Punjabi Association of SA rejects Campbelltown Council’s offer to use of Thorndon Park over its Diwali fireworks ban
AN INDIAN community group has rejected the Campbelltown Council’s offer to use Thorndon Park for its annual Diwali festival as they would not be allowed to use fireworks.
- Government steps in after council rejected Diwali Festival bid
- Outrage over councillors’ comments over rejected Indian festival
AN INDIAN community group has rejected an offer to use Thorndon Park by Campbelltown Council for its annual Diwali festival as they would not be allowed to use fireworks.
Last month, the council rejected the Punjabi Association of SA’s request to use the park claiming it received noise complaints following the 2014 festival.
At a meeting to reconsider the group’s application, councillors said the group should not be allowed to use fireworks in the park.
The council voted 5 to 4 to ban the group the use of fireworks at the festival.
Punjabi Association president Kuldip Chugha said the council’s decision was discriminatory.
“We are so disappointed and it was disgraceful,” Mr Chugha said
“They are killing the multicultural society in the 21st century.
“They have not given an apology for their comments made at their last meeting.”
Cr Rob Tidd said fireworks would distress birds in the park.
“I do not support fireworks in Thorndon Park by any group at any time,” Cr Tidd said.
“Some activities are simply not appropriate in a bird sanctuary.”
Mayor Simon Brewer said the council decision was disappointing.
“It is very much a lost opportunity for Campbelltown,” Mr Brewer said.
Cr Marijka Ryan said the council’s decision to ban fireworks for the festival was contradictory.
“To nominate two times of the year (New Years and Australia Day) that we can have fireworks and on those particular days find that it is okay to disturb the wildlife there because it is a day of our choosing ... is a contradiction of the highest order,” Cr Ryan said.
The group will make a decision on where to hold the festival in the coming days.