Australia
On February 22, 2025, 62 members of the SSSIO in New South Wales visited the Baitul Huda Mosque in Marsden Park to foster interfaith harmony. They were warmly welcomed, guided on a tour of the mosque, and listened to thoughtful presentations from the Imam and a Muslim SSSIO member. The speakers reflected on the shared values between Islam and the teachings of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, highlighting the unity of all faiths.
Just a week later, on March 2, 2025, 25 volunteers from the SSSIO New South Wales participated in Clean Up Australia Day at Kissing Park Reserve in Putney. The group included 18 SSSIO members, five SSE students, and two environmental supporters. After a safety briefing, volunteers worked in teams to collect and sort waste plastics, paper, and glass. The activity nurtured a strong sense of unity among families, youth, and environmental advocates.
Environmental stewardship continued in July 2025, when SSSIO Australia members across all regions united to observe National Tree Day. With gratitude to Mother Earth, nearly 3,000 native trees, shrubs, and plants were planted nationwide. In Western Australia, members joined the City of Bayswater’s planting at Bardon Park, dedicating their efforts to Swami. In New South Wales, 65 SSSIO members planted 2,500 native plants at North Upjohn Park Reserve, enhancing green spaces, improving air quality, and supporting wildlife habitats.
In Victoria, volunteers contributed to two major initiatives. The Melbourne Sai Center supported a planting drive at Yarra Boulevard in Richmond, adding 100 native trees and shrubs, while the South-East Melbourne Sai Group participated in a large-scale restoration project in Cranbourne West, planting 300 native species to help protect the endangered Southern Brown Bandicoot. In Queensland, 150 trees and shrubs were planted at Glenefer Street Park. In the ACT and Tasmania regions, volunteers planted trees and shrubs at home. Altogether, around 100 SSSIO members across Australia participated, showing unity, dedication, and environmental consciousness.
On May 11, 2025, 61 members from five SSSIO regions participated in the Mother’s Day Classic Walk, Australia’s largest annual run and walk dedicated to raising awareness and funds for breast and ovarian cancer research. Since its inception in 1998 in Sydney and Melbourne, the event has grown into a nationwide movement drawing tens of thousands of participants each year. The Ladies Wing of SSSIO Australia has supported this cause for several years and officially adopted it in 2018, following the ACT Region’s involvement in 2017.
Many SSSIO members joined with their families. While the atmosphere was festive with colorful costumes and entertainment, the purpose was deeply heartfelt: to honor those affected by cancer, remember loved ones lost, and support life-saving research. A first-time participant described the event as inspiring, touched by the dedication of the Sai family and the broader community. A breast cancer survivor shared how meaningful the walk has been since her remission. SSE children added joy to the day, enjoying activities such as face painting and fellowship after the walk.
When devastating floods struck Taree and the surrounding regions in New South Wales, SSSIO Australia responded swiftly with compassionate service. Though homes, farms, and livelihoods were lost, the spirit of selfless love shone brightly.
Working alongside local partners and communities, more than 30 volunteers packed 662 blankets and over 100 pillows and delivered non-perishable food, household essentials, and cleaning supplies. They also provided 45 bales of hay and 60 bags of animal feed to struggling farmers. From collection rooms to relief centers, unity and compassion guided every effort. One community member expressed heartfelt gratitude, “Your group has left a wonderful impression of human kindness and compassion... Truly an honor to meet so many dedicated people.”
In celebration of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s 100th Birthday, SSSIO volunteers across Australia undertook a year of inspiring initiatives culminating in grand centenary celebrations. On Aradhana Mahotsavam Day 2023, the 'One Million Steps' sadhana was launched as a loving offering to Swami, with the inspiration, “If we take a step toward Swami, He takes a hundred toward us. So, why don’t we take a million steps toward Him?” Individual efforts contributed to a cumulative virtual journey across the country. The initiative blended personal spiritual discipline with active service.
Along the virtual route, participants partnered with local organizations to support the homeless, families facing financial hardship, indigenous communities, and victims of natural disasters. Environmental projects were also undertaken. By 2024, the program expanded globally to 18 countries. Over 300 participants have completed 164 million steps, covering 109,682 kilometers by 2025.
In Australia alone, 18 major projects were undertaken: 1,000 families received groceries; 10,000 blankets and 3,000 beanies were distributed; 2,500 birthing kits were assembled; 10 hours of Gayatri chanting were offered; and 4,000 trees and shrubs were planted. Each step symbolized the transformation of devotion into tangible acts of love and service.
As part of the ‘Journey with Sai’ program, the New South Wales Region Ladies’ Wing gathered on June 21, 2025, for a meaningful service initiative.
In partnership with Zonta International, an organization dedicated to advancing women’s health and well-being, volunteers handcrafted 126 breast cushions for women recovering from breast cancer surgery. Ladies from across the region lovingly sewed and filled each cushion, offering not only physical comfort but also compassion, solidarity, and hope.
Australia also marked the 30th anniversary of Ladies Day alongside Swami’s centenary with devotional programs, talks on the significance of womanhood, and impactful service activities. In Queensland and Victoria, SSSIO members supported ‘Share the Dignity’, a national initiative promoting menstrual equity and combating poverty. Volunteers prepared 262 bags for distribution, filled with toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, sanitary pads, and tampons. The recipient organization expressed deep appreciation, noting that they typically received only one to three bags at a time and were overwhelmed by the generosity shown.
