Welcome to your new home in regional NSW | Gargi Ganguly

Regional Unity Medal sponsored by My Guardian Group

When you speak to Gargi Ganguly, her passion for her work – as well as her love of Dubbo – quickly become infectious.

Gargi arrived in the western New South Wales town in the 1990s on a job transfer, knowing no one. She set about meeting people and building connections.

“My brother supported me financially when I arrived in Australia. When I tried to repay him years later, he told me I should pay it forward,” Gargi said.

“This message became my internal compass.

“Today in Dubbo, I work so others can feel that same support.”

Gargi believes multiculturalism is one of New South Wales’ greatest strengths.

“We would be foolish not to make the most of it,” she said.

“I see my role as creating opportunities for people to get to know each other, and to thrive, both culturally and economically.

“In some ways, migrant services are even more needed in regional areas because the communities are smaller and there is less support,” she said.

She saw many migrants arrive in Dubbo to meet visa requirements, then leave for Sydney as soon as they could.

“I wanted to find ways to show people that Dubbo was not just a train station – a place to leave as soon as possible – but a great place to live and raise a family.”

As Chair of the Orana Residents of Indian Subcontinental Nations and International Director of the Rotary Club of Dubbo, Gargi has led initiatives that bring people together. She carries this commitment forward in her current role as Vice Chair of NPFGuide, where she focuses on enhancing wellbeing for community leaders. Large events like the Cross-Cultural Carnivale attract thousands of visitors with food, performances and retail. But smaller gatherings are just as important.

Gargi created monthly ‘Chai and Chat’ sessions to support migrants experiencing isolation.

The sessions combine creative activities with practical talks on topics such as parenting and accessing healthcare.

People attend for different reasons.

“For some it is to build friendships, for others to practise their English,” she said.

“But for some people, it is simply a chance to have a warm, welcoming space where they feel seen and heard.

“In a regional setting like Dubbo, that is incredibly important.”

Gargi also supports education and health initiatives, including helping migrant children transition into school.

“We support a sense of belonging by building community networks and celebrating cultural heritage through social, cultural, wellness and sporting events.

“I believe that change starts with each of us… the moment we choose to step forward and offer the support that can shift the course of someone’s life.”

Gargi Ganguly is the winner of the 2026 Regional Unity Medal.