DANDENONG STAR JOURNAL
Home » Hazaras laugh it up

Hazaras laugh it up

By Casey Neill

Comedy, inspiration and finance advice came together at a careers event for Dandenong’s Hazara community.
The Dandenong Civic Centre hosted the Community Four event on Saturday 1 July.
CEO Gavin Ackerly said it was part of a 12-week program designed to inspire, educate and guide young Hazara community members toward professional success.
Comedian Tom Ballard opened the event.
“Aside from spreading much laughter and joy, Tom shared his reflections on life and the important lessons he has learnt on his career journey,” Mr Ackerly said.
“He also talked about believing in yourself and what it takes to sustain yourself through the tough times.
“We especially loved his adage, ‘Laughter is the only rational response to life’.
Best-selling author, financial educator and Finance Academy founder Chinmay Ananda also spoke.
“Chinmay shared the story of his amazing professional journey from failing in business to becoming a best-selling author and financial expert,” Mr Ackerly said.
“He also shared the secrets to financial success for our personal and professional lives.
“And he made it all very easy to understand and maybe even a bit fun!”
Community Four’s work is about resourcing and connecting communities committed to tackling their biggest challenges.
“Saturday was a great example of community members from very different backgrounds coming together to make sure Australian Hazaras have the best chance of achieving their career aspirations,” Mr Ackerly said.

Digital Editions


  • Ramadan Night Market returns

    Ramadan Night Market returns

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 467847 As the holy month of Ramadan is fast approaching, so is the buzz and excitement for Dandenong’s already-famous…

More News

  • Young leader attuned to social harmony

    Young leader attuned to social harmony

    Migrating from United States to Australia at a young age, volunteer Atifa Ahmed was taken aback by the country’s sense of community. Awarded the joint Young Leader of the Year…

  • Kingston Cr lodges ‘stop bullying’ action against Monitor

    Kingston Cr lodges ‘stop bullying’ action against Monitor

    A Kingston councillor has lodged legal action against one of the state-government appointed municipal monitors at the council. A ‘stop bullying’ order has been sought against John Tanner AM at…

  • Melbourne’s youth gangs face 24/7 disruption and quick arrests

    Melbourne’s youth gangs face 24/7 disruption and quick arrests

    Victoria Police laid 4,300 charges against Melbourne youth gang members last year, including almost 400 for the possession of weapons such as machetes and firearms. A range of exhaustive disruption…

  • New honour for history’s ‘treasure’

    New honour for history’s ‘treasure’

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 531111 The news of today is the history of tomorrow – Greater Dandenong’s newly-inducted Living Treasure Christine Keys is fond of saying. For many…

  • Plastics recycling at risk of collapse: ALGA

    Plastics recycling at risk of collapse: ALGA

    City of Casey has backed calls for urgent national packaging reform, amid rising levels of recyclable plastics dumped in landfill. Recently, Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) president Matt Burnett stated…

  • Hope is the invisible gift

    Hope is the invisible gift

    The sacred gift of life can be likened to a river. From its quiet beginnings to its meeting with the vast ocean, the river glides through peaceful valleys, then rushes…

  • Series of car thefts at Fountain Gate Shopping Centre sparks concern

    Series of car thefts at Fountain Gate Shopping Centre sparks concern

    Fountain Gate Shopping Centre has been a hotspot for a string of car thefts over the last few months with many shoppers are now choosing not to park their cars…

  • Looking Back

    Looking Back

    100 years ago 4 February 1926 Items of Interest Police Paddocks The Ferntree Gully Shire Council has agreed to co-operate with the Berwick Council in endeavouring to have 1,000 acres…

  • What’s On

    What’s On

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 321360 Reuse and Recycle Drop Off Day The event gives you the opportunity to get rid of any larger unwanted household goods suitable for…

  • Nawed creates place of belonging

    Nawed creates place of belonging

    Once a shy young boy unsure on his future pathway, Mohammed Nawed Sarwari has found his true self after immersing in Greater Dandenong’s community programs. Selected as the joint Young…