Thousands of people gathered at South.Point Canberra on Sunday as the AUSINDIA Fair brought together cultural performances, food, music and community groups in one of the ACT’s largest multicultural celebrations.
Organisers estimated about 8,000 people attended the free event, presented by South.Point in partnership with the Federation of Indian Associations of ACT Inc (FINACT) and Fair Canberra. The program featured 30 cultural performances, traditional Indian dance, Brazilian samba, live music, community stalls and cuisine representing a range of cultures.
The event attracted senior political figures including Finance Minister Katy Gallagher, Independent ACT Senator David Pocock, Federal Member for Canberra Alicia Payne, Deputy High Commissioner Irina Thakur, along with ministers, MPs and community leaders.
Addressing the gathering, Ms Gallagher said: “This country is made up of multiculturalism; it’s something we should be proud of and should preserve.”
Senator Pocock thanked Canberra’s diverse communities for their contribution to the national capital.
“Thank you to the diverse communities and their contribution to a great city. We need to focus on the things we share in common during these times.”
Ms Payne said cultural diversity remained one of Australia’s strengths.
“Multiculturalism and its diversity are the strength of our country.”
South.Point Marketing Manager Carole Arulantu said the turnout highlighted the centre’s role as a community gathering place.
“Seeing thousands of people from so many different backgrounds come together has been incredibly rewarding. South.Point is proud to be more than a shopping centre; we’re a place where people come together to celebrate, connect and experience the incredible cultural diversity that makes Canberra such a special city.”
Ms Arulantu said the success of an earlier Harmony Day celebration encouraged South.Point to continue hosting multicultural events.
“After the tremendous success of Harmony Day and the wonderful response from the Canberra community, we are proud to bring another colourful, vibrant and culturally diverse event to South.Point through the AUSINDIA Fair.”
FINACT President Divya Ravikumar said the program highlighted the contribution of Indian Australians while creating opportunities for other communities to participate.
“FINACT is delighted to have delivered such an exciting program of performances showcasing Indian culture, supported by several other local multicultural community groups.”
She said collaboration between organisations strengthened community ties.
“Partnerships like this create opportunities to share our culture, strengthen community connections and celebrate the diversity that makes Canberra such a welcoming and inclusive city.”
The entertainment program featured performers representing Indian, African, Pacific Islander, Tongan, Chinese and Thai communities, alongside Brazilian samba dancers, interactive cultural workshops and cultural displays. Visitors also explored community stalls and sampled traditional food from different parts of the world.
Ms Arulantu said the response reinforced South.Point’s commitment to community events.
“Today’s turnout reflects the strength of Canberra’s multicultural community and reinforces South.Point’s commitment to creating experiences that bring people together and celebrate the diversity that makes our city so special.”
South.Point hosts a calendar of free community events throughout the year, with the AUSINDIA Fair adding another large multicultural gathering to Canberra’s annual events calendar.
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