by FilmInk Staff
As Australia’s Indian-born population approaches one million, NAB returns as naming partner of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) Awards Night, celebrating Indian storytelling and the vibrant community continuing to shape modern Australia.
New research conducted for NAB by RFI Global highlights the future-focused outlook shared by many migrant communities in Australia, with saving for the future, wealth creation and property ownership among the leading financial priorities identified by recent migrants.
It found 84 per cent of recent migrants consider saving money for the future a key financial goal – reflecting the long-term outlook of many migration journeys.
NAB Executive, Personal Everyday Banking, Sweta Mehra, said the partnership with IFFM, now in its second year, reflects the bank’s longstanding commitment to Australia’s Indian community.
“IFFM is one of Australia’s most significant celebrations of Indian cinema, bringing audiences together through stories from India and around the world,” Ms Mehra said.
“Australia’s Indian community continues to make an important contribution across business, education, innovation and the arts, and we’re proud to support a festival that recognises the richness of Indian storytelling and culture.”
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, an estimated 971,020 Indian-born residents now live in Australia, making India the largest overseas-born population for the first time. The community has grown by more than 522,000 over the past decade, reflecting deepening economic, cultural and social ties between Australia and India.
As they build their lives here, Indian migrants are contributing across business, healthcare, education and local communities. From entrepreneurs and small business owners to professionals across many industries, they continue to help shape Australia’s economic and cultural future.
“Every new arrival brings their own story of ambition – whether that is pursuing an education, building a career, supporting family, buying a home or starting a business,” Ms Mehra said.
“At NAB, we’re committed to helping customers through the important milestones that come with building a life in Australia.”
Supporting ambitions in practice
One customer whose journey reflects this ambition is Ramneek Wayne, Co-Founder of Aunty Jenny Spices.
Arriving in Australia, Ramneek set about building a new life, creating opportunities for his family and earning his place in the local community.
What started as a simple mission – to cook Indian food with preservative-free spices for his in-laws, evolved into a growing Australian business, sourcing direct from farms and bringing family recipes to customers across the country.
“Like many migrants, we came to Australia in pursuit of an opportunity and to build a better future rather than wait for one. Building a business from the ground up has been hard work, and that’s exactly what has made it worth it,” said Ramneek.
“Aunty Jenny Spices came out of our culture, our family and the flavours we grew up with. What started as a small idea is now a business we’re proud of, connecting with customers right across Australia. Our heritage is the root of what we do, not the ceiling.
“Migration isn’t about luck. It’s about knowing what you’re willing to work for, backing yourself, and striving to build something that lasts.”
Today, Aunty Jenny Spices products are stocked in more than 200 stores nationwide, with expansion underway to reach around 800 stores by the end of the year.
The NAB IFFM Awards Night, to be held on 13 August 2026, will form part of the 2026 Indian Film Festival of Melbourne. The festival is expected to attract leading figures from Indian cinema, including Rekha, Rani Mukerjee, Dulquer Salmaan, Rishab Shetty and Pankaj Tripathi. As naming partner, NAB will present three Awards – Best Female Actor, Best Male Actor, and Best Short Story – recognising excellence in storytelling, creativity and cultural impact.
More information is available at nab.com.au.
