CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL ORGANISATION INC.
Play Together and Live in Harmony
Fundraising Appeal
Fundraising Target: $45,000.00
Received to date: $22,031.00
Please help us reach the target for the Canterbury-Bankstown Children's Festival 2023 by 16 September 2023
By making a tax-deductible donation to the Children's Festival Organisation Inc., you can help build a better world for all of us. Our future starts with children!
CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL 2023
25th Anniversary - Come and Celebrate with Us
CANTERBURY - BANKSTOWN CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL 2023
Sunday, 17 September 2023
Gazzard Park, Cooper Road, Yagoona
11:00am - 5:00pm
MESSAGE OF SUPPORT - CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL 2023
MESSAGE FROM The Hon Chris Minns MP
Premier of New South Wales
Celebrating 25 Years of the Children’s Festival
I am thrilled to extend my warmest congratulations to the Children’s Festival Organisation as they mark their 25th anniversary of hosting the remarkable Children’s Festival.
This year’s celebration holds a special place in our hearts as we reflect on the incredible journey the festival has undertaken in fostering unity, diversity, and a sense of community among our youngest citizens.
For a quarter of a century, this free, one-day event has united families from all walks of life. By providing a platform for children and their families to come together, share experiences and celebrate their diverse backgrounds, the festival serves as a powerful force in strengthening our society.
The Children’s Festival has spent the past 25 years creating a vibrant, inclusive environment where cultural differences are celebrated and cherished.
Congratulations on this momentous occasion. Here’s to another 25 years of fostering unity within our state.
MESSAGE FROM THE HON Tony Burke MP
Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations
Minister for the Arts
Leader of the House
Member for Watson
I write in support of the Canterbury Bankstown Children's Festival 2023.
For twenty-five years the Children's Festival has been held within the City of Canterbury Bankstown and this wonderful festival has allowed children and families to come together to celebrate their cultures in a spirit of harmony and friendship.
We gather today to recognise the contribution our children, their parents and friends have made to create an inclusive and cohesive society, a society that is culturally diverse and representative of our community.
MESSAGE FROM THE HON. Jason Clare MP
Minister for Education
Member for Blaxland
I write to commend the efforts of yourself and your team in holding the Canterbury Bankstown Children's Festival, now in its 25th year.
Our local area is one of the most culturally diverse places in Australia. The majority of the people who call our community home are first or second generation Australians.
It is a place of churches, mosques and temples, where different languages grace our shops and where our homes welcome everyone, no matter where they were born, how they worship or what language they speak.
This is where the new Australia is being forged - a courageous, cosmopolitan, cohesive country, where being Australian is not about where you come from but about where you are going.
MESSAGE FROM THE HON. JIHAD DIB MP
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government
Minister for Emergency Services
Minister for Youth Justice
Member for Bankstown
I hope this message finds you in the best of health and spirits. I am writing to extend my warmest congratulations to the entire Children's Festival Organisation on the Children's Festival 2023. It is indeed a moment of great joy and pride for our entire community.
The Children's Festival serves as a significant cultural celebration, showcasing the vibrant traditions, rich heritage, and unity of Multicultural Australia. It provides a platform for people to come together, strengthen bonds, and promote harmony within the community. I am thrilled to learn that this year's event exceeded expectations, attracting many community members, and creating an atmosphere filled with joy and enthusiasm.
MESSAGE FROM THE HON. STEVE KAMPER MP
Minister for Multiculturalism
Minister for Small Business, Minister for Lands and Property, and Minister for Sport
Member for Rockdale
As south-western Sydney prepares to host the 25th Anniversary Canterbury-Bankstown Children's Festival in Yagoona, I would like to pay tribute to the driving force behind these remarkable celebrations.
The imagination and hard work of the founder and President of the Children's Festival Organisation (CFO), Mr Thuat Nguyen AM, have brightened thousands of young lives and furthered the cause of multiculturalism in our state.
Over the quarter of a century, Mr Nguyen and his dedicated CFO team have run nearly 40 festivals across Sydney. All have been hugely successful.
While great fun, they have met the CFO's aims of fostering harmony across our wonderfully multicultural community.
Well done Mr Nguyen and well done the CFO team, and I hope everyone has a wonderful time in Yagoona.
MESSAGE FROM Mr. Mark COURE MP
Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism, Shadow Minister for Jobs, Industry, Innovation, Science and Technology, and Shadow Minister for South-Western Sydney
Member for Oatley
25th Anniversary of the Children’s Festival Organisation
I want to extend my congratulations to the Children’s Festival Organisation on the occasion of the their 25th anniversary.
