A pictorial history of the 22 years of the Children’s Festival was launched at an assembly of Members of Federal and State Parliaments, Local Councils and community leaders gathered in Revesby on Sunday.
Prevented by Covid-19 from holding any festivals in 2020, the organisation, led by President Thuat Nguyen OAM, set about collecting the history and producing an official record of the event in photographs, recollections, and tributes.
“We sincerely hope Australians of all ages will enjoy reading the story of our Children’s Festival and its achievements over the last two decades, but they will also learn something of the heart and soul of the army of volunteers who simply want to contribute to social harmony and cohesion, starting with children, because, as we say, “Children are our future”.
The book entitled: Children’s Festival – Playing Together and Living in Harmony, was jointly launched by Mr. Quang Luu, Former Head of SBS Radio, in the presence of Federal Member for Blaxland, Jason Clare, State Member for Lakemba, Jihad Dib, State Member for East Hills, Wendy Lindsay and the Deputy Mayor of Canterbury Bankstown, Cr Rachelle Harika.
Addressing the gathering at Revesby Workers Club, President Thuat Nguyen, said: “In the last 21 years we have successfully staged thirty- five Children’s festivals in Bankstown, Canterbury, Marrickville, Campbelltown and Sydney, attracting approximately a quarter of a million participants. The success of our concept has proved that it meets the expectation of the communities in some ways.”
“This festival sends a vibrant message to the adult population of Australia that whilst we all have different cultural backgrounds, we all are part of one nation where racism and discrimination have no place.
“It also displays the multicultural society, as most of the children wear their traditional costumes while performing and marching in the grand parade,” he said.
A full programme of festivals is being planned for 2021 but Covid restrictions may still restrict or prevent us from going ahead with a planned event in Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour in March.
“It has been a very sad year for the children because they have all lost a year of developing their confidence and performing skills, even though they will have all grown in many other ways.
“We are more hopeful of going ahead in August at Koshigaya Park in Campbelltown and in September at Paul Keating Park, Bankstown”, Mr. Nguyen said today
Copies of the book Children’s Festival – Playing Together and Living in Harmony can be purchased by contacting Mr. Kim Vo on 0414 545440 or kvo170@outlook.com
More information at: info@childrensfestival.org.au