Day is a celebration of culture

AUSTRALIA Day in Greater Dandenong will see celebrations of family, friendship, multiculturalism, and community.
The municipality’s flagship event is the free Australia Day Festival in the Park, which runs from 3pm to 9.30pm at Dandenong Park, corner Pultney and Foster streets, on 26 January.
The all-ages, drug and alcohol-free festival will feature three stages of non-stop entertainment and activities including breakdancing crews, DJs, circus, art, Bollywood, rock climbing, a giant slide and more.
There’ll also be music from Skipping Girl Vinegar, Grey Ghost, Soliloquy and Benny Walker.
Dandenong Market will host an Australia Day Market from 7am to 4pm featuring entertainment and activities including a Dandenong Band performance from 9am to 10am.
Noble Park RSL’s family-friendly event will include a country music band, a typical Aussie barbecue lunch and face painting from 11.30am to 5.30pm, and a flag-raising ceremony at 3pm with the City of Greater Dandenong mayor and Town Crier.
The Vietnamese Tet Festival will celebrate the Vietnamese New Year on Australia Day with performances, international food and carnival rides at Sandown Racecourse, Springvale, from 9am to midnight.
Contact Vietnamese Community in Australia – Victoria Chapter for more information on 0411 616 453 or bon.nguyen@yahoo.com.au.
River Jiang Arts will present Australia My Country: A Special Australia Day Concert in the Supper Room at Springvale City Hall, 397-405 Springvale Road, Springvale, from 12.30pm to 5.30pm on 26 January.
The Chinese ensemble music concert will explore Western and Eastern themes with a demonstration of different instruments. At Shepley Oval in Pultney Street, Dandenong, on 27 January, A Grade cricketers will compete in a Twenty20 match for the second annual Australia Day Cup from 9am to 5pm.
Other entertainment will include a six-a-side cricket tournament, children’s entertainment and multicultural food stalls.
City of Greater Dandenong will present its Australia Day Awards on 26 January for the community’s Young Achiever of the Year, Citizen of the Year, Good Neighbour of the Year, and Non-resident of the Year. The awards recognise exceptional contributions to enrich the lives of others.
For more information on Australia Day celebrations in Greater Dandenong visit greaterdandenong.com.au or call 9239 5205.