19 October 2017 – Media Release
Diwali banners will line the town centres of Cumberland over October as Cumberland Council joins with its substantial Hindu community to celebrate the special holiday, which is also known as the Hindu Festival of Lights. New census data reveals that Hindu is the third most popular religion in Cumberland with 22,025 identifying with the religion, equivalent to 10.2% of the population.
The banners are a part of Council’s pledge to help everyone within Cumberland, visitors and residents alike, feel welcome, belong and succeed. Diwali joins other major cultural and religious celebrations such as Christmas and Eid to be celebrated by Council.
“As a Council we are determined for Cumberland to be a place where everyone feels welcome and can belong,” Mayor Greg Cummings said.
“We want to publically recognise and celebrate those occasions that are close to the heart of the Cumberland community and that resonate with Australians, regardless of their background.
“This is why we commissioned banners marking Diwali; as we will for the other major community, civic, cultural and awareness raising events.
“Major events and festivals bring to life the personality of our neighbourhoods while strengthening connections between residents.
“Our diversity is one of our greatest assets. Nearly half of all our residents were born overseas and trace their ancestry to over 150 countries.
“This makes Cumberland’s calendar a yearlong roller coaster ride of festivals, holy days, celebrations and events.