In the ACT Region, hygiene packs were prepared for mothers and babies at Karinya House, supporting vulnerable pregnant women and parents. In New South Wales, 100 meal boxes were lovingly prepared for the homeless, accompanied by chanting the Gayatri Mantra 108 times as part of the One Million Steps program. Queensland SSSIO members also assembled food boxes for ‘Community Friends’, an NGO (non-government organization) assisting the needy, each including a personal card conveying love and encouragement.
Fiji
The Fiji Sai Medicare Team organized a Medical Outreach Camp on April 26, 2025, with the assistance of 28 health professionals, including 9 medical students supported by 54 volunteers, including some who were not Sai devotees. The event was held at the Waidina College, Navurevure, Waidina District. A range of services was provided to benefit 155 patients from local villages, including general practice consultations, dermatology, optometry (with 52 reading glasses dispensed), otolaryngology, dentistry, and pharmacy. A focus of the camp was on non-communicable diseases, which are prevalent in Fijian communities and often undiagnosed in remote villages. Those diagnosed were referred to their nearest health facility. Another focus was women’s wellness and mental health. These outreach camps were supported by the Fijian Ministry of Health.
The ‘Kids Fun Day’ was held on October 5, 2025. It was organized by the SSSIO Young Adults of Fiji for children with special needs. Participants from the Gospel School for the Deaf, the Fiji Society for the Blind, Harland Home, and WOWs Kids came together for a joyous day filled with fun, food, and friendship. The day was filled with a variety of engaging activities, including painting, face painting, board games, soccer, tin and ball, balloon blowing, hula hoops, musical chairs, singing, and dancing. Laughter echoed throughout the venue as the children enthusiastically embraced each activity with excitement and delight. A delicious lunch was served, and each child received a thoughtfully assembled goodie bag to take home. The event offered Sai families an opportunity to unite in selfless service, as a heartfelt offering in honor of Swami’s 100th Birthday.
As part of the centenary celebrations of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, a new specialist medical center was established in Fiji to complement the primary healthcare services provided by the existing Viseisei Sai Health Center. The new facility was formally inaugurated on November 15, 2025, by Fiji’s Minister of Health, following a multifaith prayer ceremony that reflected unity and shared purpose.
Earlier, in August 2025, the Viseisei Sai Health Center had been swiftly equipped to support the Zone 3 Sai Medical Camp, during which more than 600 patients received treatment.
During this camp, the operating theatre was used for the first time to successfully perform gastroscopy procedures. Specialist clinical services began rolling out in August and October 2025, including gastrointestinal clinics and endoscopy services. Today, the new center is fully operational, featuring consulting rooms, a modern operating and recovery suite, and telemedicine facilities that connect patients with specialist expertise both locally and internationally. The center stands as a living embodiment of the principle ‘Love All, Serve All,’ bringing hope, healing, and compassionate care to the needy.
New Zealand
Throughout the year, SSSIO members in New Zealand participated in uplifting devotional satsangs that strengthened unity and deepened their spiritual connection. On February 26, 2025, nearly 40 members from the Sri Sathya Sai Centers of Hamilton and Rotorua gathered at Phoenix Hall in Hamilton to celebrate the sacred festival of Maha Shivaratri. The atmosphere was charged with devotion, and participants experienced a profound sense of inner peace and spiritual upliftment.
On the holy occasion of Aradhana Mahotsavam, three groups in Auckland commemorated the day in a spirit of reverence and cultural harmony. The program included indigenous Māori prayers, soulful bhajans, sharing of personal experiences, and the chanting of Swami’s 108 names. Many devotees felt Swami’s presence strongly during the singing of His favorite bhajans.
On March 15, SSSIO New Zealand conducted its annual Fun Day for children with special needs at Marlborough Park in Auckland. Around 350 people attended, including 54 special needs children, 60 caregivers, and 67 SSSIO volunteers. The fun-filled entertainment consisted of games suitably designed for the attendees, performances reflecting the diversity of cultures, face painting and body art, delicious food, and a magic show. Participating organizations included four different faith groups, a number of NGOs, and the local community organization that provided the venue.
Since 2024, the Ladies Wing of the SSSIO in Hamilton has been lovingly knitting and donating beanies, singlets, and booties each quarter to hospitals and nursing homes. On March 28, 2025, they delivered 20 beanies, 8 singlets, and 11 pairs of booties to the Waikato Women’s Delivery Ward, where the gifts were warmly received. Each item was carefully handcrafted using soft baby wool to ensure comfort and suitability for newborns. The service expanded in May, when the group donated 54 beanies, 7 singlets, 2 jumpers, 15 pairs of booties, and one blanket. In addition, they introduced a new initiative producing and distributing 100 wheat bags, a safe and practical alternative to hot water bottles or electric heating pads, providing warmth, comfort, and gentle pain relief.
In the Northern Region, dedicated ladies joined hands with the Young Adults to launch a centenary initiative in celebration of the 100th Birthday of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. Together, they lovingly crafted and donated 100 handmade blankets to children in two major Auckland hospitals—Kidz First and Starship Hospital. Each blanket was stitched with care and prayer, symbolizing warmth, protection, and divine love for the young patients and their families.
