Earlier this week, SBS Hindi reported how Punjabi Association of South Australia’s request to host the Indian Diwali Festival at Thorndon Park in Adelaide was rejected by Campbelltown Council after two councillors vetoed the motion.
Two councillors, John Kennedy and Neville Grigg had shared their concerns in the meeting where this decision was taken.
An audio recording available online points how Mr Kennedy told the meeting he had ‘grave concerns’ about council allowing the Punjabi Association’s use of the park.
"I'm not against multiculturalism, but ethnic groups do have a habit of hiding behind their language, as we have seen in recent years with certain groups in Campbelltown that have been here for many, many years," he said.
"I really have a concern that we are just tying a noose around our head, around our neck, and we just will not be able to police all the conditions.
"We will probably get them turning around and shrugging their shoulders and saying 'me know nothing'."
Councillor Grigg said that last time the event was held in the park organisers "stuffed up".
"I know a little bit about foreign languages and that sort of thing and there's no way known they are going to speak in English the whole day," he said.
This rejection sparked a debate within the Indian Australian community.
The Campbelltown City Council has now offered the park to the Punjabi Association of South Australia.
ABC reports that the council’s CEO had a meeting with the Punjabi Association of SA and have re-offered the park for the festival but with several conditions like the event should start at 4pm instead of 11am and no use of fireworks.
Campbelltown City Council CEO Paul Deledio told ABC that conditions were imposed because they had received several complaints from nearby residents when the event was held last time.
"There were a number of complaints on the day when a number of elected members were contacted and that was regarding the noise coming from the park itself," Mr Deledio said.
"There was some concern with the fireworks in the evening."
Punjabi Association of SA has lodged a code of conduct complaint and an investigation is underway.
Association’s President Kuldip Chugha said the conditions were not good. "Fireworks are the main event for these festivals," he said.
The State Government meanwhile has offered Morialta Conservation Park and Light Square for the festival and the Punjabi Association is considering these invitations.
But Mr Chugha said it would be best to reconcile with the council and hold the event in Campbelltown.
"Diwali Festival is a festival of peace and harmony, so I'd like to have peace and harmony across the state and across the country, and of course in Campbelltown City Council so nobody has bad blood with each other."
