The Minns Labor Labor Government's $14.65 million Open Streets 2025-28 Program is helping support councils to temporarily create places for people to enjoy free community events with Canterbury-Bankstown Council staging the new Love Earlwood - Meet You at the Plateia Festival today in a rich display of culture, cuisine and music.
From 11am-4pm, a free festival will see Clarke Street and Earlwood Avenue in the town centre transformed into a vibrant celebration of all things Mediterranean.
At a time when cost of living pressures are being felt across the state, councils across NSW are being supported to hold more free community events, with help from the NSW Government's Open Streets program.
Too often our main streets are something we drive through, rather than enjoy time with family and friends around.
However, activating streets is expensive. Under the previous government, councils and organisers could face costs of up to $122,000 to open a street for an event. That burden stopped communities from being able to use their streets and public spaces.
With the Open Streets program, the Minns Labor Government is fixing this. From Tweed Shire to Bega Valley Shire to out west in Broken Hill, 46 councils have secured funding under the NSW Government's renewed initiative.
Following a competitive grants process, Canterbury Bankstown Council received $350,000 in funding to deliver the festival over three years.
More than 30 stallholders will take part, including those showcasing tasty dishes inspired by Greek, Italian, Turkish and Lebanese cuisines.
George Kapiniaris - the popular star of Acropolis Now and Housos - is set to keep crowds entertained in his role as festival MC, presiding over a main stage program that includes:
- Balkan Boogie and Dusha Balkana performers
- Pepa Molina's Flamenco Ensemble "Las Flamenkas"
- An all-female Lebanese drumming group
- Latin American singer Lily Guerrero
- The Greek Orthodox Community of NSW dance group
- The George Nikolopoulos and friends band
- Earlwood Public School students dance ensemble
- All Saints Grammar students' musical performance
- Sousaphonics brass band
The eclectic line-up comes in addition to a host of fun-filled activities for kids, including a FREE glamour day spa and rides.
For more information about the Open Streets Program, visit: www.transport.nsw.gov.au/openstreets
For full festival details and performance times, visit: wih.city/LoveEarlwood
Minister for Transport, John Graham said:
"It is exciting to support Earlwood's newest festival. We're thrilled to support Love Earlwood - Meet You at the Plateia Festival in Canterbury-Bankstown.
"Too often our main streets are something we drive through, rather than drive to. Our main streets are a critical part of our social infrastructure, and this program demonstrates how we can use our streets to bring communities together and drive revenue for local businesses.
"The Open Streets program temporarily transforms our main streets into thriving, vibrant public event spaces.
"The colour and diversity of these 240 events across NSW, celebrates the unique personality of each town or suburb. This is what our vibrancy agenda is all about, backing locals to create events and entertainment that works for their local community."
Member for Canterbury Sophie Cotsis said:
"I'm absolutely thrilled that the NSW Government recognises the value of our local events, and that the Earlwood Festival is back where it belongs - at the heart of our community.
"This ongoing funding over the next three years will ensure the festival continues to grow as a much-loved annual event that brings people together and celebrates everything that makes Earlwood special.
"I've been campaigning for this for a long time, and it's a real win for the whole community. I especially want to acknowledge the local residents and community advocates, including Councillor Clare Raffan who've worked tirelessly to help bring the festival back. I would also like to thank the President of the Earlwood Business Chamber George Massouridis.
"We live in the best state in the world, and people deserve to enjoy their neighbourhoods in a cost-friendly, inclusive way whilst also supporting local jobs, boosting small businesses, and bringing our streets to life.
"I can't wait to see Earlwood transformed into a vibrant, public space where the community can come together and celebrate."
City of Canterbury Bankstown Mayor Bilal El-Hayek said:
"Whether you like to don your dancing shoes, sing along to great tunes or tempt your tastebuds with Mediterranean flavours, there will be something on offer for everyone at this festival.
"Come along, join in the fun and celebrate Earlwood with us."
