“Words can’t express how grateful I am—this award reflects the incredible support of my friends, family, colleagues, and supervisors at Gold Coast Health.”
Indian-American Dr Nisha Verma declined to give a direct answer, saying she treated patients with diverse gender identities and arguing that such yes-or-no questions were often used as political tools.
The award recognises the work of Vasudeva Kriya Yoga (VKY) under the guidance of Rajendraji, whose decades-long contribution to yoga and community wellbeing in Melbourne and beyond formed the basis of the nomination.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs Anne Aly said language skills were a national asset that created opportunities for young people while strengthening cultural understanding.
The visit comes amid growing concern over fuel supply vulnerabilities in the Pacific, where island nations remain highly exposed to global supply chain disruptions and rising energy costs.
Authorities estimate the drugs could have been sold as more than 1.1 million individual street deals, preventing more than $57 million from reaching criminal networks.