Since the very first Children’s Festival held in Bankstown in 1999, the organisation has grown into a successful and mature group, now hosting festivals in Bankstown, Canterbury, Marrickville, Campbelltown and the City of Sydney.
Following the first festival in 1999, 39 more have been held attracting over a quarter of a million participants and inspiring thousands of volunteers from across our diverse communities.
I have had the pleasure of attending a number of Children’s Festivals during my time as a Member of Parliament, Minister and Shadow Minister and I can attest to the harmonious and joyful spirit that each festival brings to the community.
MESSAGE FROM THE HON. NATASHA MACLAREN-JONES MLC
Shadow Minister for Families and Communities, Shadow Minister for Disability Inclusion, Shadow Minister for Homelessness, and Shadow Minister for Youth
Member of the Legislative Council
It is with great pleasure that I extend my support for the forthcoming Canterbury-Bankstown Children's Festival 2023.
The festival's theme, Playing Together and Living in Harmony, encapsulates the core values that our diverse community holds dear. Events such as these, which celebrate the myriad cultures that enrich our society, play a pivotal role in fostering understanding, unity, and mutual respect.
The involvement of young volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to ensuring the success of the festival shows the potential of our youth in shaping a future characterised by inclusivity, empathy, and collaboration.
As the NSW Shadow Minister for Families and Communities, Disability Inclusion, Homelessness and Youth, I warmly welcome the significant positive impact these contributions bring, nurturing a vibrant community spirit and propelling the cause of mutual understanding ever forward.
MESSAGE FROM MS LYNDA VOLTZ MP
Member for Auburn
I'm delighted to send my best wishes for the 25th Anniversary of the Children's Festival Organisation being celebrated this September.
As the Member for Auburn, I'm pleased to see this celebration will take place in my electorate at Yagoona. Your goals to help promote harmony and social cohesion clearly resonate with our great multicultural community in western Sydney.
MESSAGE FROM CLR BILAL EL-HAYEK
Mayor of Canterbury-Bankstown City
I am delighted Canterbury-Bankstown has been chosen, once again, as the venue for the annual Children's Festival.
Now in its 25th year, this festival celebrates the great future awaiting our children, and the importance of cultural diversity and the benefits it brings.
The incredible diversity of age, culture and religion of those who attend, is a true example of the unity we enjoy in Canterbury-Bankstown. This is something we should all be proud of and work together to protect and promote.
I congratulate the Children's Festival Organisation, President Thuat Van Nguyen OAM, volunteers, supporters and sponsors, for their efforts and dedication in continuing to foster harmony in our community.
MESSAGE FROM Joseph La Posta
Chief Executive Officer Multicultural NSW
I extend my warmest congratulations to all of you on the 25th anniversary of the Children’s Festival Organisation.
I am humbled by the remarkable work you have accomplished over the past two and a half decades. Your dedication to promoting harmony and social cohesion through the staging of 29 Children’s Festivals across Sydney is impressive.
Bringing together over a quarter of a million participants from diverse cultural backgrounds, your festivals have become a symbol of unity and inclusivity in our communities.
Canterbury-Bankstown Children's Festival 2023 - Site Map
CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL 2023
MEDIA RELEASE
Leaders hail the 25th Anniversary of the Children’s Festival
20th August 2023
Families from all over Sydney will converge on Gazzard Park, Yagoona on Sunday 17 September 2023, for the final Children’s Festival of 2023 marking the 25th anniversary of the festival’s founding.
Political leaders are amongst those who have stepped up to congratulate the Children’s Festival on its 25th anniversary.
The Federal Minister for Education and Member for Blaxland, Jason Clare, who represents Yagoona in Federal Parliament, said: “The festival showcases the traditions and heritages of over 200 nationalities that make up our multicultural community.
“The event promotes harmony and cross-cultural understanding while offering our local children an opportunity to perform and learn more about their own traditions”, he says.
The Member for Watson in Western Sydney, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations and Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, says children gather at the festival “to recognise the contribution their parents and friends have made to create an inclusive and cohesive society, a society that is culturally diverse and representative of our community”.
The State Member for Bankstown and Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government, Jihad Dib, says: “The Children’s Festival
provides a platform for people to come together, strengthen bonds and promote harmony within the community. The colourful performances, traditional music, art exhibitions and mouth-watering cuisine offer an authentic experience for our community.”
The State Member for Auburn, Lynda Voltz, expressed her delight that the festival was taking place in her electorate: “Your goals to help promote harmony and social cohesion clearly resonate with our great multicultural community in Western Sydney.
