SPOTLIGHT SHINES ON A FEAST OF FESTIVALS
Published Wednesday, 31 October, 2007 at 10:46 AM
Minister for Communities, Disability Services, ATSIP, Multicultural Affairs, Seniors and Youth
The Honourable Lindy Nelson-Carr
Multiculturalism is alive and well in Brisbane with celebrations aplenty during November.
Multicultural Affairs Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said the abundance of activities planned for November clearly shows Queensland has a vibrant multicultural community.
“The Bligh Government has provided more than $12,000 under the Multicultural Assistance Program to fund these events,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“Two events and a week-long festival scheduled in the same week, demonstrates how multiculturalism is growing stronger in Queensland.”
The Deepavali Festival of Light, the Indian Community’s Festival of Light and Canossa Multicultural Week will all be held in early November.
“The Deepavali Festival of Light commemorates the return of Lord Rama from 14 years of exile, and stands for the reaffirmation of hope, renewed commitment to friendship, religious tolerance, peace and harmony,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
Hindu Society of Queensland Secretary Ravi Sharma said the festival, to be held at the RNA Showground Coffee Club Auditorium on 3 November, would bring together various ethnic cultures to promote respect and understanding.
“The festival presents the Hindu culture and tradition through song, dance and drama and promotes the respect of diversity,” Mr Sharma said.
The Tamil Association is hosting the Indian Community’s Festival of Light on 10 November, with the support of the Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland, Mayalaee Association and Bengali Society.
Festival Coordinator Dr Navaratnam said the festival, also being held at the RNA Showgrounds Coffee Club Auditorium, would bring people together through various cultural song and dance offerings.
“The night is designed to share the Indian culture with the community through food, song and dance, ending with the lighting of the candles ceremony,” Dr Navaratnam said.
Canossa Multicultural Week organiser Jacqueline Jordan said the festival would be held at 169 Seventeen Mile Rock Road, Oxley from 5 -11 November.
“We have 42 different cultures represented in Canossa’s staff, residents and patients,” Ms Jordan said.
“Multicultural Week lets us share and celebrate our diversity by bringing young and older people together to learn about different cultures.”
Ms Nelson-Carr said the events celebrated and valued cultural diversity in the community.
“The Multicultural Assistance Program offers grants to community organisations for projects, festivals and events that promote an understanding of multiculturalism, reduce prejudice and foster community participation in Queensland,” she said.
“I encourage Queenslanders to join in the fun and soak up the cultural richness that will be featured during these November multicultural festivals and events.”
Media Contact: Minister Nelson-Carr’s office 3235 4280
Ravi Sharma 0419 732 558
Dr Navaratnam 3259 4249
Jacqueline Jordan 0411 029 372
Multicultural Affairs Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said the abundance of activities planned for November clearly shows Queensland has a vibrant multicultural community.
“The Bligh Government has provided more than $12,000 under the Multicultural Assistance Program to fund these events,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“Two events and a week-long festival scheduled in the same week, demonstrates how multiculturalism is growing stronger in Queensland.”
The Deepavali Festival of Light, the Indian Community’s Festival of Light and Canossa Multicultural Week will all be held in early November.
“The Deepavali Festival of Light commemorates the return of Lord Rama from 14 years of exile, and stands for the reaffirmation of hope, renewed commitment to friendship, religious tolerance, peace and harmony,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
Hindu Society of Queensland Secretary Ravi Sharma said the festival, to be held at the RNA Showground Coffee Club Auditorium on 3 November, would bring together various ethnic cultures to promote respect and understanding.
“The festival presents the Hindu culture and tradition through song, dance and drama and promotes the respect of diversity,” Mr Sharma said.
The Tamil Association is hosting the Indian Community’s Festival of Light on 10 November, with the support of the Federation of Indian Communities of Queensland, Mayalaee Association and Bengali Society.
Festival Coordinator Dr Navaratnam said the festival, also being held at the RNA Showgrounds Coffee Club Auditorium, would bring people together through various cultural song and dance offerings.
“The night is designed to share the Indian culture with the community through food, song and dance, ending with the lighting of the candles ceremony,” Dr Navaratnam said.
Canossa Multicultural Week organiser Jacqueline Jordan said the festival would be held at 169 Seventeen Mile Rock Road, Oxley from 5 -11 November.
“We have 42 different cultures represented in Canossa’s staff, residents and patients,” Ms Jordan said.
“Multicultural Week lets us share and celebrate our diversity by bringing young and older people together to learn about different cultures.”
Ms Nelson-Carr said the events celebrated and valued cultural diversity in the community.
“The Multicultural Assistance Program offers grants to community organisations for projects, festivals and events that promote an understanding of multiculturalism, reduce prejudice and foster community participation in Queensland,” she said.
“I encourage Queenslanders to join in the fun and soak up the cultural richness that will be featured during these November multicultural festivals and events.”
Media Contact: Minister Nelson-Carr’s office 3235 4280
Ravi Sharma 0419 732 558
Dr Navaratnam 3259 4249
Jacqueline Jordan 0411 029 372