Sujith Mysore hails from the coffee town of Chikkamagaluru and has called Australia home since 2006. He completed his Master’s in Information Technology at Queensland University of Technology and has been based in Canberra since 2011. Sujith currently works as a Program Manager, leading large-scale Cyber Security programs within the Department of Disability, Health and Aged Care, and also runs his own IT consulting firm.

A passionate community leader, Sujith has been actively involved in service and leadership roles for over two decades. His contributions span across being Zonal Secretary for Rotaract International during college days in India, International Student Ambassador at QUT, Student Ambassador for Sun Microsystems, and long-standing leadership roles within the Australian Computer Society, including serving as a National Board Member. He has also held key community positions such as Secretary of FINACT, Vice-President of the Karnataka Association of Canberra and founding committee member of Canberra Hindu Mandir. As President of KAC, Sujith is committed to fostering inclusion, cultural pride, and strong community connections.

Namaskara

I have been an active member of the Kannada Association of Canberra (KAC) for over 15 years, and it has truly been a rewarding journey. Being part of this beautiful Karnataka community in Canberra feels like being part of an extended family. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve on the Executive Committee and contribute in a meaningful way.

I genuinely enjoy planning and organising cultural events that celebrate our traditions, language, and heritage. Bringing people together, especially families and children, and creating spaces where we can connect, celebrate, and support one another gives me immense happiness.

I look forward to engaging more with our wider community and working together to continue building and growing our vibrant Karnataka community here in Canberra.

I have been in Australia for over two decades. Lived in Brisbane and eventually moved to Canberra around 14 years ago. I am an IT professional and very keen sports enthusiast.

I’ve seen how our traditions ground us, but it is our participation that moves us forward. Our community is only as vibrant as the energy we pour into it. I am very proud to be part of our Karnataka Community and would love to contribute back to the community in supporting KAC events.

I relocated to Canberra in 2009 from Hubballi, a vibrant city in North Karnataka. Since then, I have been actively attending KAC events and have truly enjoyed connecting with fellow Kannadigas and being part of this wonderful community.

As a proud mother of two lovely girls, I am excited about this opportunity to help foster a welcoming and meaningful networking space for Kannadigas. I look forward to contributing to our community to celebrate our rich culture, strengthen connections and to keep me connected to my roots.

Venkatesh Bidarkal has been an active and committed member of the Canberra community since migrating to Australia in 1997. For nearly three decades, he has played a significant role in strengthening community networks, particularly within the Indian and Kannada diaspora.

A passionate community leader, Venkatesh has served in several executive positions with the Karnataka Association of Canberra (KAC), including multiple terms as President. During his leadership, he championed collaboration among Kannada associations across Australia, contributing to the establishment of Australia Kannada Koota Incorporation (AKKI) as a national umbrella body.

Beyond KAC, Venkatesh has held key leadership roles across various organisations, including:

• Indo Australia Association of Canberra (IAAC) – Executive Committee Member
• FINACT – Executive Committee Member, Community Services Coordinator, Seniors Coordinator, and long-term Office Bearer
• Australia Kannada Koota Incorporation (AKKI) – Public Officer and Executive Committee Member

Known for his collaborative approach and strong community focus, Venkatesh remains committed to building meaningful partnerships and promoting the positive contributions of the Indian community across Australia.

Hello! I’m Sowmya Neenakri, honoured to be part of the KAC committee. Being involved with the Karnataka Association of Canberra allows me to stay connected to our roots while helping create meaningful cultural and social experiences for our community. Through KAC, I enjoy supporting events and initiatives that bring families together and strengthen our community bonds.

I am an IT professional with over 18 years of experience in Software Testing and have been based in Canberra since 2016, having moved from Gulbarga, Karnataka.

I am a passionate community volunteer and an active member of the Karnataka Association of Canberra (KAC). I previously served as the Vice President of KAC in 2022 and currently serve as a KAC Committee Member for 2026. I am committed to strengthening the Kannada community by supporting cultural events, promoting community engagement, and encouraging collaboration among members.

I enjoy organising community activities, volunteering at cultural festivals, and participating in outdoor adventures, including hiking and trekking around the Canberra region. I believe in fostering an inclusive, vibrant, and connected community while celebrating and preserving Karnataka’s rich cultural heritage.