ANNUAL REPORT 2019

AGM Sunday 21.7.2019 Revesby Workers Club Poster design competition “Celebrating 20 Years of Children’s Festival”

Annabelle Samuel 10 years old

Poster competition “A lot of different flowers make a bouquet”

Lainey Quynh Lam 10 years old President’s Report

Dear Members, Friends and Supporters of the Children’s Festival, Can I start by acknowledging the traditional owners of this land and pay my respects to the elders past and present. I would also like to acknowledge the presence of the Advisory Committee and the Management Committee, and particularly, the attendance of Mr. Wally Mehanna, CEO of Canterbury Chamber of Commerce, our guest speaker today, as well as the representatives of our co-operating groups. I warmly welcome you all to our AGM in this beautiful environment thanks to the generosity of Revesby Workers Club who has provided the facilities without charge. It is with much pleasure that I present the President’s report for the year ended 31 May 2019 at our Annual General Meeting here today. It has been a wonderful year of achievements for our Children’s Festival Organisation. Our Twentieth Children’s Festival in Bankstown on 16.9.2018 attracted thousands of participants thanks to your great support. At this Festival, we were honored to welcome the new Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs Hon David Coleman MP, dignitaries from Local, State and Federal governments, sponsors and many other community leaders. Our sixth Children’s Festival in the City of on 10.3.2019 was again a great success in beautiful weather with a big crowd, and particularly the presence of the NSW Minister for Multiculturalism Hon Ray Williams MP and the Federal Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs. The resounding success of the Inaugural Children’s Festival in Campbelltown was a wonderful step forward, thanks to the great support of the Macarthur Region, particularly the tremendous efforts of Brian and his team. May I congratulate Hiep Ho, Mai Ly, Mark Burfield and Brian Laul and their respective teams for their tireless efforts in making our events so successful? The details of our three Children’s Festivals during the year 2018-2019 can be found in the reports of our Chairpersons. Apart from the above-mentioned three events, CFO has also participated in the United Nations Day Multicultural Festival held on 24.10.2019 at Martin Place, Sydney and organized our annual celebration of Friendship and Thanks on 11.11.2018 in Bankstown. Our up-and- coming events are the 2nd Children’s Festival in Campbelltown on 25.8.2019, our 21st Children’s Festival in Bankstown to be held on 15.9.2019 and our 7th Children’s Festival in Sydney scheduled to be held on 5.4.2020 at First Fleet Park, next to , Sydney. Despite our excellent work in organizing the three Children’s Festivals, our events last year were a little under-funded due to significant reduction in some grant programs, coupled with the amazing expansion of our activities. Thanks to the strength of our accounts we were able to overcome this difficulty. This will be reported on in detail later by our treasurer, Gurmeet Kaur. Fortunately, the NSW State Government promised last March to give us $100,000 funding support over four years. Furthermore, we have been working hard on fundraising and cost saving, at the same time. A big thank you to everyone who has been committed to our fundraising concert, to be held on 4.8.2019. We are sure that this will improve the finances of our Organisation. In the last 21 years, we have successfully staged thirty-three Children’s Festivals in Bankstown, Canterbury, Marrickville, Campbelltown and Sydney, attracting approximately a quarter of a million participants. The success of our concept has proved that it meets the expectation of the communities in some ways. Our next step is to improve and strengthen our social platform to bring the Children’s Festival experience to wider audiences and to co-operate with people who can help make our dream come true. This is apart from continuously improving the quality of our Children’s Festival. To do that, we need to do more in marketing and fundraising for our Organisation in the years to come. Due to his family and other personal commitments, John Pestana has decided to step down as CFO Vice President. Please join me in congratulating John Pestana for his tremendous contribution to our Organisation. Kana Phung has also decided to step down as Vice President due to her work and family commitments. Please join me in congratulating Kana Phung for her great contribution to our Organisation. I wish to express my sincere thanks to the members of the Advisory Committee, the Management Committee, particularly the Chairs and Co-Chairs, and our tireless volunteers for their commitment throughout the year, to all of our sponsors, Federal and State Governments, the City of Canterbury-Bankstown, the City of Campbelltown and the City of Sydney for their faith in the Children’s Festival and for their generous support. We are also indebted to those children and adults who contribute so much on the day. These are the schools, community groups, youth clubs, marching bands and the charities that create outdoor activities and the wonderful entertainment program. Thank you so much. I would also like to particularly thank our long-serving volunteers for their dedication to the vision of our Organisation which is to bring all children from every culture into an environment where they can play and live together in harmony in this wonderful country of Australia. I look forward to another great year of achievement and growth. Please accept my deep appreciation for your continued efforts. Thank you very much for your attention. Thuat V. Nguyen, OAM Inaugural Macarthur Multicultural Children’s Festival a resounding success

Campbelltown’s iconic Koshigaya Park was turned into a kid’s kingdom on Sunday, August 5th last year, as the Macarthur Multicultural Children’s Festival was born.

“This festival provides opportunities for children and adults to join in many exciting activities that go a long way towards garnering harmony within all our communities,” MP, State Member for Campbelltown, told the huge crowd present. In a local first, participants from 60+ community groups marched in the grand parade through the park as well as proudly shared their culture through activity stalls.