“I’d like to congratulate Thuat Van Nguyen, the Children’s Festival
Organisation and their volunteers, for the great work in the community over the past twenty-five years.
The Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism in NSW, Mark Coure, said: “I have had the pleasure of attending a number of Children’s Festivals during my time as a Member of Parliament, Minister and Shadow Minister and I can attest to the harmonious and joyful spirit that each festival brings to the community.
“Our diversity is our strength here in New South Wales, and each Children’s Festival is the perfect representation of the multicultural success story here in our great state.”
The Mayor of Canterbury Bankstown, Councillor Bilal El-Hayek, also expressed his support for the festival: “Now in its 25th year, this festival celebrates the great future awaiting our children and the importance of cultural diversity and the benefits it brings. This is something we should all be proud of and work together to protect and promote”, he said.
Meanwhile, the CEO of Multicultural NSW, Joseph La Posta, has added his voice, to congratulate the organisation:
“Bringing together over a quarter of a million participants from diverse cultural backgrounds, your festivals have become a symbol of unity and inclusivity in our communities.
“Your impact goes beyond the joy experienced by the children; it resonates with families, friends and entire communities who come together to celebrate the beauty of diversity,” he said.
The founding President of the festival, Thuat Nguyen AM says: “At the Children’s Festival, children play together, showcase their talent, make new friends, learn new things and enjoy other cultures. Those who play together learn how to live together for life.
“On Sunday the 17th of September, local children will come together with children from over Sydney, to showcase their cultural traditions in song, dance and other performances. They will also share cultural works and food, as well as games that children love to play with others, whatever their backgrounds”, he said.
The festival will take place at Gazzard Park, next to Yagoona Railway Station, from 11am to 5pm.
Media Enquires: Warren Duncan, Mob: 0411 507080, Email: warren.duncan.crc@gmail.com
Website: www.childrensfestival.org.au
Instagram: childrensfestsyd
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChildrensFestivalOrganisationlnc/
up coming events
SYDNEY CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL 2024
Date: TBA
Location: Tumbalong Park
Darling Harbour, Sydney (TBC)
MACARTHUR MULTICULTURAL CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL 2024
Date: TBA
Location: TBA
CANTERBURY - BANKSTOWN CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL 2023
Sunday, 17 September 2023
Gazzard Park, Yagoona 2199
(Next to Yagoona Railway Station)
CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL 2023 - EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
Canterbury-Bankstown Children's Festival 2023
Children's Festival Excellence Award Nomination
Children's Festival Participating Groups are invited to nominate a member or members of their team who continue to excel in their study as well as actively involved in the community as a school student, a member of a group or a local resident
POSTER DESIGN COMPETITION - CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL 2023
PAST events
MACARTHUR MULTICULTURAL CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL 2023
SYDNEY CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL 2023
MESSAGE OF SUPPORT
MESSAGE FROM THE HON. Dominic Perrottet MP
Premier of New South Wales
I would like to extend my heartfelt best wishes to everyone attending the Sydney Children’s Festival at Darling Harbour – you are in for a real treat!
For nearly a quarter of a century, the Children’s Festival has brought our diverse communities together in harmony, while inviting children and families to celebrate their cultural heritage with pride.
MESSAGE FROM THE HON. MARK COURE MP
Minister for Multiculturalism
Happy Children's Festival to everyone participating in this year’s wonderful celebration at Darling Harbour!
Over the past 24 years, this long-standing festival has been the personification of our state's incredible diversity. Many families have worked tirelessly over the past few months making costumes and rehearsing dances and songs for this fun-filled family day.
MESSAGE FROM JIHAD DIB MP
Shadow Minister for Emergency Services | Shadow Minister for Energy and Climate Change
I would like to extend my warm congratulations to the team and management at Children's Festival Organisation for the Sydney Children's Festival 2023
This celebration highlights the generous contribution the Children's Festival has made to our proud multicultural society. I would like to congratulate the organisation on celebrating the 25th anniversary since the first Festival. This is an amazing achievement and milestone everyone in our community should be proud of.
Message from CLOVER MOORE
Lord Mayor of Sydney
On behalf of the City of Sydney, I would like to welcome participants and volunteers to Children’s Festival 2023.
The City of Sydney is home to people from many backgrounds, including people from more than 200 different nationalities. The diversity of our community has shaped the city’s history and continues to make Sydney a more exciting and dynamic place to live, work and visit.
MESSAGE FROM ALEX GREENWICH MP
Member for Sydney
Congratulations to organisers of the Sydney Children’s Festival being held again at Tumbalong Park Darling Harbour on Sunday 12 March.
