Noelnadesan's Blog

Noel Nadesan

We are gathered here today to celebrate not only a former Victorian Parliamentarian of 16 years, but also our beloved friend, Jude Perera.

As the President of the South Asian Society, I stand before you with a few questions.

Are we here to celebrate him because he was from Sri Lanka?

Because he served in the Victorian Parliament?

Or because he was our friend?

The answer is: all of the above — but also much more.

Jude Perera was the driving force behind not just our society, but also the very idea that South Asians should come together to form a united organisation — one that would support and uplift South Asian migrants in Australia.

I still remember when Jude visited my Veterinary clinic, sitting down with me and Mr. Neeraj Nanda to explain this vision. He spent at least two days with us, passionately outlining the concept.

Why did he come to us?

Because at the time, both Neeraj and I were running newspapers that served South Asian communities. I have since stepped away, but my good friend Neeraj continues that important work.

Jude didn’t stop there. He even helped us find a president and secretary for the society. I’m pleased to see our friend Donald Betts, who served as the president. Unfortunately, after a few years, we were unable to continue the society as originally planned. But we never gave up on Jude’s vision — and today’s gathering is proof that his idea still lives on in all of us.

Many others will speak about Jude Perera today, so I won’t go further into his political legacy. But I do want to express one wish: that more South Asians enter politics — not only here in Victoria, but across Australia — to represent our vibrant and growing migrant communities.

I’m proud to have worked with Jude on many occasions. He was always helpful, thoughtful, and dedicated. His support meant a lot to me, and his memory will remain with me for a very long time.

Thank you.