Shugoofa Organisation
Non-For-Profit Organisation
Event No 8
Shugoofa Cultural Association
On the occasion of Mother’s Day in Australia, the Shugoofa Cultural Association hosted a heartfelt and enriching event titled “Mother in the Mirror of Poetry” on Saturday, May 3, 2025. This cultural gathering brought together poets, writers, artists, and lovers of poetry and music for an evening filled with love, respect, and deep appreciation for the noble status of mothers.
The event began with a warm and graceful welcome by Ms. Pariwash Sarmast, who set a friendly and heartfelt tone for the evening. Following her, Ms. Shugoofa Bakhtary, the founder of Shugoofa Cultural Association, extended her congratulations for Mother’s Day and introduced the association’s mission and activities. She spoke about the tireless struggles and resilience of Afghan women and emphasized the importance of amplifying the voices of imprisoned women in Afghanistan to the international community, urging for greater global support.
Ms. Pariwash then briefly shared the historical background of Mother’s Day in Afghanistan, including its founders and cultural significance.
The poetry segment featured moving and emotional recitations in honor of mothers by:
• Shaheera Jan Rahmani
• Mary Jan Sarmast
• Engineer Zia
Their heartfelt poems resonated deeply with the audience. Additionally, Ms. Muneera Taheri’s beautiful singing added warmth and emotion to the atmosphere.
Later in the program, the beloved artist Mr. Salam Sang and Ms. Sara Jan from Iran captivated the audience by performing excerpts from the Shahnameh and poetry by renowned poets of Afghanistan and Iran. Other notable contributors included Master Nader Ahmadi, Mr. Moosa Zaki Zada, Mr. Basheer Rahmani, Master Ali Yar, Mr. Samadi, the respected Mr. Maqsoodi (founder of Ma Television), as well as Sonya Jan Sediqyar and Mooska Jan, all of whom shared their poetic tributes, enriching the night even further.
During the event, a collection of beautiful artworks by Ms. Niyayesh Samadi was also exhibited, receiving much admiration and praise from the guests and adding a unique artistic and visual charm to the evening.
In a special tribute segment, the association honored brave and active women in the community who have played a significant role through their impactful efforts. Ms. Niyayesh Samadi and Ms. Helen Atmar were among the prominent women recognized with certificates of appreciation.
The event concluded with a lively music performance by Nemat Jan Bahiar and Tamim Jan. Nemat Jan’s traditional songs and soul-stirring ghazals filled the atmosphere with passion and joy, bringing the night to a beautiful close.
It was a night filled with love, poetry, and music in celebration of Mother’s Day—one that we hope to see repeated, and one that carried wishes of peace and happiness for mothers around the world.
Mother’s Day Celebration
Event No 7
Eid Celebration with Wellsprings
Shugoofa Organisation, in collaboration with Wellsprings for Women, proudly hosted a vibrant and joyful Eid Celebration following the holy month of Ramadan. This women-only event brought together around 200 guests from diverse backgrounds to celebrate unity, culture, and community.
The program opened with a heartfelt speech by Monira Taheri from Wellsprings, followed by powerful poem and welcoming words from Shugoofa Bakhtary, the founder of Shugoofa Organisation. Both speakers respectfully acknowledged the traditional custodians of the land on which the event took place.
We were honoured to be joined by Kate Fitzpatrick Human Exploitation Community Officer
from Victoria Police, and Belinda Wilson MP, Member of Parliament, who added to the richness and inclusivity of the gathering.
Highlights of the day included:
• A mini animal farm that brought smiles to children’s faces
• Face painting for kids and henna art for our guests
• Delicious sweets and traditional Afghan lunch, accompanied by refreshing drinks and desserts
• Joyful music and dancing, which added to the festive spirit
This celebration was not only a joyful event but also a meaningful opportunity to strengthen connections among women, share cultures, and promote a sense of belonging.
We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who participated, supported, and made this event memorable
Event No 6
On Sunday, December 15, 2024, a special event was held to honor the great scholar, Professor Eshaq Nigaragar, and to launch a book compiled and published by his son, Dr. Arian Nigaragar, after his passing.
The event, called “A Tribute to a Shining Star in Knowledge and Literature,” celebrated Professor Nigaragar’s life and work. He was a man who, in quiet moments, created lasting poetry and ideas, leaving an important legacy in culture and literature.
The program was organized by the Shugoofa Organisation with help from Wellspring. It began with an inspiring speech by Shugoofa Bakhtary, the president of the organization. Then, Mary Sarmast, a talented speaker, recited one of Professor Nigaragar’s poems in her beautiful voice, filling the room with the magic of poetry.
After that, Professor Nader Ahmadi gave a brief speech about the importance of the book. Mr. Maqsudi, the president of a TV network, and Dr. Mehraban from Iran also recited wonderful poems that added to the beauty of the event.
A key moment was the speech by Dr. Arian Nigaragar, the professor’s son. He explained how the book was put together and shared stories about his father’s deep thoughts and work.
Monira Tahery from Wellsprings discussed how they assist new arrivals, especially women, with essential aspects like work, driving, and settlement. These efforts are vital in helping individuals adapt and thrive in their new environment.
Another highlight was Dabeer a talented young person, who recited one of Professor Nigaragar’s poems in English, giving the event an international touch.
This event was a beautiful way to remember Professor Eshaq Nigaragar, a brilliant mind whose work will continue to inspire those who love culture and literature.
