changes only apply where the visa application is made on or after 18 November 2016. It
does not affect applications lodged before this date.
http://www.border.gov.au/about/corporate/information/fact-sheets/30partners#a
Pakistanis in Australia Inc. is an incorporated group to support students and migrants from Pakistan in their settlement and to
initiate projects in Australia and Pakistan that promote mutual collaboration between two countries and promote a positive
image of Pakistan and Australia Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/groups/pakistanisinaustralia Twitter @PIAInc
Website: pakistanisinaustrali.wix.com/piainc

PIA NEWS VOL.6 | Issue 24

CONGRATULATIONS
MOEEN CHEEMA

ANU College of Law lecturer Moeen Cheema has been granted an Australia Awards Fellowship
to assist with reform of the criminal justice system in Pakistan. 1The Foreign Minister Julie
Bishop announced the awards earlier this week.
Mr Cheema will bring together several organisations involved in litigation, research and public
advocacy under this Fellowship program, including the Foundation for Fundamental Rights
(Islamabad), Momina Cheema Foundation (Lahore) and the Legal Aid Society (Karachi).
The program is designed to enhance the research, advocacy, public policy and law reform
oriented skills of the Fellows and the capacities of their organisations, said Mr Cheema.
The program also aims to develop a broader network of partner organisations working on
criminal justice research and reform in Pakistan.
YASMIN KHAN: QLD NATIONAL FINALIST AUSTRALIA'S LOCAL HERO 2017
Diversity champion
With an Australian heritage stretching back 130 years, Yasmin Khan creates connections and
breaks down barriers to show how Muslims have made a great contribution to our nation. In 2005,
Yasmin founded Eidfest the largest Muslim gathering in Queensland to celebrate the end of
Ramadhan and to showcase Muslim diversity and cultures. A well-known speaker, Yasmin works

Source: https://law.anu.edu.au/news-and-events/news/australia-awards-fellowship-anu-college-law%E2%80%99smoeen-cheema
2

PIA NEWS VOL.6 | Issue 24

with schools, the media and community groups to share insights into her religion and her life
experiences. Yasmin represents her community on multiple reference groups, recently being
elected as the Chair of the Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland, and is a multicultural
ambassador for the AFL and Asian Cup, and was one of the first female cricket umpires in
Queensland. A vocal commentator on domestic violence in multicultural communities, Yasmin has
established a support centre for Muslim women and women from the Indian sub- continent,
regardless of their religion. At the helm of many highly-successful events and community activities,
Yasmin continues to demonstrate why diversity makes Australia a stronger nation.
ABDULLAHI ALIM: WA FINALIST YOUNG AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR
Abdullahi came to Australia as a Somali refugee at the age of five. At 23, he is pursuing studies
through Stanford University. Now, through the Lighthouse Strategy, Abdullahi runs hackathons
fast-paced and intense exercises that bring bright young innovators together to develop
solutions to global challenges. Abdullahis approach has attracted partners from the Australian
Government to Google and the US Department of State. For example, MYHACK, an antiextremism hackathon he coordinates, has seen young Australians create cutting-edge digital
solutions to undermine the influence and pervasive appeal of violent extremist propaganda.
Abdullahis goal is to create hubs or lighthouses around the world to promote social impact and
youth entrepreneurship.
FAMAS LUNCH ON 10th DECEMBER

PIA NEWS VOL.6 | Issue 24

EVENTS IN MELBOURNE

SEASONAL CELEBRATIONS EXPLAINED CHRISTMAS, CHANUKAH &

MUHARRAM by Jewish Christian Muslim Association of Australia
Date: Sunday 4th December 201
Time: 2.00 5.30 pm
Venue: Islamic Council of Victoria, 66-68 Jeffcott St, West Melbourne | Google
maps: https://goo.gl/maps/cMxs4phknSs
Cost: $ 10, $5 concession
Our speakers are Ayesha Bux on Muharram (Muslim New Year),Irene Donohoue Clyne on
Christmas and Nomi Kaltmann on Chanukah (Jewish Festival of Lights). Learn more about
the celebrations, ask questions and meet some new friends. Everyone is invited to bring a
plate of vegetarian food appropriate for their faith celebration at this time of the year to
share with each other .
4

PIA NEWS VOL.6 | Issue 24

SBS Radio Services Review

SBS Radio has launched a public consultation on the language selection criteria it is proposing for
an SBS Radio Services Review, and we are inviting you to provide feedback.
The selection criteria will be used, in conjunction with the 2016 Census data, to determine which
languages are provided by SBS Radio services. The way in which those services will be delivered
will be determined in 2017 by SBS, taking into account changes in audience listening habits, the
need to support audience demands for anytime, anywhere news and information via digital
platforms and the changing demographics of Australias diverse communities.
The language selection criteria is due to be finalised in March 2017 with the new services to launch
before the end of 2017.
For more information and to provide feedback please visitwww.sbs.com.au/consultation during
the consultation period of 14 November to Sunday 11 December 2016.