In today's Sun-Herald an article was printed which implies I do not support Lunar New Year. That could not be further from the truth. I recognise the significance of these celebrations to the community. Unfortunately comments that were printed were selectively picked to accommodate a sensationalised headline.
Council and I fully support celebrations important to all members of our community. However, in these difficult Covid-19 economic times, and due to the financial pressures we inherited as an amalgamated Council, we have to monitor all spending.
What was not printed in the article were my comments that encouraged community groups from all diasporas to organise financial support through sponsorship for events to allow them to proceed. Council would then provide in-kind support, logistics, and planning expertise along with free or heavily subsidised rates for hiring the locations used.
Unfortunately, due to Covid, like most other Councils, we have made the difficult decision not to stage specific Lunar New Year celebration events. However, I have taken steps to ensure that we will still be marking Lunar New Year with street flag banners across the suburbs of our community from 27 January until 16 February. The cost of this is approximately $16,000.
Previous Lunar New Year Celebrations have cost Council around $60,000. I am keen to ensure that money not spent this year due to the Covid pandemic is transferred to next year's budget celebrations to ensure Council is able to provide one of the biggest Lunar New Year celebration events across NSW next year.
At Cumberland City Council we have one of the most diverse communities in NSW and as Mayor I will continue to advocate and support all communities to the best of Councils abilities.
