The Canterbury-Bankstown Children’s Festival in Padstow brought families together with a lively celebration of culture, music, and unity. Premier Chris Minns, making his debut appearance at the event, marvelled at the sight of thousands of children ditching screens to join the crowd at Playford Park. “It’s amazing to see all these kids coming together, off their devices and off their mobile phones, and playing in the community,” he said, addressing an enthusiastic audience.
Minns noted that while there’s plenty written on divisive issues in Australia, gatherings like this one paint a different picture. “There’s a very special message here,” he remarked. “Nobody is born with race or hatred in their heart. They’re taught it. And it’s just as easy to teach love, respect, and community—that’s exactly what this festival stands for.”
The Children’s Festival Organisation’s founding president, Thuat Nguyen AM, highlighted the importance of fostering unity early on. “The Children’s Festival makes children feel proud of a special event created for them. The joy of children is also the happiness of the whole family,” Nguyen said. “Children are our future, and this festival shows how they can be the starting point for a harmonious community, celebrating diversity and instilling pride in being Australian.”
The crowd, filled with families in vibrant national costumes, heard Federal Education Minister Jason Clare praise the festival as a true snapshot of Australia’s diversity. “This is what Australia looks like,” he said, acknowledging the country’s mix of backgrounds, religions, and cultures. “When people come to make Australia their home, we don’t ask them to leave their heritage at border control. We ask them to bring it with them, and that’s what makes Australia the best country in the world.”
Marking 26 years since its inception, the festival highlighted its ongoing relevance with performances by children from more than a dozen countries, including Nepal, Ukraine, India, Scotland, and the Philippines. Dances, songs, and costumes celebrated each culture’s unique stories, with children as young as four proudly showcasing traditions alongside modern popular culture.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