Coming Event
15 Dec 2024
Event No 5
Shugoofa Organisation celebrated its 2nd anniversary on Sunday, October 13th, combined with a special program for newly arrived Afghan refugee women and young girls, focusing on their wellbeing and needs. The event was held at Marriot Community Centre, featuring guest speakers Katherine Fitzpatrick from the Australian Federal Police, Mehri Vijdani, Multicultural Engagement & Partnership Coordinator, along with other distinguished attendees. Guests were welcomed by serving them some traditional homemade Afghan sweets, accompanied by tea and coffee. The event’s opening speech was delivered by Shugoofa Bakhtary, the CEO and founder of the Shugoofa Organisation. She briefly highlighted the organisation’s achievements over the past two years, shared details about current programs, and introduced future projects aimed at supporting newly arrived Afghan women and young girls as they embark on their new journeys and settlement in Australia. Shugoofa’s speech was followed by Kate and Mehri, who each spoke about their involvement in the multicultural community. They discussed the services they offer to newly arrived refugees and grassroots organisations, highlighting their commitment to supporting these communities through various initiatives and partnerships. Overall, the event was a great success, with sponsor Sweetie Beauty providing gift vouchers to all attendees and organising raffle tickets for additional prizes. As the event came to an end, the newly arrived women and young girls expressed their deep gratitude and appreciation for the invitation, sharing how much they enjoyed the fun atmosphere and thea warm welcome to Australia. The event gave them a strong sense of belonging, and many requested that the Shugoofa Organisation hosts similar events in the future to help them meet new people and learn how to navigate life in their new home.
Event No 4
Empowering New Arrivals: Employment Support, Cultural Celebration, and Community Connection
Our fourth major event was a heartfelt and impactful gathering designed to support newly arrived families, especially those from the Afghan community, as they begin to build new lives in Australia. This event focused on two key areas: helping individuals find employment and creating a sense of belonging through cultural celebration.
We were honoured to welcome special guests who brought expertise and compassion to the event. Gerry Del Bono, from the Community Liaison Team, shared valuable resources and guidance on navigating the Australian job market. Katherine Fitzpatrick, a Human Exploitation Community Officer, provided essential information on workers’ rights, protection from exploitation, and how to access support services. Their presence highlighted our commitment to not only helping people find work, but also ensuring they are informed, safe, and empowered.
Beyond job support, we wanted to make sure our new community members felt truly welcome. As part of this, we celebrated Eid together—a moment of joy, unity, and tradition. Families gathered to share food, stories, and laughter, turning the event into a celebration that felt like home. For many attendees, it was their first Eid in Australia, and we wanted it to be a memory filled with warmth and belonging.
A special focus was placed on engaging our youth. We believe that preserving and passing on our cultural heritage is essential, especially for younger generations growing up in a new country. Through storytelling, music, traditional clothing, and conversations, we helped bridge the gap between generations, ensuring that our culture remains alive and thriving in Australia.
This event was more than just a one-day gathering—it was part of our ongoing mission to support the Afghan community’s integration, well-being, and cultural identity. It was a space where people felt seen, heard, and valued. By coming together, sharing resources, and celebrating our roots, we’re building a stronger, more connected community—one that embraces both where we’ve come from and where we’re going.
Event 3
Shugoofa Organisation invited many youth from new arrivals, including families with disabled children, to a program featuring Afghan music and food, creating a sense of home for the new arrivals. Supported by Komac and the City of Casey, this gathering connected the community with job opportunities, raised awareness about rights, and introduced the NDIS to new arrivals with family members who have disabilities. Through the celebration of Afghan culture and traditions, the event fostered a sense of belonging and community for the participants.
Event No 2
With the generous support of Komac, this inspiring event was thoughtfully created to help women overcome isolation, build connections, and gain a deeper understanding of their rights in Australia. The gathering featured vibrant Afghan music, creating an atmosphere of joy and unity. Attendees expressed their feelings and experiences through heartfelt poetry, art, and music, turning the event into a beautiful celebration of resilience, creativity, and cultural identity. A psychotherapist was also present, providing valuable guidance and fostering a safe and supportive environment for all.
Event No 1
We introduce Shugoofa Organisation to the Afghan community, discussing our mission is to empower Afghan women, engage youth, and foster a vibrant community where everyone can thrive. During our Afghan Community Gathering, we highlighted our dedication to supporting the Afghan community with programs that promote education, employment, and active lifestyles.
Key Initiatives:
1. Language Classes for Children and Youth
We provide language programs tailored to help the younger generation improve their skills, excel in school, and connect with others in their community.
2. Employment Support for Afghan Women
We assist Afghan women with job searches, resume building, and interview preparation while connecting them to local opportunities for financial independence.
3. Driving Support for New Arrivals
Learning to drive is essential for independence. Our driving programs help new arrivals, especially women, gain confidence behind the wheel and access opportunities.
4. Sports and Recreational Activities for Youth
We believe in keeping youth active and engaged through sports and recreational activities. From organizing soccer matches and swimming sessions to offering art and dance workshops, we aim to help Afghan youth develop teamwork, leadership, and a sense of belonging. By providing these opportunities, we encourage them to maintain healthy lifestyles and stay positively involved in their community.
5. Cultural and Community Events
We organise gatherings and workshops that celebrate Afghan culture, creating spaces for connection and learning while building bridges with the wider community.
This initiative was proudly funded by the City of Casey, enabling us to deliver meaningful programs and opportunities.
At Shugoofa Organisation, we are committed to empowering Afghan women, engaging youth, and helping the entire community build brighter futures. We welcome everyone who shares our vision to join us in making a difference.