I’m pleased that the Sydney Children’s Festival continues your practical efforts to build a tolerant and inclusive society. I share your goal of creating a welcoming and inclusive society and strongly support activities that build acceptance, diversity and inclusion. I’m proud to represent the tolerant and vibrant Sydney electorate where these values are strong.
MESSAGE FROM Joseph La Posta
Chief Executive Officer Multicultural NSW
...This festival, now in its 25th year, is remarkable for bringing children from different ancestries together to celebrate the cultural diversity of New South Wales and contributes to fostering understanding and community harmony from an early age. Most importantly, it gives youngsters taking part a chance to laugh together and have fun while learning from each other about their heritage and traditions.
participating groups of the sydney children's festival 2023
CANTERBURY - BANKSTOWN CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL 2022
The Canterbury – Bankstown Children’s Festival 2022 at Abel Reserve, Revesby on Sunday 30 October was blessed with a beautiful sunny day and hailed as another success story for diversity building with fun and creative activities, colourful children parade, vibrant onstage performance... The festival is a proof that we can work together harmoniously to build a stronger, mutual respect, supportive community where everyone can thrive to their full potential irrespective where their cultural backgrounds are.
Check out for feedback, support messages for the day
SYDNEY CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL 2022
This much-loved community event at Pyrmont Bay Park, Darling Harbour from 11:00am to 4:30pm on 26 June 2022 has been lauded as the best Sydney Children's Festival ever!
Check out for the Message from the CFO's President, Support Messages and photos for the day
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL ORGANISATION INC.
Dear Children’s Festival Friends and Supporters,
I hope you all stay safe and well.
In the previous weeks, we attended two COVID-19 video conference meetings held by Multicultural NSW (NSW State Government) and one COVID-19 forum held by the Department of Home Affairs (Federal Government):
- The first meeting on 5.7.21 with over 140 attendees was chaired by the CEO of Multicultural NSW, Joseph La Posta with the attendances of Dr Jan Fizzell, Senior Medical Adviser, NSW Health and a NSW Assistant Police Commissioner.
- The Ministerial Forum on 13.7.2021 with over 130 attendees was chaired by the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs, the Hon Alex Hawke MP. The Prime Minister, the Hon Scott Morrison MP was also present.
- The Forum on 19.7.21 with over 300 attendees was facilitated by the CEO of Multicultural NSW, Joseph La Posta along with the Minister for Multiculturalism, the Hon. Natalie Ward MLC, Dr Jan Fizzell, Senior Medical Adviser, NSW Health and a NSW Assistant Police Commissioner.
Each meeting attracted community representatives from various cultural and religious backgrounds. All meetings were very informative, the great majority of questions were answered and suggestions were noted by the organisers. The information had been previously announced by the media as well as in other campaigns by governments but was reinforced at these gatherings.
Due to the current construction of the Western Sydney Uni campus at Paul Keating Park, this park is not available for big events in this year. Therefore, on 4.6.2021, together with a Canterbury-Bankstown Council staffer, we carried out an on-site inspection at Abel Reserve (corner of The River Road & Marco Ave, Revesby NSW 2212 - next to Revesby Train Station). We have been working with the Council staff on the preparation of the annual Children's Festival to be held on Sunday 14.11.2021. With the increasing number of fully vaccinated people and the effective operation of our Public Health system, we hope the annual Children's Festival in Bankstown can be held as planned.
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is scheduled for November 2021, and details of this will be sent in due course. Following the successful publication and launch of the Children’s Festival Book I in December 2020, the creation of the Children’s Festival Book II is underway and will be launched at this AGM.
Last but not least, the Queen's Birthday Honours List 2021 was announced on 14.6.2021, and I was honoured to be appointed a Member of The Order of Australia with the citation "for significant service to the multicultural community of New South Wales, and to youth". Please refer to the link:
https://www.gg.gov.au/sites/default/files/2021-06/qb21_-_order_of_australia_gazette.pdf
The report printed in the Canterbury-Bankstown Torch on 23.6.2021
I would like to thank you all for walking with me on the journey through various projects over the last 31 years, particularly for being my long-term work mates in either Scouting or the Children's Festival. The recognition and the success of our 35 Children’s Festivals in the last 22 years also mean that we are on the right track and apparently effective in doing the good things for our younger generations and in helping to build harmony in the community. It is a win for all of us! I do hope that your worthy contributions will also be recognised similarly some day in the future. Voluntary provision of meaningful service to the community enriches our lives and makes us happier. Remember this is a long-term commitment.
I would like to wish you all good health and urge you to stay well. I hope to see you all at our upcoming Children's Festival.
