MEDIA RELEASE

Premier congratulates Children’s Festival – on 25th anniversary

8th September 2023

The Premier of NSW, Chris Minns, has congratulated the Children’s Festival Organisation Inc on its 25th anniversary being celebrated on September 17 in Western Sydney.

“This year’s celebration holds a special place in our hearts as we reflect on the incredible journey the festival has undertaken in fostering unity, diversity, and a sense of community among our youngest citizens.

“For a quarter of a century, this free, one-day event has united families from all walks of life. By providing a platform for children and their families to come together, share experiences and celebrate their diverse backgrounds, the festival serves as a powerful force in strengthening our society”, the Premier told the organisation in a formal message.

The Premier’s message follows those from a long list of federal, state and local elected representatives and Ministers who have all congratulated the organisation and its Founding President, Mr Thuat Nguyen AM, on a quarter of a century of children’s festivals around Sydney.

Meanwhile young singers from across Sydney have come together as a multicultural choir for a final costumed rehearsal for the 25^th Anniversary Children’s Festival this month.

A much-loved feature of the festival is the singing, by the Children’s Choir, of the Australian National Anthem and the popular unofficial anthem We Are One – But we are Many, before the official opening.

2 Mr Nguyen said today: “This choral performance makes a strong statement about the goal of the festival to showcase the fact that Australia is the most successful multicultural country in the world where children of all backgrounds grow up as open-minded Australian citizens knowing their place in the world.

“We believe that children are a starting point in building social cohesion and therefore this festival is one of the best ways to create harmony in our community, to enrich the Australian culture and to make everyone feel proud to be Australians,” he said.

The day’s programme will run from 11am to 5pm and will feature a colourful on-stage showcase of performances from over twenty community-based groups along with a lively Children’s Costume Parade, outdoor fun activities, competitions, community stalls, food stalls and food trucks.

The festival will take place at Gazzard Park, Cooper Road, next to Yagoona Railway Station.