Government steps in after Campbelltown Council rejected Diwali Festival bid
UPDATE: An Indian community group that had its festival application rejected by a local council wants it to reconsider — and reconcile with them for its “racist” remarks. LISTEN TO THE COMMENTS
AN INDIAN community group that had its application to host a festival at a local park rejected by Campbelltown Council wants the council to reconsider and reconcile with them for its racist remarks.
The Punjabi Association of SA has been offered the use of Morialta Conservation Park for its annual Diwali Festival in late October.
The park, which is in the Campbelltown Council district, is managed by the State Government.
The group has also been offered use of Light Square by Adelaide City Council as well as other ovals across metropolitan Adelaide.
Punjabi Association of SA president Kuldip Chugha was thrilled by the State Government’s support but said the community remained upset about the racist remarks.
“I think the council should reconsider and reconcile with all of the Indian community,” Mr Chunga told ABC 891.
He said it was encouraging to receive so many offers from across the state.
“It makes me and the Indian community feel again like a part of the Australian community,” he told the East Torrens Messenger.
“There are only a few people out of the whole community who were against multiculturalism.”
Last week, the group’s application to use Thorndon Park was denied by Campbelltown Council after it received a number of noise complaints following the 2014 festival.
Councillors John Kennedy and Neville Grigg raised concerns at the meeting about the groups’ request to use the grounds.
Mr Grigg said there “was no way known that they will be speaking English all day”, while Mr Kennedy accused the group of hiding behind their language.
“We will probably get them turning around, shrugging their shoulders and saying ‘me know nothing’,” Mr Kennedy told the council meeting.
“I’m not against multiculturalism, but ethnic groups do have a habit of hiding behind their language as we have seen over the years with certain groups in Campbelltown.”
The council rejected the group’s application five votes to two.
The Punjabi Association of SA met with Campbelltown chief executive Paul Di Iulio on Tuesday to ask the council to schedule an emergency meeting in a bid to reconsider its decision.
Conditions put forward by the council, which included banning fireworks at the event, were rejected by the group.
Multicultural Affairs Minister Zoe Bettison said she was pleased by the announcement.
“I’m really pleased the State Government has stepped in and offered the Punjabi Association an alternative location for the Diwali Festival,” Ms Bettison said.
“Comments made by the Campbelltown councillors John Kennedy and Neville Grigg were totally inappropriate and do not reflect our multicultural state.”
Campbelltown Mayor Simon Brewer said he was disappointed with the council’s decision and was glad a solution had been found.
“I think the council decision was embarrassing and ill-founded,” Mr Brewer said
“It’s a kick in the teeth for the large number of Hindu people in our area and greater Adelaide.
“It is a lost opportunity for everyone in our community to share in a wonderful and significant cultural festival.”
Mr Brewer said the concerns about the 2014 festival raised by the council were “severely exaggerated”.
Campbelltown Council’s next meeting is scheduled for September 6.
AUDIO: LISTEN TO THE DEBATE IN FULL