VAAUS Unites to Champion “Change the Story” Initiative Across Australia

Viqarunnisa Alumni Australia (VAAUS) successfully hosted the VAAUS Grand Reunion 2025 presented by AIS Marine Investments on November 9, 2025, at Lantana Venues, Sydney.

The event brought together around 1,100 guests, including nearly 400 former Viqarunnisa students traveling from across Australia and Bangladesh.

The grand reunion marked the official launch of “CHANGE THE STORY”, a powerful community initiative promoting respect, equality, and safer futures for women. The evening featured a silent art auction showcasing works by the renowned Bangladeshi visual artist Professor Rokeya Sultana, recipient of the Ekushey Padak 2025, Bangladesh’s second-highest civilian honor. 

Mr. Tri Vo, MP for Cabramatta, attended the event on behalf of the Premier of New South Wales, Hon. Chris Minns, adding a special sense of honor and recognition to the occasion.

The evening featured an electrifying live performance by Bangladeshi star singers Pritom Hasan and his brother Protic Hasan, along with cultural performances and activities by VAAUS members. 

“For 8 years, VAAUS has supported communities across Australia, and tonight they’re raising funds to protect women and children, an incredibly important cause.

I encourage everyone to give generously and enjoy this wonderful evening,” said Hon. Chris Minns, Premier of New South Wales, the head of government for the state of NSW, Australia.

The campaign “CHANGE THE STORY” aimed to end domestic and gender-based violence by fostering empathy, open dialogue, and community support.

Funds raised will empower women through ALO Enlightened Women (Canberra) and Cultural Diversity Network Inc. (Sydney), both working to uplift women from diverse and migrant backgrounds.

VAAUS also launched an Australia-wide Mentorship Program for new Viqarunnisa graduates and has already raised $20,000 to support its upcoming 2026 initiatives, continuing its mission to build safer, more inclusive communities.

“This initiative is a reflection of our shared purpose, to turn compassion into action,” said Dr. Suranjana Jennifer Rahman, President of VAAUS. “Our vision is to create a future where every woman feels supported, every voice is heard, and every act of kindness becomes a step toward lasting change.”

Over the past seven years, VAAUS has grown from a small alumni circle into a registered charitable organization under the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) with Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status. 

During this time, the organization has donated more than $42,000 to community partners across six Australian states, supporting disaster relief, children’s health, and women’s wellbeing.

AIS Marine Investments proudly served as the Title Sponsor of the VAAUS Grand Reunion 2025, a partnership that celebrates shared values of community development, connection, and sustainable growth.

As a dedicated private investment company with a diverse portfolio spanning government, infrastructure, offshore, and development projects, AIS Marine Investments remains committed to supporting initiatives like VAAUS that inspire unity and create a lasting positive impact on society.

Through every act of kindness and every shared story, VAAUS continues to show that true education goes beyond the classroom, living on through service, sisterhood, and a commitment to positive change.