South Sudanese day coming to Pakenham

The community is invited to attend the 2020 Cardinia Shire South Sudanese Community Day at Deep Creek Reserve in Pakenham on Saturday 1 February.

The free family-friendly event is open to all and will celebrate the resilience, diversity and culture of Cardinia Shire’s South Sudanese community.

The day will include a range of activities to enjoy, including information sessions, presentations from La Trobe MP Jason Wood and Bass MP Jordan Crugnale, as well as local South Sudanese community leaders Jeffah Thabach and Thiik Mou Thiik, and traditional dances from Nuer community, Dinka, Chollo, Lou and the Acholi community.

Cardinia Shire Mayor Councillor Jeff Springfield encouraged residents to take part in the day which celebrates the shire’s rich and diverse community.

“We are so incredibly blessed to have such a vibrant and diverse community here in Cardinia Shire,” Cr Springfield said.

“I believe that our cultural diversity is one of our greatest strengths and contributes to making our shire such a welcoming community in which to live.

“I encourage community members to take part in the Cardinia Shire South Sudanese Community Day, and to continue to foster an accessible and welcoming community for all residents.”

Cr Springfield acknowledged the Federal Government for its support through its MUSTER (Mutual Understanding, Support, Tolerance, Engagement and Respect) grant for the council to employ South Sudanese Liaison Officer Thuch Ajak.

The event is hosted by Cardinia Shire Council and supported by Living Learning Pakenham, Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), Afri-Aus Care, Konnext RightNow Inc. and Tribes Basketball Club.

Event details:

When: Saturday 1 February, 10am–2pm

Where: Deep Creek Reserve, 62 Cameron Way, Pakenham