Cumberland consider Australia Day cuts for Ramadan

A western Sydney council is considering making cuts to its Australia Day celebration to help fund a Ramadan food market, but one councillor says Australia Day should be off limits.

Pictures from Australia Day celebrations this year at Holroyd Gardens. Cody-Lee Strong, Sharon Strong, Zara Juchau, and Kerry Juchau. Picture: AAP Image/Julian Andrews

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A key attraction on Australia Day may be on the chopping block. Cumberland Council are in talks to extend their annual Ramadan celebrations, but one councillor said the increase will come at a cost to Australia Day.

Labor councillor Steve Christou raised concerns about the increased funding to the area’s Ramadan event.

“Regardless of what event is being proposed Australia Day should be off limits to any thought of a budget cut,” Cr Christou said.

“It is the nations biggest celebration and the people of Cumberland deserve a day to be proud of with quality headline acts.”

Cumberland councillor Steve Christou is concerned about Australia Day funding being cut for other events. Picture: AAP Image/Jordan Shields

The proposal, tabled by fellow Labor councillor Ola Hamed, would add $35,000 to the budget of the already existing Ramadan event, with two potential cuts being made to the city’s Petfest celebrations or Australia Day.

“Council staff said this could mean a cut to the headline act on Australia Day,” Cr Christou said.

“It doesn’t matter what the event is, I’m opposed to any cuts to Australia Day.”

Cumberland council hold an annual Iftar Dinner during Ramadan, the idea for the expansion was meant for the Granville town centre, but was later revised to be in a any location within the local government area.

Food vendors at the grand parade at Haldon St Festival. Picture: AAP Image/ Ian Svegovic

The original Ramadan event was given a $15,000 budget in this years estimations and would require funding for $50,000 to match the vision from Cr Hamed.

“I recently visited the Canterbury Bankstown street Iftar, which is on the main strip in Haldon St. Families, and people from all walks of life walk the footpaths crowded with charcoal barbecues, juice stands and food stalls. Everywhere you look there’s something happening,” she said.

“It’s my view that council take every effort, that every dollar spent be of benefit to the entire community, not a select few.”

Droves of guests turn out for the Lakemba event. Picture: AAP Image/ Ian Svegovic.

In the 2016 Census Cumberland saw 47,286 residents nominate Islam as their religion, accounting for 22 per cent of the population.

Ramadan lasts for around a month each year, and includes fasting during the day, which is then broken with the Iftar at night.

Cumberland council general manager Hamish McNulty said that while they are investigating sites for a Ramadan event, Australia Day would not be cut.

“Cumberland is one of the most diverse areas in all of Sydney; we have people from more than 150 countries, speaking different languages and practicing different religions,” he said.

“Australia Day is and will continue to be one of Cumberland Council’s key community events and will be funded accordingly.”

Cr Christou was not so convinced, and said the exaggerated budget would need to be sourced from somewhere.

“We’ve only allowed $15,000 for the dinner, what we’re looking at is a long way away from $15,000.”

Cr Hamed’s initial motion would expand the current proposal from a dinner reserved for community leaders to a street market.

A report will now be presented to the councillors on the feasibility of the budget reallocation, with a timeline for the decision to be made in June next year.