Indian independence celebrated in Brisbane

Brisbane residents and visitors can revel in all things Indian at the India Day Fair 2013 on Sunday, 11 August in the Roma Street Parklands.

Now in its third year, the fair is organised by the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin and is being supported by the Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Multicultural Affairs through funding of $4,000.

Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Multicultural Affairs Glen Elmes said the fair was a great chance for Brisbane to celebrate and acknowledge the richness of Indian cultures and traditions, while also observing the significant anniversary of Indian Independence, which occurred on 15 August 1947.

“The India Day Fair has become a major event for Brisbane’s Indian community and a time when we come together to celebrate Indian Independence Day through a great community-focused event,” Mr Elmes said.

“With more than 7,000 people expected to attend the fair this year, it is a great example of how the community unites to celebrate Queensland’s cultural diversity, share our many different cultures and traditions, and recognise the achievements and contributions of Queensland’s Indian community.”

Mr Elmes said the fair offered visitors a day of live entertainment and parades, art and crafts stalls, cultural and community stalls, as well as fireworks.

The India Day Fair 2013 takes place Sunday, 11 August from 10.30am to dusk at the Roma Street Parklands Amphitheatre in Brisbane.

For more information visit http://www.gopioqueensland.org/#!india-day-fair

Mr Elmes said the state was also gearing up to celebrate Queensland Multicultural Week, which runs from 31 August to 8 September.

The week will showcase a program of events and activities where all Queenslanders can support, acknowledge and celebrate our cultural diversity together.

For more information visit www.datsima.qld.gov.au/qld-multicultural-week.

[ENDS] 1 August 2013

Media Contact: Peter McCarthy 0408 835 548