Candlelight Prayer for Nepal Flood Victims

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Strathfield, Sydney – 28 August 2026

Around 200 people gathered at Strathfield Square on Friday evening, 28 August 2026, for a Candlelight Prayer Gathering to remember the victims of the devastating flash floods that struck Nepal and the Tibet border region on 26 August.

The gathering brought together members of the Nepali Australian community, local residents, community leaders, councillors and federal representatives to pray for those who lost their lives, those still missing and injured, and families affected by the disaster.

The programme was coordinated by Mr Santosh Neupane, Founding President of the Strathfield Nepalese Community and a member of the Strathfield Council Multicultural Advisory Committee.

Sambriddhi Neupane served as the Master of Ceremonies for the programme. She opened the gathering with an Acknowledgement of Country and reflected briefly on her connection to Nepal as her country of birth and heritage, and to Australia as the country she now calls home. She highlighted the importance of standing together with all families affected by the tragedy, regardless of nationality.

Distinguished guests included The Hon Matt Thistlethwaite MP, Assistant Minister for Immigration and Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade; Ms Sally Sitou MP, Federal Member for Reid; Cr Benjamin Cai, Mayor of Strathfield; Cr Sandy Reddy, Deputy Mayor of Strathfield; Cr Sukirti Bhatta of Burwood Council; Strathfield Councillors; and Mr Sanjeev Sharma, former Honorary Consul General of Nepal in New South Wales.

During the programme, Cr Benjamin Cai, The Hon Matt Thistlethwaite MP, Ms Sally Sitou MP, Cr Sandy Reddy and Cr Sukirti Bhatta shared messages of sympathy, solidarity and support for the people affected by the disaster.

The gathering also acknowledged the Australian Government’s announcement of $5 million in humanitarian assistance to support communities affected by the disaster in Nepal.

Participants then lit candles and observed two minutes of silent prayer for those who had lost their lives, those still missing and injured, rescue workers, and families waiting for news of their loved ones.

The gathering concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr Santosh Neupane, who thanked the government representatives, councillors, community leaders and members of the public for joining the prayer gathering and standing in solidarity with the people of Nepal.

The evening carried a clear message of compassion and unity: human suffering has no nationality, and compassion should not stop at borders.

Please donate to assist the victims here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/stand-with-the-victims-of-the-nepal-tibet-flood-disaster