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.
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🎉🌏The Canterbury-Bankstown Children’s Festival united families in Padstow, celebrating culture, music, & diversity.🌈🎶 Premier @ChrisMinnsMP praised children ditching screens for community fun!🤗👫 What does unity mean to you?🤔💬 #TheIndianSunhttps://t.co/EBebuKJnRB
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