The Filipino Australian community in Sydney joined this year’s Lane Cove DiwaliFest, one of the Lower North Shore’s largest multicultural celebrations, held on October 25 at The Canopy Plaza.
Now in its seventh year, DiwaliFest has become a community gathering that brings people of different backgrounds together through performances, food, and culture. The festival highlights Diwali’s message of light over darkness and unity over division.
This year’s event also marked the launch of Multicultural Sydney, an initiative founded by Balu Moothedath to connect communities and promote inclusiveness and cooperation among people of various cultural backgrounds.
Representing the Filipino community, Rado Gatchalian was introduced as the Cultural Ambassador for the Philippines under Multicultural Sydney. He said the role reflects the Filipino community’s ongoing commitment to fostering connection and understanding within Sydney’s diverse population.
Adding a Filipino touch to the celebration, Wayne Fabian, Creative Director of Multicultural Sydney, took part in the Multicultural Fashion Walk wearing a Barong Tagalog, the traditional formal attire of the Philippines. The fashion walk also featured traditional garments from India, Russia, Kenya, China, and other countries.
The evening included a range of cultural performances, such as Russia’s Kalinka dance, Indian classical dance forms like Kathak, Odissi, and Bharatanatyam, and traditional folk singing.
Federal and State MPs, the Mayor, Councillors, Consular officials, and community leaders attended the event, showing their support for Sydney’s growing multicultural initiatives.
Reflecting on the occasion, Mr Gatchalian said,
“It’s an honour to see the Filipino community stand alongside so many rich cultures. Multicultural Sydney represents what Australia is about – celebrating diversity not as separate groups but as one community moving forward together.”
Photo credit: Deepti Ranjan Swain
