In a momentous and culturally significant event, the City of Hobart, under the gracious hospitality of Lord Mayor Councillor Anna Reynolds, hosted a Nepali New Year Morning Tea Reception and Flag Raising Ceremony at Hobart Town Hall on Monday, 14 April 2025. This historic event marked the beginning of Nepali New Year 2082 and symbolised growing recognition of Tasmania’s vibrant Nepali community.
Held in the Lord Mayor’s Court Room, the formal reception welcomed approximately 60 guests, including community representatives, civic leaders, and invited dignitaries. The ceremony began at 10:30 AM with the raising of the Nepali national flag outside the Town Hall, where it proudly flew for the entire day—a first in the city’s history.
The formalities continued inside with a civic welcome and speech by Acting Lord Mayor Cr Mike Dutta, followed by a speech from a representative of the Nepali Society of Tasmania (NEST). The speeches reflected on the strength, contribution, and cultural richness of the Nepali community, and the importance of shared multicultural values in Hobart’s civic life.
The event was hosted with all the formality and hospitality of a civic occasion, including a lounge suit/day dress code and official catering provided by the City of Hobart. NEST supported the event by coordinating the guest list, providing background information for the Lord Mayor’s address, and ensuring proper flag-handling logistics were arranged ahead of the ceremony.
This memorable occasion highlighted not only the celebration of a new year but also the deepening relationship between the City of Hobart and the Nepali community. The Nepali Society of Tasmania is deeply grateful to the Lord Mayor for her generous support and commitment to inclusivity and looks forward to continuing this beautiful tradition in years to come.