Cardinia Shire Council invites community members to attend the 2020 Cardinia Shire South Sudanese Community Day on Saturday 1 February at the newly opened Deep Creek Reserve, Pakenham.
The free family event is open to all and will celebrate the resilience, diversity and culture of Cardinia Shire’s South Sudanese community.
The day will include a range of activities to enjoy, including:
- information sessions
- presentations from the Hon Jason Wood MP and Jordan Crugnale MP, as well as local South Sudanese community leaders Jeffah Thabach and Thiik Mou Thiik
- traditional dances from Nuer community, Dinka, Chollo, Lou and the Acholi community
- community information stalls.
Cardinia Shire Mayor Councillor Jeff Springfield encouraged residents to take part in the day which celebrates the shire’s rich and diverse community.
“We are so incredibly blessed to have such a vibrant and diverse community here in Cardinia Shire,” Cr Springfield said.
“I believe that our cultural diversity is one of our greatest strengths and contributes to making our shire such a welcoming community in which to live.
“I’d like to acknowledge the Australian Government for its support through its MUSTER (Mutual Understanding, Support, Tolerance, Engagement and Respect) grant for Council to employ a South Sudanese Liaison Officer. Through this support and the work of our liaison officer, Thuch Ajak, we look forward to continuing to strengthen community ties and awareness.
“I encourage community members to take part in the Cardinia Shire South Sudanese Community Day, and to continue to foster an accessible and welcoming community for all residents.”
This event is proudly hosted by Cardinia Shire Council and supported by Living Learning Pakenham, Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), Afri-Aus Care, Konnext RightNow Inc. and Tribes Basketball Club.
