ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2013/14 by The Committee of Management For the period 28 September 2013 to 25 September 2014

1. Management Committee A new 14-member Management Committee was elected to office uncontested at the Annual General Meeting held on Saturday 28 September 2013. The first meeting of the Committee was held at the TSCA Office on Monday, 30 September 2013. Up until September 25 2014, a total of 10 committee meetings were held with more than 80% of the members participating in the deliberations.

2. Membership 25 new members joined the Association during the 12 months under review whilst 23 members passed away during the same period. The current membership is 798 after taking into account 7 resignations and 20 terminations during this period.

Membership Growth 1991 to 2014

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

900

1000

92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14

Year Ending

Tot

al M

embe

rs

From Jul To Jun

New Members Ceased Departed

Year End Total

Incr %

1991 1992 178 0 0 179 1992 1993 62 0 0 240 35 1993 1994 31 0 1 270 13 1994 1995 31 0 3 298 10 1995 1996 38 0 2 334 12 1996 1997 81 5 5 405 21 1997 1998 58 2 8 453 12 1998 1999 59 8 7 497 10 1999 2000 55 2 7 543 9 2000 2001 62 3 6 596 10 2001 2002 106 25 4 673 13 2002 2003 73 2 12 732 9 2003 2004 61 35 11 747 2 2004 2005 33 20 9 751 1 2005 2006 34 15 12 758 1 2006 2007 46 19 9 776 2 2007 2008 31 19 15 773 0 2008 2009 58 7 15 809 5 2009 2010 45 4 18 832 3 2010 2011 38 2 14 854 3 2011 2012 33 2 27 858 0 2012 2013 37 40 27 828 -3 2013 2014 22 29 23 798 -4

3. Cultural, Women’s Day and Grand Children’s Day Celebrations Thursday 10th October 2013. Navarathri Festival was celebrated at the Strathfield Community Centre on –Prof. S. Janakiraman spoke on “Importance of Navarathri Festival”. His speech as well as the devotional songs sung by Mrs.Kanagambikai Jeganathan was greatly appreciated by the audience.

Thursday 24th October 2013. Deepavali was celebrated at Bates Street with an excellent music recital by Sivarathy and a talk by Mrs. Balam Lakshmanan followed by a sumptuous lunch provided by birthday boy Panchadcharam.

Saturday 21st December 2013. Christmas. A Carol Service to celebrate Christmas was held by the Seniors Carrington Avenue Church, Strathfield. Congregational songs were rendered by the Sydney Tamil Fellowship Seniors’ Choir. Tea and snacks were served at the end of the sessions. Presents were given to the Grandchildren by Santa Claus. Lord Mayor Bolt and spouse graced the occasion. Ably conducted by Thisairasa

Saturday 11th January 2014 - Thai Pongal Celebrations A multitalented cultural event was organized at the Homebush Boys’ High school to celebrate Thai Pongal. The Lord Mayor of Strathfield Council Daniel Bott was the chief guest. Sivarathy and her Ghanalaya Students enthralled the audience with their excellent vocal music. Bharathy spoke on Thamilar Thai Pongal. Krishna Leela by Meenakshi Venkadesan dazzled the audience. Bollywood and Bharatha Natyam dances by the students of Janani Beadle were of high caliber keeping the guests glued to the stage. Mr. Velupillai thanked the audience.

Monday 14th April 2014 The Tamil New Year (Jeya Varusham) was celebrated by TSCA in a spectacular manner at the Sydney Murugan Temple with a multitude of devotees participating in the morning Pooja. TSCA Members held a Bhajan after which Prasadam was served. We, for the first time followed this up with a New Year celebration at the Bates Street premises on Thursday 17th April. Our own Venkataraman performed a pooja and gave a talk on the Tamil New Year. It culminated with a prasadam lunch. The management committee decided that this New Year celebration at Bates Street will continue every year hereafter.

Women’s Day was celebrated at the Community Centre on 24th April 2014. Highlights of the day included opening melody by Kanagambikai, followed by a humorous drama “Sydney Vijayam”, then “Jolly Juniors” culminating in a few more songs all performed at a very highly professional level keeping the audience enthralled, mesmerized and rollicking with laughter. Well done ladies to prove a salient point on mothers day that you are a force to be reckoned with.

Grandchildren’s Day was staged at the Homebush Boy’s High School on Saturday 17th May 2014. About 40 young boys and girls displayed their musical talents on stage by performing a variety of musical instruments, vocal music and colourful dances. The Mayor of Strathfield, Cr. Daniel Bott who was the Chief Guest, presented the Award Certificates to the participants. The project was funded through grant received from the Strathfield Council.

