By Rowan Forster
The Diwali Festival has been saved from the brink of collapse, with Gumbuya World set to host the cultural extravaganza in an Australian-first for the colourful celebration.
It comes after Star News revealed the Indian Association Casey Cardinia (IACC) was locked in a stalemate with Cardinia Shire, unable to secure a venue for the November event.
Council requested the non-for-profit bankroll a comprehensive traffic management study to use the PB Ronald Reserve – a feat which volunteers were hard-pressed to meet.
Federal MP Jason Wood read the article and scrambled to intervene.
“We contacted her through your story and she said thank you, but I’m so stressed and we can’t use the venue and we don’t know what to do,” Mr Wood recollected.
“I told a contact at Gumbuya World that this could be a perfect partnership and the negotiations went from there.”
“I also decided to sponsor the event through my personal fundraiser to help out, because it’s a worthwhile event.
“I was trying to remove the stress and the uncertainty surrounding the event.”
The event has been set for 10 November, from 6pm to 9pm, with Gumbuya World’s rides and wildlife parks also set to operate.
Organiser Aanchal Meshram was ecstatic with the outcome, describing it as more appealing than the initial location the group fought for.
“All across Australia, nobody has done Diwali at an amusement park,” she said.
“This has really worked in our favour.
“It’s about doing something different and building the bridge between Australian culture and Indian culture, while offering a fun evening.”
She said the Star News coverage prompted a surge of support from the community and ultimately led to the eleventh hour victory.
“I can’t even begin to tell you how much support we had from that article,” she said.
“Now we’re in a prime spot at one of the landmark attractions in Victoria.”
Diwali, India’s stunning Festival of Lights, made its inaugural debut in Pakenham last year, attracting almost 1000 residents.
It will feature cultural showcases, performances, henna, food stalls and a breathtaking display consisting of either fireworks or a musical laser show.
Cardinia Shire has also now offered to support the event, acknowledging the drawcard appeal for the region’s tourism.
Festivalgoers will need to register their interest on the IACC’s website from 10 October.
It has not yet been revealed if tickets will be required to attend, but organisers hope to keep it free.
Gumbuya World business director Ron Weinzierl has been contacted for comment.
