Diversity do

By Bridget Cook
CASEY Council could soon host a multicultural festival in the area to celebrate the city’s cultural diversity.
The council resolved at last week’s council meeting to establish a committee of community representatives, relevant officers and interested councillors, to be co-chaired by Councillors Wayne Smith and Lynette Keleher, to organise a Casey multicultural festival before the end of council term.
The committee will then undertake a feasibility and administrative study of how this festival could be funded and organised including sources of funding and appropriate venue, name and hosting timeframe.
Cr Keleher said her ideal festival would be a long-day festival, with the view of extending it later on.
“The festival should be a joyous celebration of our many cultures here in Casey and has to be all inclusive,” she said.
“We could have displays and stalls from different interest groups, music, ethnic foods, Aussie foods, indigenous information, sporting groups, dancing and other performances.
“I would hope our local politicians could be there to meet and greet, as well as any other personalities from the local area.”
Cr Keleher said she was pushing for the multicultural festival for a number of reasons.
“I have found the City of Casey to be a very conservative municipality and this is reflected in council,” she said.
“I’ve lived in Hampton Park since 1987 and I find it quite amazing that we haven’t already had such a festival here already.
“This festival is important to create social inclusion and understanding between our many religions and cultures.
“We need to become a more progressive council and take into account the different needs of all our residents and foster appropriate activities to reflect this.”
Cr Keleher said the festival would be a great benefit to the community, as she benefited from similar festivals as a child.
“They are a lot of fun and a real community building experience,” she said.
“We need to learn and understand others in our community to be able to truly develop a sense of harmony.
“We have other small specific events in Casey, but none that really highlight and showcase our different nationalities and cultures. The social outcomes from such an event are too numerous to mention.”
She said she had received great feedback so far, and support and encouragement from local community groups who want such a festival.
She encouraged all community members and local businesses who want to get involved to contact her at lkeleher@casey.vic.gov.au or phone 8768 8652 or 0400 046 691.