The community has raised $20,379 within three days to send home the remains of the 27-year-old Indian national who drowned at the popular MacKenzie Falls in western Victoria on December 26th.
New Zealand-based Harmanjot Singh Walia was visiting friends in Australia along with his wife Kritika when he drowned in the notoriously dangerous falls while swimming.
Eyewitness and close friend Binoty Vij who was hosting the Walias at her Melbourne residence told SBS Hindi that they are in touch with the Indian Consulate in Melbourne who is helping them with the repatriation process.
“We are in touch with the Consulate and are hoping that all the documents will be issued at the earliest so that his body can reach India by Monday latest,” Ms Vij said. 
Ms Vij who had started the crowdfunding on the public platform, GoFundMe, also took the opportunity to thank the community for their wholehearted support for Mr Walia’s family.
A file photo of Harmanjot Singh Walia Source: Supplied
“We have been able to raise such a huge amount in such a short time, nearly $5000 more than our target,” Ms Vij told SBS Hindi.
“I would like to extend our thanks and gratitude to the community who came out in full support, not just financially, but also emotionally,” she added.
The news of Mr Walia’s death has been kept under wraps from his ailing mother in Patiala in the north Indian state of Punjab where she is recovering from major brain surgery, Ms Vij said.
"Harman-true to his name was a man who lived in people’s hearts and will be remembered as a funny and friendly being who has left a mark on many lives," said Ms Vij who was with him in his last moments.
"He was single-handedly supporting his family back in Punjab who had struggled to send him to New Zealand where he had recently acquired a work permit."
Ms Vij also had a word of caution for people particularly migrants who are frequenting the Australian beaches in this weather.
“I would really like to warn people that please do not swim in dangerous areas or unpatrolled stretches where there is no help around.”
“Everyone must be aware of the safety rules before heading out into the water,” she added.
The incident comes at the back of many drowning mishaps involving migrants during the month of December.
At least six Indian-origin migrants and visitors have died this month in waterways across Australia, sparking renewed calls for awareness of beach safety conditions across the country.
Surf Life Saving Australia has issued a fresh warning on its Facebook page, reminding people to swim at patrolled beaches and between the flags.
Here are some tips for keeping safe in or on waterways:
- At the beach, always swim between the red and yellow flags
- Read and observe the safety signs
- Ask a lifesaver/lifeguard for safety advice
- Always swim with someone else and look out for each other
- Always supervise children around the water
- Never swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Learn how to identify a rip
- If you need help, stay calm and attract attention
- Always wear a lifejacket while boating or rock-fishing
- If witnessing an in-water emergency, call Triple Zero (000)
For information on Beach conditions or to find a patrolled beach near you, check out the BeachSafe website or download the mobile app.
