27 October 2017 – Media Release
Cumberland Council hosted a dinner to celebrate the major Hindu celebration of Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, on 26 October 2017. The dinner brought together community members from the Hindu, Muslim and Christian faiths and was also attended by Cumberland Mayor, Greg Cummings and fellow Councillors.
The dinner is a part of Council’s pledge to maintain and nurture a sense of belonging for people of all backgrounds in Cumberland by celebrating major events. It also brings the diverse community together as one to help foster a common identification with greater Cumberland.
Hindu is the third most popular religion in Cumberland with 22,025 identifying with the religion, equivalent to 10.2 per cent of the population.
Mayor Greg Cummings commented that the night ‘celebrated an event close to the heart of one of Cumberland’s largest communities, while bringing the wider community’.
“Cumberland is a special area with a unique make up and Council knows our diversity is one of our greatest assets,” Mr Cummings said.
“That’s why Council makes it a priority to talk to the major leaders in Cumberland’s communities, especially the religious and cultural leaders, and ask them how Council can ensure they are well connected and recognised.
“The Diwali Dinner is the perfect example of that in action. Earlier this year Council met with Hindu community members to find out exactly what we could do to help them feel welcome, recognised and tied to greater Cumberland.
“Similar meetings will be held with Muslim and Christian community members, which I am sure will result in great feedback that ensures Council recognises major events and occasions in all the major faiths and cultures, in a way appropriate to them.
“During October you will see Diwali banners lining the streets of Cumberland, celebrating this major occasion with one of our largest communities.
“You would have seen it earlier this year in August during Eid and you will see it again in December when Christmas trees, banners and decorations will line all Cumberland’s town centres.
“Council’s main goal is to make sure everyone in Cumberland feels safe, welcome and empowered to succeed. I think this is already one of Cumberland’s proud attributes and we want to continue to reinforce that culture.”
For more information on Council’s banner program and how we will be celebrating the various religious and cultural events, please call 8757 9000.
