Ladies Luncheon – 10th September 2011
In 2011, Disha works towards supporting Prostate Cancer. On 10th September, Disha will host a “Ladies Luncheon” where we will hear more about this cause from a survivor who went through the pain and agony caused by Prostate cancer. The event will also be marked with some fun as a leading fashion house “The Ark” will conduct a fashion workshop for the audience and will have women from the audience getting dressed and having an informal walk on the ramp. It will be a fun filled and interesting afternoon while enjoying a sit down 3 course luncheon.
Please click here to view details.
Disha explores problems of Family Violence in Indian Homes
In March 2011, Disha joined hands with Australia India Society of Victoria and Centre for International Mental Health (University of Melbourne) to create awareness on Family violence in Indian homes. The initiative was driven by firstly conducting focus group discussions with the Indian women on the nature of harmonious family and what constitutes domestic violence in an Indian home. As a follow up step, a theatre script was devised that aimed at supporting an interactive dialogue with community audiences. And as a final step, theatre pieces were performed at different venues in Melbourne. The theatre pieces were designed to encourage audiences to reflect on the performances that were usually mime with sparing dialogue, and then discuss what they saw, heard. The initiative explored the role of mothers, daughters-in-law and social pressures that enforce submission and silence in the face of domestic violence, what type of help they would want and what type of service they would use in situations like these. It was an enjoyable as well as a learning experience for all while working towards this great cause.
100th International Women’s Day- 8th March 2011
Disha joins hands with AISV to celebrate 100th International Women's day on 8th March 2011 from 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM. For 100 years, women have seen enormous change, and fought for many fundamental rights. The year 2011 marks the centenary of International Women’s Day, to honour women’s advancement and celebrate their economic, political and social achievements. These achievements should be recognised and celebrated, but it’s important to remember that there’s still an incredible amount that needs to be achieved. And thus Disha joins hands to celebrate this great achievement and at the same time looks forward to the challenges that lie ahead to empower women’s status in today’s society.
Please click here to view details.
Diwali Dhamaka - 8th October 2010
Disha-Direction to hope had its 'Diwali - Festival of Lights Annual Dinner Dance' on Friday, 8th October 2010 at Leonda on the Yarra. The night was marked with colors and lights that are an integral part of Diwali. The audience experienced a night full of entertainment with live performances, dinner and dance. The Fundraiser event raised funds for Ovarian Cancer Research at Royal Women's hospital and for Palliative Care at The Alfred Hospital. Disha raised $43,000 on that day and donated $20,000 to The Palliative Care at The Alfred Hospital and $ 20,000 to Ovarian Cancer Research at The Royal Women’s Hospital. Disha donated the balance to The Mental Health Institute of Victoria, because of a belief that Cancer can lead to depression not only for the patient but also for the carers and the family.
Ghazal Singer of India in Concert- 24th May 2009
Disha hosted a concert for the renowned Ghazal singer of India, Ashok Khosla on 24th May 2009 at 4:30 pm at Balwyn High School. The evening was filled with the emotionally electrifying voice of this great ghazal singer who enthralled the audience with his popular Ghazals and old Bollywood songs. The singer has won international acclaim with his debut in the “Brightest Talent of 80’s Album” composed by Sultane Ghazal Jagjit Singh. And steadily growing in his stride, he has now 15 popular albums to his credit. He is one of the world’s few musicians to have performed in the Wembley Conference Centre in London. And with his presence in Melbourne, he created a musical night that will remain in our memories for years...
Disha raises funds for The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and Beyondblue: the national depression initiative - November 2008
Friends of Disha got together and participated in MOVEMBER and raised money for Prostate Cancer and Male depression. The total amount raised was $1477.00.
Click here to view the photos of Disha team members in their MO
Rhythm of the Night – 20th September 2008
“We dance for laughter, we dance for tears, we dance for madness, we dance for fears, we dance for hopes, we dance for screams, we are the dancers, we create the dreams.”
On September 20th 2008, Disha hosted an Annual Gala Fundraiser at the Hilton on the Park. The evening was highlighted with presentations from Bolivia , Japan and Africa .
The event began with the lightening of the lamp by Ms. Anita Nayar, Consulate General of India, Melbourne. One of the charities nominated for this event was Royal Women's Hospital for Ovarian Cancer and the guest speaker of the night - Professor Michael Quinn, Gynecologic Oncologist from Royal Women's Hospital marked this evening with his informative speech on Stem Cell Research. Mr. Ravi Bhatia, CEO Primus also gave a heart warming speech thanking Disha's efforts and supported Disha in her efforts by making a commendable donation that night.
The evening began with a melodious performance by Chilean Pipers followed by Japanese Drummers who welcomed the guests into the main ballroom with their energy and enthusiasm. It was a visual and musical journey that thrilled the senses of the audience . The evening was also marked with stupendous performances by Salsa dancers from “Let's Go Dance” school as well as Bollywood dancers (from Gowri's school of dance) dancing to the latest Bollywood music. The most interactive performance of the night was the African drummers. The performance was uplifting, inspiring and unified the audience through Rhythm. The effects of their performance were immediate, infectious and lasted long. ! Good Food, Foot tapping music, great performances took everyone's breath away. Other attractions of the evening were Auctions, Door prizes, raffles. And this fine evening ended with audience dancing to 80s and Bollywood music played by DJ Ashaan.
The annual Fund raiser was an evening full of colour, rhythm and creativity, seen through a Fusion of World Dances and music.
Amidst all these cultural festivities, Disha raised $45,000 that will be donated to Royal Women's hospital and The Alfred Hospital.
Charity Champagne Brunch – September 2007
On September 9th 2007 all three hundred guests raised their glasses during the “Spring Champagne Brunch” held at Melbourne Park. To celebrate the flavour of the month, Disha had “One Day in September” in Melbourne where all the guests dressed in their footy colours in keeping with the footy theme. Our Chief Guest for the day was Mr. Angelo Malizis (CEO of the Millennium).
SBS radio and Neil Mitchell covered our event ahead of the function. All funds raised, being $25000, were donated to The Alfred Foundation, Mental Health Institute of Victoria and Royal Melbourne Hospital.
Bollywood Extravaganza – August 2006
To launch ourselves, we held an Inaugural dinner/dance on Saturday the 5th of August 2006 at 9 Darling Street, South Yarra. We had a Bollywood theme to make the evening entertaining and interesting.
The proceeds of this function ($24,000) went towards the purchase of equipment for the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, and were donated towards the Research of Lung Cancer Research at the Alfred Foundation.
Guest Speakers from the Royal Melbourne Hospital and from the Alfred Foundation who gave us a background on what is being done in the way of Research, Clinical Trialing and progress in the above two types of Cancer.