Bringing community together – Dubbo Nepalese Community Australia

Multicultural Not for Profit Medal, sponsored by NSW Department of Communities and Justice

Participating in blood drives, creating a language school, improving health access, organising cultural and sports event and building relationships with newcomers are all in a day’s work for the people at the Dubbo Nepalese Community Australia (DNCA).

As a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to cultural preservation and community unity in Dubbo, the group was established to serve as a ‘cultural bridge’.

“Our aim is to celebrate our Nepalese heritage while also promoting multiculturalism,” Mr Sunil Bhandari, DNCA Past President, said.

And DNCA is doing just that in their community every day. The team gives blood as part of Lifeblood’s (the Australian Red Cross blood bank) on a quarterly basis and encourages other locals to donate.

This active group is often seen calling on the Dubbo community to share and celebrate their significant events, including the Teej (Monsoon) Festival, Nepalese New Year, Holi, Dashain, and Tihar.

These events allow the Nepalese community to honour their traditions and at the same time introduce them to their new community and foster mutual respect and understanding.

They also actively volunteer in local events like Parkrun and the Dubbo Stampede.

“There are over 1,500 Nepali residents in Dubbo and the surrounding areas. Our organisation is dedicated to keeping the community connected,” Mr Bhandari said.

“Preserving our language and heritage is so important to our community. That’s why our volunteers also run the Nani-Babu Nepali Pathshala, our community language school.”

Opened in 2023, the school has enrolled more than 30 students.

DNCA also provides settlement support for those newly arrived in Dubbo. Again, in a voluntary capacity, the group takes a holistic approach to help new arrivals find essentials like housing, job placement support, and transport.

Members of DNCA also help community members learn how to swim and drive, essential skills in a regional area.

“We also assist new arrivals to adapt to their new environment and engage in health and wellbeing initiatives,” Mr Bhandari said.

“We match newcomers with established community members, who help them navigate life in Dubbo and create a sense of belonging.”

With the DNCA team’s plans to expand their education programs, develop skills building workshops, and enhance their digital engagement to reach more of the community, the future is bright for those in and moving to Dubbo, Nepalese or otherwise.

For its untiring community work, the Dubbo Nepalese Community Australia was awarded the 2025 Multicultural Not for Profit Medal.