Thursday 24th July Members' Day - Arts and Crafts Exhibition. Velupillai hosted lunch in memory of his son “Gone too soon” Visakeswaran Velupillai. The annual Arts & Craft Exhibition took place at the Strathfield Community Centre. Items on display ranged from knitted (children’s) frocks, mufflers, oil and fabric painting as well as board painting. The Chief Guest Cr. Daniel Bott, Mayor of Strathfield who opened the Exhibition was highly impressed with the quality of workmanship evident in the items on display. We are indeed thankful for the dedicated guidance given by Thisairasas and Yoga Subramaniam to make this occasion a resounding and colourful success...

4. Recreational & Welfare Activities Saturday 19th October 2013 - Visit to the Great Moscow Circus. A full complement of our members participated in this excursion to Hornsby Heights and a good time was had by all taking them back to their childhood days.

Thursday 31st October 2013 - Angel International School Pastor Sam Rajasuriyar from Manipay Sri Lanka enlightened us on the excellent service they have undertaken in Jaffna to educate our children to the highest levels possible. The audience in token of appreciation for this timely service towards Tamil Children donated financially towards its progress. Lunch was hosted by Charles and Hope Rajendram in honour of our Guest and his team.

Thursday 28th November 2013 - Dr Thavaseelan on Seniors Health Issues addressed various aspects of health and wellbeing appropriate for us seniors. It was well received and a number of questions were raised and thoughtfully answered. Prior to this Bendigo bank directors spoke on the bank services available locally. Panchadcharam also released his book Kasi Yaathirai. This was followed by lunch hosted by our birthday girl Indradevi Pathmanathan.

Thursday 12th December 2013 - Logi Mariathasan on Sky Diving for Charity. Age was no deterrent and she achieved a long time wish in front of the cameras and the Canadian press. It was followed by lunch hosted by Thambirajah and Balakrishnans.

Thursday 19th December 2013 - Geethiyaa Varman of Canada and Youtube celebrity from Canada entertained us with her melodious voice reeling off some of the latest Tamil Hits.

Thursday 9th January 2014 Dr Arjuna Sivananthan spoke on UK Tamil Diaspora and the Sri Lankan Tamil Cause. This was followed by lunch hosted by Canagasingham celebrating his birthday.

Thursday 16th January 2014 Nimalarany Rajaratnam spoke on "Rev. Xavier Thaninayagam and his contribution to Tamil"

Thursday 23rd January 2014 Rohit Ralli spoke about “FREE LEGAL ADVICE” Through their Youth and Legal Enterprise Centre. Bhavagadas Sriskanthadas spoke on “ “ “ fk;gd; fw;gidapy; jhlifa[k; mfypifa[k;; “ with dramatic effect which was followed by lunch hosted by Sivamany Nadarajah celebrating her birthday.

Rohit Ralli Legal Centre Bhavgadas dramatics Sivamany Birthday Senathirajah in Audience Thursday 30th January 2014 Charles Rajendram celebrated his birthday with Sing Song and dancing and a birthday lunch graciously provided by Hope and Charles.

Thursday 13th February 2014 N Thangarajah spoke on Ramayana’s main theme “cd; iftz;zk; m';F fz;nld; fhy; tz;zk; ,';F fz;nld;“ followed by lunch hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Thangarajah in fond memory of their “gone too soon” granddaughter Vaishnanvi.

Thursday 20th February 2014 Ambika Subramaniam celebrated her birthday with a delicious lunch for all the members present.

Thursday 27th February 2014 our regular Members Day Mr. Thirunanthakumar delivered a philosophical discourse on epidt[ ey;yJ ntz;Lk;/ On this occasion the Rasanayagam family hosted a lunch in fond memory of Dr V Rasanayagam.

Thursday 13th March 2014 Mr. V Gunaratnam spoke on “gpuhqj;jidapd;

typik“. It was followed by lunch graciously hosted by the late Mr. V M Kandiah’s family in honour of his memory.

Thursday 20th March 2014 the senior’s week celebrations commenced with Games for seniors at Airey Park, Bates St, Homebush. On this occasion S Navaratnavel celebrated his birthday with a delicious lunch.

Thursday 27th March 2014 Members' day saw the awards ceremony as the Finale for the Seniors Week. Inclement weather caused us to postpone the Soft ball Cricket Match at the Airey Park. To compensate for these members joined in to entertain those present. A remarkable exhibition of fellowship and camaraderie.

Robert Bourke, Director of Operations Strathfield Municipal Council deputised for the Mayor and presented the awards to the winners. On this occasion Lunch was hosted by the Sathiyamoorthys. Thursday 10th April 2014 Mrs. Srilankadevi Uthayakumaran spoke on ehy;tq fhl;oa md;g[ bewp/ This was followed by a lunch hosted by Nicholas Rajanayagam celebrating his birthday.

