8 April 2022
The Bak Maha New Year Festival Organising Committee joined with the local sports, leisure and business community to commemorate and celebrate Sri Lankan New Year at Sweeney Reserve on 2 April 2022.
Member for Narre Warren South Gary Maas MP, was honoured to attend the celebration alongside other parliamentary representatives including the Member for Cranbourne and Senator Raff Ciccone, as well as the Sri Lankan consulate and Indian and Nepal High Commissioner.
Many locals attended the whole day event which included a grand opening ceremony of many emerging dance groups, entertainment, and kids rides and traditional games.
Singers provided ongoing entertainment during the day followed by a band and a colourful night of fireworks.
The event provided an opportunity for small businesses to promote themselves, and individuals to showcase their artistic and cultural expression through sports, dance, and music.
A special addition included an award presentation for the seniors that have contributed their services to the community in different professions and through volunteering services.
The celebration showcased Victoria’s multicultural community that continues to promote diversity and inclusion through community engagement and cultural celebrations.
Quotes attributable to Member for Narre Warren South Gary Maas MP:
“It is fantastic to see such a commemoration of Sri Lankan culture and a celebration of our diversity and inclusion in this state.”
“It is always humbling to attend events that take me back to my Sri Lankan roots and to appreciate the music, dance and entertainment of a joyous community that I am grateful to be a part of.”
“This kind of unity is what makes Victoria such a proudly multicultural state which endorses and celebrates all cultures and people from all walks of life.”