The City of Canterbury-Bankstown’s Children’s Festival took place at Playford Park, Padstow, on Sunday, 27 October 2024. Bringing together children and families, this year’s event hosted an incredible number of community services and information stalls, traditional costume displays, cultural performances from children and young people, food trucks, and competitions.
Now in its 26th year, this beloved festival continues to build harmony and celebrate diversity, starting with children.
Spanning two decades, and 14 locations across the Sydney region, the Children’s Festival Organisation has supported children to celebrate the uniqueness of their culture through storytelling, performance, and food. Also, to learn and experience the different cultures around them.
The event featured a Welcome to Country from Uncle Harry, as well as keynote speeches from the organising committee of the Children’s Festival Organisation, and MPs and councillors representing Canterbury-Bankstown and NSW.
In his speech, Thuat Nguyen, President of the Children’s Festival Organisation, emphasised that these festivals support children to learn about their culture, connect with others, and experience new cultures.
His enthusiasm for building relationships with other community groups within Sydney is what sparked his work to establish the Children’s Festival Organisation, which has attracted over 250,000 people over the years.
“From humble beginnings this grassroots organisation has brought in over 250,000 participants.”
Organisations such as SSI, a national not-for-profit providing social services to newly arrived migrants; the NSW Federation of Community Language Schools, which helps establish and support local language schools; and the State Emergency Service, made up of volunteers dedicated to supporting the Bankstown community, were all present at the festival to show their support for the children’s efforts and aspirations.
The NSW Premier, the Hon. Chris Minns, attended the festival and experienced first-hand the richness and celebration of cultural diversity within the Canterbury-Bankstown region.
Other politicians from state, federal, and local councils were also in attendance.
The Hon. Jason Clare, Federal Member of Blaxland and Minister of Education, articulated the government’s continued support for embracing the country’s cultural diversity by referring to Australia as a home that belongs to everyone.
He expressed “when you come to Australia, we ask you to make it your home – you don’t leave it (your culture) at border control.”
The Hon. Jihad Dib expressed a very similar sentiment, “every single one of us has something to contribute to the story of Australia.” He called for residents of the Canterbury-Bankstown community to get more involved with supporting events, like the Children’s Festival, to foster stronger cross-cultural community connections.
Kylie Wilkinson – MP for East Hills, The Hon Mark Coure – MP for Oatley, The Hon David Coleman – MP for Banks, and Tri Vo – MP for Cabramatta were also present at the event.
The Hon. David Coleman recognised the incredible commitment of volunteers and the Children’s Festival Organisation to “bring together kids from different cultural backgrounds to celebrate all cultures and traditions.”
The Hon. Mark Coure, a dedicated supporter of the Children’s Festival, and youth-oriented organisations, such as the Australian Cadet Corps, which had the Riverwood unit supporting the parade march, also commended the festival organisers, for the increased interest and turnout at this year’s event.
“(There) are so many stall sponsors and organisations here today. You have made today possible. It (Canterbury-Bankstown Children’s Festival) is getting bigger and better every year.”
The Mayor of Canterbury-Bankstown, Clr Bilal El-Hayek, shared his passion for celebrating the richness of the city’s cultural diversity. He emphasised the harmony and respect among the diverse communities that exist within the area, which boasts over 150 different language groups.
He thanked the organising committee of the Children’s Festival Organisation “for putting (children) on the map across the state” and supporting the Canterbury-Bankstown community in showcasing the heritage, talent, and cultural traditions of families.
The Children’s Festival Organisation is calling on members of community to support their cause, helping to ensure that more of these events can happen across Sydney. Donations can be made directly online by visiting the organisation’s webpage: https://www.childrensfestival.org.au/
