CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL ORGANISATION INC.
Play Together and Live in Harmony
Fundraising Appeal
Fundraising Target: $50,000.00 by 30 June 2025
SEASON'S GREETINGS
CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL 2024
The transcript of the Premier of NSW's speech AT THE canterbury-bankstown children's festival 2024
"This is an amazing festival, and this is my first time here at this festival. Can you believe it?
I haven’t been here before, but it is such a privilege to be here to see your kids coming together, off their devices and off their mobile phones, to play in the community.
There is a lot of talk about what divides us in Australia today but not enough is shown of what pulls us together – that we live in this beautiful country, that we all love each other, that we work, that we work to be wonderful neighbours to each other. We don’t just tolerate each other’s cultural background, but we try to share in it, and we share ours with somebody else.
It's unique to the world and it's something precious which we need to protect and Thuat is doing exactly that.
There is a really important message that comes out of this festival and that is that nobody is born with hatred and racism in their heart – they are taught it.
It is just as easy to teach them to love one another, to live in a community, to respect that we live in this wonderful country and that’s exactly what this Children’s Festival does.
Congratulations to the organiser and here’s to another twenty-four years."
The Hon. Chris Minns MP,
Premier of New South Wales
CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL 2024
CANTERBURY - BANKSTOWN CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL 2024
Sunday, 27 October 2024
Playford Park, Cahors Road, Padstow NSW 2211, 11:00am - 5:00pm
Come and Celebrate with us
Canterbury-Bankstown Children's Festival 2024
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
Support Messages for
Canterbury-Bankstown Children's Festival 2024
THE HON. CHRIS MINNS MP,
PREMIER OF NEW SOUTH WALES
Canterbury-Bankstown Children's Festival
I want to show my support for the Canterbury-Bankstown Children’s Festival. Last year’s event in Yagoona was a great success – giving parents, kids and families a wonderful day out.
For over 25 years, the Children's Festival has brought together families and community groups to celebrate their cultural heritage with pride.
NSW is one of the most successful multicultural and multi-faith societies in the world. At a Children’s Festival event, you get to see the strength and vibrancy of our communities – up close.
An enormous amount of work goes into hosting these festivals.
I thank all the volunteers involved – including the costume-makers, artistic directors, traffic controllers, event managers, and everything in between.
Thank you also to the Children’s Festival Organisation. It is great to see families from all different backgrounds come together to celebrate our city and rich cultural diversity.
Have a wonderful Canterbury-Bankstown Children’s Festival everybody.
Chris Minns MP
Premier of New South Wales
THE HON. jason clare MP
MINISTER FOR EDUCATION
FEDERAL MEMBER FOR BLAXLAND
Canterbury-Bankstown Children's Festival 2024
I write to commend the efforts of Mr Thuat Van Nguyen and his team in holding the Canterbury Bankstown Children's Festival for 2024, now in its 25th year.
Our local area is the home of one of the most culturally diverse communities in Australia.
It is a place of churches, mosques and temples, where different languages grace our shops and where our homes welcome eveyry one, no matter where they were born, how they worship or what language they speak.
And the majority of the people who call our local area home are first- or second-generation Australians.
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.
That's why I am so pleased to support the Children's Festival. Building a new Australia starts with our children - playing together and living in harmony.
Together the Children's Festival is helping to build a better local community- a shining light to the rest of the world.
I encourage everyone in our local community to get involved in what will be a fantastic day.
Jason Clare MP
Minister for Education
Federal Member for Blaxland
THE HON. DAVID COLEMAN mp
FEDERAL MEMBER FOR BANKS
SHADOW MINISTER FOR COMMUNICATIONS
Canterbury-Bankstown Children's Festival 2024
For 25 years the Children's Festival has been bringing together thousands of people from across Sydney to celebrate our diversity of culture and our strength in unity as Australians.
It features vibrant performances and participation from talented children, reflecting a snapshot of modern Australia through music, arts, culture and traditional costumes from around the word.
I would like to acknowledge the Founder and President of the Children's Festival Organisation, Mr Thuat Van Nguyen OAM, whose remarkable efforts have built the Children's Festival into what it is today.
It is a very impressive organisation that I've had the opportunity to get to know well since 2014 and it has been a privilege to attend the Children's Festival in recent years.
I look forward to the continued success of the Children's Festival and pass on my best wishes for this year's celebrations.
Yours sincerely,
David Coleman MP
Federal Member for Banks
The Hon. Stephen Kamper MP
Minister for Small Business
Minister for Lands and Property
Minister for Multiculturalism
Minister for Sport
Canterbury-Bankstown Children's Festival 2024
I am delighted to be expressing my heartfelt support for the Canterbury-Bankstown Children's Festival 2024, now in its 26th year.
Good luck to everyone who has been nominated for a Children's Festival Excellence Award. You have not only excelled in your studies but are also involving yourselves in a variety of community activities that help others - well done!
The festival is a chance to acknowledge the contributions of all our exceptional young people. They are the leaders of tomorrow, and their creativity and enthusiasm benefit us all.
Thank you to all the organisers and volunteers who work tirelessly to make this memorable day so special for so many young people.
