Mike Baird/ Victor Dominello med rel: Parramasala Returns to Western Sydney

NSW Premier Mike Baird and Minister for Citizenship and Communities Victor Dominello today announced Parramasala would return to Parramatta in October 2014.

Mr Baird said the NSW Government was proud to support community events such as the Parramasala festival, which celebrate the contributions made by the State’s Indian and South Asian communities.

“I’m pleased to announce Parramasala, the festival of music, dance and food, will return to Parramatta in Western Sydney this year,” Mr Baird said.

“Parramatta is home to Australia’s most culturally diverse population, including the fast- growing Indian and South Asian communities, making it an ideal location to host Parramasala.

“Events such as Parramasala highlight our diversity and encourage us to embrace andnlearn more about each other’s cultures and traditions.

“Parramasala reinforces Australia’s friendship with India and South Asia and demonstrates the NSW Government’s commitment to promoting harmony within our multicultural society,” Mr Baird said.

Mr Dominello said the annual Parramasala, now in its fifth year, gives expression to the vibrant culture of the State’s South Asian community of nearly 200,000 people.

“Parramasala has become a popular event in Western Sydney that attracts in excess of 50,000 people each year,” Mr Dominello said.

“This is more than a niche ethnic community festival – it is a celebration designed for people from all backgrounds and its success demonstrates the social and economic value

of our diversity.

“This year’s festival will kick off with a Street Parade and opening party, and will take place

over three days from Friday 17 October to Sunday 19 October,” he said.