Thousands flocked to City of Greater Dandenong’s Australia Day Festival in Dandenong Park.
The all-ages event was a celebration of community and diversity – though the day itself was a “difficult” one for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, mayor Roz Blades said.
“The City of Greater Dandenong is now officially recognised as Australia’s most culturally diverse community,” she said.
“We understand that Australia Day means different things to different people. We also acknowledge this can be a difficult day for some members of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and we are respectful of that.”
“As a council we see this festival as a chance to celebrate what connects us, including our similarities and our differences.”
Cr Blades presented the council’s Australia Day awards to some of Greater Dandenong’s greatest contributors in a day packed with live music, arts workshops, rides and foods.
It was rounded by a night-time fireworks display.