Best regards,
Thuat V. Nguyen AM
President, Children’s Festival Organisation Inc
MEDIA RELEASE
Children's Festival 2020 stopped by COVID-19
The annual Children’s Festival in Bankstown, now its 22nd year, which was set down for Sunday November 1st has been cancelled.
Founding President of the Children’s Festival Organisation Inc, Mr Thuat Nguyen OAM, announced the decision today.
“The worsening situation with the pandemic and the Public Health Restrictions on Gathering and Movement leave us with no alternative but to cancel this year’s Canterbury-Bankstown Children’s Festival and look forward to a festival in the City of Sydney at Tumbalong Park in late March 2021, on the occasion of Harmony Day.
“Our decision is also in line with a decision of Canterbury-Bankstown Council to put all community festivals on hold due to the Covid-19 crisis.
“Naturally, it was a very difficult and painful decision to make, knowing how much the children look forward to this event and the amount of effort they put in to prepare for their performances.
“We have already had to cancel a festival planned for First Fleet Park, Sydney, in April and the Macarthur Multicultural Children's Festival planned for this month”, he said.
The Canterbury-Bankstown Children’s Festival attracts thousands of people and features singing, dancing, music and martial arts presented by around 30 groups from children’s performing groups, school communities and youth groups from different cultural backgrounds including Aboriginal Australians.
It also reflects the multicultural society, as most of the children wear their traditional costumes while performing and marching in the grand parade.
“This is all about our children, the leaders of tomorrow, demonstrating their appreciation and respect for the diversity of our multicultural society.
“This festival sends a vibrant message to the adult population of Australia that whilst we all have different cultural backgrounds, we all are part of one nation where racism and discrimination have no place”, Mr Nguyen said.
Details on childrensfestival.org.au or facebook.com/ChildrensFestivalOrganisationlnc/
Media inquiries: Warren Duncan on 0411 507 080 or warren.duncan.crc@gmail.com
15 August 2020
CITY OF SYDNEY CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL 2019
The Children’s Festival is a significant multicultural event in Australia.
The Children’s Festival is a significant multicultural event in Australia.
It is unique in its celebration of cultural diversity with a spectacular day-long program of entertainment presented by over 30 groups from different cultural backgrounds. Thousands of children and their families participate in the day’s activities.
Under the motto “Play Together and Live in Harmony”, the Children’s Festival is a day for everyone but especially for children to get together in a multicultural environment to have fun, join in creative activities and share those new experiences with each other.
The year 2020, marks the 22nd Anniversary of our organisation and we are anxiously looking forward to even greater success at this year’s events. Following our successful Children’s Festival in the City of Canterbury-Bankstown on Sunday 15th of September, 2019, our 36th Children’s Festival will be held on Sunday 5th of April, 2020 in First Fleet Park, The Rocks, Sydney and our 37th Children’s Festival will be held on Sunday 23rd of August, 2020 in Koshigaya Park, Campbelltown.
We would like to invite your school/group to participate in this spectacular event, in particular to join in the Children’s Parade in First Fleet Park, Sydney at 1.30 pm and/or to perform on stage.
For further details, please refer to “Expression of Interest – Performances and Parade”.
If you are interested in running a stall, please refer to the “Expression of Interest - Stalls”.
There are the poster design and writing competitions for children 13 years old and under. The theme for the poster design and writing competitions are “Our environment belongs to everyone”.
Please refer to the competition announcements shown on the website for more details.
Your participation in the Children’s Festival will give you and the children an enjoyable and memorable experience.
Get ready for a day of joyous celebration!
Please come and be entertained with great music and dancing, beautiful traditional costume display, lively and exciting outdoor games and activities and the Children’s Parade. Not to forget the myriad workshop activities such as kite making and flying, lion dance and much more…..
To our sponsors and supporters, thank you for your continued support for the Children’s Festival and to the families who come on the day –you will certainly enjoy it!
See you there!
Children’s Festival Team
YouTube VIDEO
2015 Sydney City Children's Festival
2014 Bankstown Children's Festival
2014 Sydney City Children's Festival
2013 Bankstown Children's Festival
SPONSORS
sponsors
We would like to thank our sponsors this year for their continual generous support for the Children’s Festival. Without your financial or in-kind donations, the Children’s Festival would not be able to continue and flourish like it has for so many years. We hope that with your tremendous support it will continue to flourish for many more years to come
supporters
Read messages from our wonderful supporters. Without their support, we would not have been able to produce these fantastic family events for all to enjoy over the past 16 years. The Children’s Festival thanks all of our believers and supporters. We hope that one day we can bring The Children’s Festival to many more different locations around the country.
