Community is Everything.
Watch the full interview: The Importance of Community
When Gargi Ganguly was told by friends to move to Dubbo for work because it was an easy place to raise a child she listened. It was 1999 and Gargi was offered a position by the NSW Government with two locations to choose from.
“I was a single mum and was told by friends that Dubbo was the place to choose. Indeed, it was.
“Dubbo is a family friendly orientated community and there was a village around me to help raise my child. I was lucky to create networks through my activities and through my child, through school and sports, and through enduring friendships and relationships I found my place in town.
“There are hundreds of reasons to say no, but there is only one to say yes, and that’s to make a difference in the community.
“Dubbo is my home, that’s how I see it.”
When Gargi first moved to Dubbo the migrant community was very small and kept to themselves.
“We were few in numbers and we came with our differences - of faith, culture, upbringing; but what we had in common was our migration journey - with little in the way of family; we got together, we created an informal group and met on a social basis to cook and share, and let the children play together.
In 2016 the group realised the community had grown and this led to the group becoming incorporated, as a volunteer based not for profit organisation with an outward facing philosophy.
“ORSICON was born, and the Cross-Cultural Carnivale became our annual event centred around getting people out of their comfort zones, trying, testing and tasting new foods and performances. We wanted to get the community doing different things and we wanted the Indigenous community to join in with us.
“It was all about learning, sharing , celebrating and supporting different cultures in our community.
“We had indigenous dancers inviting non-indigenous dancers to participate with them, we organised Indigenous artists playing the didgeridoo alongside traditional Indian instruments and we had food stalls that offered an amazing variety of food from across the world.”
Through the work Gargi has done over the past 20 years the Dubbo community now has a strong and vibrant migrant community who welcome everyone to the region.
“We have brought all of these cultures together which has led to a greater understanding and greater respect for each other.”
Gargi said the challenge she faces even today is to get migrants to stay, with the realisation that the migrant community contributes heavily to the social, cultural and economic prosperity of the region.
“Many weren’t staying after their visa conditions were up. My dilemma is why? I wasn’t leaving, why were they? I believe this is an amazing place to live and I want them to see and experience what I have seen and experienced.”
“Dubbo is a regional city – it has the advantages of all the things a city in the guise of a village. Everything is manageable here; with the kids in school you can undertake employment opportunities, pursue your hobbies and interests, transport is available and there are ample opportunities to connect with different people.
Through the support and projects ORISCON delivers, the group has been able to create a welcoming and supportive environment for the migrants into our local community.
“You can almost live a global life in Dubbo, we are well connected to the world but it’s a place you can also feel cosy and comfortable in, without the tribulations of a busyness of a big city. Living here is a no brainer for me.”
2026 Update:
- Regional Unity Medal (Sponsored by My Guardian)
The 2026 Regional Unity Medal has been awarded to Gargi Ganguly.
This award recognises individuals who make a significant contribution to the economic, social and cultural wellbeing of regional communities, fostering connection, inclusivity and unity. - The Global Indian - Gargi Ganguly: Chai, Chaat & Regional Unity Medal
- Welcome to your new home in regional NSW | Gargi Ganguly
Connect with:
For more stories from our region, view our webpage: regionontherise.com.au