Thursday 1st May 2014 Poet Laureate Prof. M Sivachandran spoke on “ ,yf;fpak;

Vd;?”

Thursday 8th May 2014 our own Ponmailainathan spoke on “ ,ira[k; ehDk;” at the same time celebrating his 50th Wedding anniversary with his devoted and lovely wife Puvaneswary, providing us with a feast of delicious food for lunch.

Thursday 15th May 2014 Dr Puvanachandran celebrated his birthday providing us with a feast for lunch.

Thursday 22nd May 2014 Associate Professor Dr. Rohan Rajaratnam. Consultant & Interventional Cardiologist delivered a talk on "Matters of the Heart". Then Mrs. Thevakie Karunagaran launched her book “ md;gpd; MHk; “a collection of enthralling Short Stories. This was followed by lunch hosted by Dr Karunagaran celebrating his birthday. Dr Nadanachandran thanked the speaker.

Thursday 29th May 2014 the Youth Group from C3 Church Toongabbie delivered the Easter Message and hosted lunch

Thursday 5th June 2014 A Vocal Carnatic Music Concert - Chitra Nagraj and Amirthi Yogeswaran, mirdangam - Branavan

Thursday 12th June Community Services and Health Services – spoke about Tamil Carers. Dr P Sathiyalingam spoke about medical care in the North of Sri Lanka. Manonmani Thangiah hosted lunch in memory of her late husband.

Thursday 19th June 2014. Paramasamy Panchadcharam delivered a talk on "Transit of Jupiter and its Predictions"

Thursday 26th June 2014 Dr Ragavan spoke on Type 2 Diabetes and its Mangement. It was followed by Ramas Birthday Celebration and lunch hosted by Dr S Indrarajah. Navaratnavel proposed a vote of thanks.

Thursday 10th July 2014 - Members' Get Together. Nesalaladchumy Kandasamy hosted lunch in celebration of her birthday and in memory of her late husband.

Thursday 31st July 2014 - Members' Get Together. Shashi Naidu, Consultant Clinical Psychologist spoke on mental health issues for Seniors.

.

Thursday 7th August 2014 Members' Get Together. Our member Thiru Arumugam delivered a presentation on a book written by his late father Mr. Sanmugam Arumugam "Hundred Hindu Temples in Sri Lanka”

Thursday 21st August 2014 - Shri Sadguru Sharavanabava spoke on “ Md;kPfj;jpy; thH;tpay; nkyhz;ikj; jpwd;fs; ” Life Management Skills in Sprituality. Santhiran proposed a vote of thanks.

Thursday 28th August 2014 ghl;Lf;F ghl;L A gala sing song event that enthralled us all.

Thursday 4th September 2014 Sasireka Balasubramanian of Kanthalakam addressed us.

Thursday 18th September 2014 - Lunch in memory of our late member Kandiah Param Esvaran hosted by the Bridge Club. Sivasooriyar spoke on the fun loving humorous friendly and helpful Param who will be dearly missed by the members especially those of the Bridge Club.

Thursday 25th September 2014 Review of activities of the Association and BENSOC. Lunch was hosted by the family of the late Mr. S V Mudaliyar in his memory.

5. BENSOC The Benevolent Society our affiliate – the brainchild of our members at inception of TSCA held their Annual General Meeting on 3rd April 2014 having been postponed from 27th March due to a lack of quorum. The following were elected as Trustees. Samy Pasupati – President, Indrani Satkunananda – Secretary, N Thiru - Treasurer K Kalvalaiseyon – Assistant Secretary, A Perumynar - Assistant Secretary, M Balakrishnan Assistant Treasurer and K Kunaseelan Assistant Treasurer. G Santhiran and K Thanga Raja were appointed as our TSCA Representatives.

6. Yoga Classes As was confirmed by the President at the AGM, we continued with regular yoga classes on every Thursday except members day by Acharya Dhanaraj assisted by Mr. Sharma and Mrs. Sarojini Nallanthuvan. About 50 members take part in the sessions thus improving their physical fitness.