The Hon. Steve Kamper MP
Minister for Multiculturalism
State Member for Rockdale
the hon. jihad dib mp
Member for Bankstown
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government
Minister for Emergency Services
Minister for Youth Justice
Children's Festival 2024
The Children's Festival is a hallmark in the Canterbury Bankstown community's calendar. I would like to extend my warmest wishes and congratulations to all the organisers and volunteers who have worked hard to coordinate this great event year after year.
I understand that this is the 26th anniversary of this festival. As a regular attendee, I know this is always a great event that brings children together of all different backgrounds and provides them with a platform to showcase their talents and celebrate their differences.
The Children's Festival has become a dynamic space for children to learn, grow, and develop a strong sense of identity and belonging, all while encouraging friendships that transcend cultural and geographical boundaries. Through festivals, celebrations, and community events, we not only keep our heritage alive but also share it with fellow Australians, fostering understanding and appreciation.
Thuat Van Nguyen OAM and the Children's Festival Organisation have continuously contributed to our vibrant community through the Children's Festival, and I thank them on behalf of the Bankstown Electorate for all their dedication and hard work.
Yours sincerely
The Hon. Jihad Dib MP
Member for Bankstown
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Minister for Emergency Services
Minister for Youth Justice
MR. MARK COURE MP
Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism
2024 Canterbury-Bankstown Children’s Festival
I am delighted to congratulate the Children’s Festival Organisation on the ocassion of their annual Canterbury-Bankstown Children’s Festival.
Since the first event in Bankstown in 1999, the organisation has flourished, expanding its reach to host festivals across Bankstown, Canterbury, Marrickville, Campbelltown, and the City of Sydney.
Over the years, they successfully held numerous festivals, engaging hundreds of thousands of participants and inspiring countless volunteers from our diverse communities to make their community a better place for all.
I am privileged to have attended many Children’s Festivals in my time as a Member of Parliament, and I am always in awe of the dedication and hardwork required to bring harmony and joy to the community.
New South Wales thrives on its rich multicultural heritage, and each Children’s Festival is a vibrant testament to the success of our diverse society.
Thank you to all the staff and volunteers of the Children’s Festival Organisation who work so hard for the community and thank you to President Thuat Van Nguyen AM for your leadership.
May this year’s festival be a great success!
Mark Coure MP
Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism
Shadow Minister for Jobs, Industry, Innovation, Science and Technology
Shadow Minister for South-West Sydney
Ms KYLIE WILKINSON MP
MEMBER FOR EAST HILL
Canterbury-Bankstown Children’s Festival
I would like to express my support for the fantastic work of the Children’s Festival Organisation. The upcoming Canterbury-Bankstown Children’s Festival, one of over 40 festivals they have held around Sydney, is a vibrant celebration of the diverse cultures that enrich NSW. It brings children and families together, fostering connections, encouraging learning, and promoting mutual respect and appreciation for our differences.
As the State Member for East Hills, it's great to see the festival return to our community, continuing its tradition of bringing people together and celebrating our cultural diversity.
Thank you to the festival organisers and volunteers for the hard work and dedication you have shown over the last 25 years.
Thank you also to the children and families participating in the festival. I look forward to attending and encourage everyone to get involved.
Kylie Wilkinson MP
State Member for East Hills
clR. BILAL EL-HAYEK
MAYOR OF CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN CITY
Congratulations
25th Anniversary
Children's Festival Organisation Inc.
It's an honour to have Canterbury Bankstown chosen, once again, as the venue for the annual Children's Festival at Playford Park, Padstow.
This year's theme celebrates 26 years of Building Harmony and Celebrating
Diversity, starling with Children, by embracing our shared values to create a
prosperous future nation for all.
I congratulate the Children's Festival Organisation, President Thuat Nguyen AM, volunteers, supporters, and sponsors, for their outstanding efforts and dedication to the ongoing success of this special event, and their contribution to building harmony in our community.
The tremendous diversity and participation in this festival, from over 40 community groups across an array of cultures and religions, is a true example of the unity we enjoy in Canterbury Bankstown. I join you in taking pride, protecting, and promoting this unity.
I wish everybody a most enjoyable day with their family, friends and loved ones, and welcome the visitors to our City. I trust you enjoy your stay and visit again soon.
Yours Sincerely,
Clr Bilal El-Hayek
MAYOR
CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL 2024 - EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
Canterbury-Bankstown CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL SITEMAP
POSTER DESIGN COMPETITION - CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL 2024
fundraising dinner
COMMUNITY RECOGNITION STATMENT
CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL
Motion commending CFO by NSW Legislative Council
up coming events
SYDNEY CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL 2025
Date: TBA
Location: Tumbalong Park
Darling Harbour, Sydney (TBC)
MACARTHUR MULTICULTURAL CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL 2024
Date: TBA
Location: TBA
CANTERBURY - BANKSTOWN CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL 2024
Sunday, 27 October 2024
Playford Park, Gibson Avenue and Cahors Road, Padstow, NSW 2211
(Close to Padstow Railway Station)
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.
