On 19 February 2026, a nine-member delegation from the Nepali-speaking migrant community met Hon. Zoe Bettison, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, at the State Administration Centre in Adelaide to discuss the proposed Munno Para Downs Multicultural Community Facility. The meeting was convened to present a formal appeal and to seek guidance on progressing the project through appropriate funding and planning pathways.
The delegation reflected broad community representation, including leadership, faith, women, youth, business, and diplomatic voices. Participants included Mr Puskar Poudyal as Team Lead; Mr Hari Adhikari, Program Director of Punya Foundation Inc.; Pundit Santiram Upadhaya Dhakal as Spiritual Leader; Mr Hari Sharma, Senior Community Advisor; Ms Yoga Bhattarai representing women; Mr Ram Timilsina from the local business hub; Mr Kris Poudyal as Youth Representative; Ms Tika Bhattarai as Student Representative; and Mr Dipak Dhamala, Honorary Consul of Nepal.
During the discussion, the delegation highlighted the urgent need for a culturally appropriate, safe, and accessible community space to support cultural gatherings, wellbeing programs, youth engagement, and intergenerational learning and a place of worship. The Minister acknowledged the importance of multicultural infrastructure and clarified that state grants may support multipurpose community facilities but cannot fund a Mandir. She advised the delegation to prepare separate master plans for the Mandir and the community hall to ensure eligibility.
The Minister further recommended the preparation of a comprehensive business case supported by long-term sustainability planning, strong governance frameworks, and evidence of council planning approvals. The meeting concluded in a constructive and forward-looking spirit, with the delegation discussing immediate next steps, including engaging with the council planning department and undertaking broader community consultation to progress the next stage of documentation and strengthen the proposal.
The delegation expressed sincere appreciation to Hon. Zoe Bettison for the opportunity to present the community’s agenda and for her guidance and encouragement toward advancing inclusive multicultural infrastructure.