7. Indoor Games Chess, Carrom, Bridge, Scrabbles, Draughts and Table Tennis are facilitated at the Community Centre for the benefit of Members. An Indoor Games Tournament is organized so that the winners are awarded trophies in March each year to coincide with the celebrations of the Seniors’ Week. 8. Website and Photographs TSCA’s website is actively managed by Col V Ramanathan with the Weekly Journal and photo albums. Obituary Notices are promptly posted. An excellent job keeping our members and the world informed of how active we seniors are. Thankyou Rama! 9. Broad Band for Seniors - Kiosk Way back in 2011 Santhiran made a case with the Government of Australia for TSCA to be permitted to host a Computer Kiosk providing Broadband for Seniors. Since this Committee took over in September 2013, there was no request from any source to use the Kiosk facilities at our registered TSCA Office. The Committee decided to bring these computers to Bates Street for the use by our seniors every Thursday. With this move the Association contracted for a separate WI-FI mobile internet connection. The computers were installed at Bates Street on 17th July 2014 and is available for use by our Seniors. All aspects of Computing like email, surfing the net and writing letters in Word are now available for our seniors. Volunteers are at hand to train, guide, direct and answer any queries. The Management Committee also decided to extend the use of the Computer Kiosk to the Strathfield Inner West Seniors. With their acceptance the Kiosk is now open for use on Mondays as well.

10. Financial Aspects Grant Funds A total of $2,500 was received during the year by way of grant funds. The $ 500.00 grant by the Strathfield Municipal Council has been fully expended for the purposes for which they were approved namely Arts & Craft and Grand Children’s Day. However the $ 2000 grant for the Kiosk remains untouched since the purpose for which it was granted cannot be easily met limited by the restrictions that it could be spent on expenses related to volunteer tutors only. If it is not utilized by December 31st 2014 it needs to be refunded. Charity Members rose to the occasion by making voluntary cash donations totaling $970 for the Unifund Project to support deserving university students in the Northern Province, Sri Lanka. 11. Acknowledgements The Management Committee has great pleasure in gratefully acknowledging the contributions made by individuals in various ways enabling us to accomplish our tasks to the best of our ability. . A sincere thanks to those who work unheralded – Mr. N.Murugesu, Mr.Logenthiran arranging the hall, Mr. Sharma, Acharya Dhanaraj and Mrs.S.Nallanthuvan who did a wonderful job with their Yoga Guidance, Mr. Thanga Raja ensuring our refreshments whether inside or at functions is well stocked. The ladies Indra, Ambika and Seetha for their team efforts to ensure orderliness and timely supply of refreshments and lunch smoothly served. Mr. Velupillai for his dedication to provide us

lunch of course with the assistance of the above listed ladies. Special mention needs to be made of Mr. V M Thevarajan for the fabulous URAVU he produces with accurate and absorbing accounts of events that unfolds in our midst every Thursday. Mr. Kunaseelan for his enthusiastic support in setting up the visual equipment, music and supplementing when needed to record the events with his expertise in photography. We also wish to thank RAMS for their efficient catering services, Gopy for his printing URAVU and the TSCA Directory. Also the Government agencies in particular the Homebush Boys’ High School and the Strathfield Municipal Council for their ongoing initiatives and support. 12. Concluding Remarks TSCA has completed twenty three years of its existence successfully and is ready to embark on its journey into the twenty fourth year. Our President has been at the forefront working towards making this Association a robust, friendly and vibrant organization. The meticulous care he took to present the events almost each and every Thursday during the year is not very easy to emulate. It was our fortune that such a colossus volunteered to lead us. I personally and trust the Management Committee will join me, sincerely thank him for his enormous and ungrudging support to this Association. The financial progress this year was mainly due to measures he instituted such as reducing the Newsletter to 2 issues. This trend, I trust will be maintained by the incoming committee, to ensure we continue successfully into the future. On behalf of the Management Committee and on my own personal behalf as Secretary of the Association, I wish to record my deep appreciation and gratitude for the trust and confidence you have placed in us in all our endeavours. We wish the organization and each and every one of the members a bright future in the coming years and walk head held high. RESOLUTIONS Proposed by the Committee of Management This house resolves that the clause 8.1 in the Tamil Senior Citizens Association (NSW) Inc. Constitution 8. The Committee 8.1 The committee shall consist of the following 14 members who have been members

of the Association for not less than 12 months: (a) President (b) Vice-President (c) Secretary (d) Assistant Secretary (e) Treasurer (f) Assistant Treasurer and (g) Eight (8) Executive members.

Be amended to 8.1 The committee shall consist of the following 9 members who have been members

of the Association for not less than 12 months: (a) President (b) Vice-President (c) Secretary (d) Assistant Secretary (e) Treasurer (f) Assistant Treasurer and (g) Three (3) Executive members.

And associated with this the following clause 9.3 Any six (6) members of the Committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of the business of the meeting of the Committee. Be amended to 9.3 Any five (5) members of the Committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of the business of the meeting of the Committee.

G Santhiran Secretary on behalf of the Management Committee Tamil Senior Citizens’ Association (NSW) Inc. This report is now available on our Website. www.tamilseniors.org.au