Australia Awards South and West Asia

In her first official visit to Kathmandu, Sarah Storey, First Assistant Secretary, South and Central Asia Division, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), met with alumni who have studied in Australia at an Australia Awards reception on 22 August 2026.

First Assistant Secretary Sarah Storey and Australia Awards alum and Member of Parliament Hon Dr Sujata Tamang.

In his remarks at the event, President of the Association of Nepalese Alumni from Australia (ANAA) Sudarshan Neupane expressed his gratitude to the Australian Government for the study opportunities it provides to scholars from Nepal. He shared his personal journey: from growing up in a rural Nepali village, to securing an Australia Awards Scholarship through which he completed a Master of Development Studies at the University of Melbourne, to serving as Country Director of WaterAid Nepal, part of an international not-for-profit organisation.

ANAA President Sudarshan Neupane speaking at the event.

Australian Ambassador to Nepal HE Mr Simon Ernst acknowledged Australian alumni contributions to the Australia–Nepal bilateral relationship and the people-to-people connections built through study in Australia.

Ambassador HE Simon Ernst attending the event.

In her remarks, Sarah noted that the first Australian Government scholarship recipients from Asia travelled to Australia under the Colombo Plan 75 years ago. She said, “At its heart, the Colombo Plan represented an investment in people. It reflected a simple but powerful idea: that education can transform an individual’s opportunities—and that those individuals can, in turn, help transform their communities and countries. That idea remains at the centre of the Australia Awards today.”

First Assistant Secretary Sarah Storey addressing the alumni.

On Nepali scholars’ experience in Australia, Sarah remarked, “For many Nepalis, studying in Australia has been the beginning of a lifelong relationship with our country. And for Australia, welcoming Nepali students has brought new perspectives, skills and energy to our universities and communities.”

First Assistant Secretary Sarah Storey (back row, middle) with alumni who have studied in Australia.

The Australian delegation also included Steven Biddle, Regional Director for South Asia, Department of Home Affairs Delhi, and Margot Holt, Policy Officer, South and Central Asia Division, DFAT.

The more than 50 attendees included Australia Awards alumni and Australia global alumni, who welcomed the delegation and enjoyed an evening of networking.

Cover photo: First Assistant Secretary Sarah Storey (left) speaking with Australia Awards alumni Dr Matina Joshi Vaidya (right) and Hema Bhatt (middle).