From Scottish Sword Dance to Maori Hakka to Punjabi Bhangra and Columbian Salsa, children of all cultures came together to have fun, understand other cultures and show off their talents and their cultural specialities on the main stage. They also enjoyed participating in a Cultural Scavenger Hunt by visiting stalls to discover colours, tastes and sounds of the world, collecting stamps along the way and winning prizes.

“This event is an excellent opportunity to bring us together to celebrate our community’s most treasured assets: multiculturalism and our children,” said Dr Mike Freelander MP, Federal Member for Macarthur.

This Festival is also a unique family event whose aim is to inspire members of our community to embrace our shared values and cultural traditions at a grassroots level.

I feel both humbled and honoured to chair an absolutely amazing committee of local leaders – all popular Macarthur identities - drawn from across the community from business, politics, the arts, education, indigenous & community groups.

Most of all, I wish to thank Mr Thuat Nguyen OAM, Founder-President of the Children’s Festival Organisation for daring to dream of the very first Children’s Festival in Bankstown 21 years ago. He is a wonderful mentor, and we proudly carry forward his vision of social cohesion and creating harmony in our community.

In April, as an extension of the Festival, we launched the very first Macarthur Young Champions Awards to recognise the achievements of our Under 18s and celebrate the fantastic contributions they are making to Macarthur.

The gala awards evening was a house full event at West Leagues Club and well attended by a significant number of local community leaders. The Young Champions Awards will not only become an annual event in Macarthur, but will now be held in other parts of Sydney during the coming year.

Of course, following its unprecedented success, the community has made Macarthur Multicultural Children’s Festival a fixture on the local events calendar. This year’s Festival will be held on Sunday 25 August at Koshigaya Park, Campbelltown. We are looking forward to a day filled with new, exciting and meaningful activities as we walk forward together as one.

Stay in touch with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/macarthurmulticulturalchildrensfestival/

Brian Laul, Chairperson #weareone Photo credits: Brett Atkins

Children’s Festival in Bankstown Paul Keating Park, Sunday 16.9.2018

The Festival at Paul Keating Park on 16th of September 2018 was blessed with beautiful spring weather. The preparation of the ground started as early as 6:00am when Festival Hire arrived and began to set up the stage, marquees and stalls. By 7:00am our volunteers arrived and helped to decorate stage, setup information stalls, receptions…Over 100 volunteers donated their precious time for the event, among them were SES, St John Ambulance, Scout Groups, 20 High School Students from Al Noori Muslim School, 6 Students from Girls High School and 7 students from Vietnamese Language School in Bankstown.

By 11:00am, the ground was filled with colorful festival flags, Children's activities, non-stop entertainment, cultural displays, rides and delicious foods were on offer.

There were 26 children cultural groups who performed on stage from 11:00 am to 6:00pm including: Vovinam, Elysian Dance School, Miss Dina’s Dance Studio, Creative Art Group - Kalinka, Buddharangsee Thai Community Language School, Bollard School of Dance, Inner West Vietnamese Language School, Huyen Quang Buddhist Youth Association, Filipino Youth Group, Kud Vardar Macedonians, Karen McPhillips Highland Dancers, Invincible Worldwide, Sanggar Tari Bali Saraswati Sydney, Sabdamala – Nepalese Language School, Sydney Datong Chinese School, From Within Performing Arts, Viet Pentatonic, Sikh Association – Punjabi Language School, Viet-Aus Little Stars, Sydney iDance Studio, Vietnamese Cultural School- Lakemba, Le Groove Dance Company, Sarina Solo Dance, Vietnamese Cultural School - Canley Vale, Vietnamese Cultural School - Cabramatta West and Kud Zambak Bosnians. Two talented MCs Annie Truong and Amninder Kaur brought a “WOW!” factor into the dynamic and vibrant program. In supporting Annie Truong and Amninder Kaur, 4 pairs of younger MCs in turn showed case their talents and brought a new flavour into the festival, they were Bipandeep and his brother Jasmindeep (1st session); Molley Young and Amy Young (2nd session); Nina and Amelia (3rd session); Mia Nguyen and Krystal Truong (4th session)

By 2:00 pm the park again was brightened up by the children’s vibrant and colorful costume parade and the sounds of music from marching bands. Participated in the parade were St George Pipe Band, The 5-star Brass Band, Second Bankstown Scout Group, First Canley Heights Scout Group, Lion Dance Workshop for Children, Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, Bankstown Family Day Care, Vietnamese Language School - Bankstown, St John Ambulance - Cadets, Moving artists (Kangaroo & Koala), Fil-Oz of Liverpool & Districts and Huyen Quang Lion Dance. Leading the parade was St George Pipe Band. Distinguished guests we had the honor to welcome at the festival were the Hon David Coleman MP, Federal Member for Banks, Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs; the Hon Jason Clare MP, Federal Member for Blaxland, Shadow Minister for Resources and Northern Australia, Shadow Minister for Trade and Investment; Mr Glenn Brookes MP, Member for East Hills, representing the Hon Ray Williams MP, Minister for Disability Services, and Minister for Multiculturalism; Clr Khal Asfour, Mayor of the City of Canterbury - Bankstown; Deputy Mayor Nadia Saleh, Clr George Zakhia , Clr Alex Kuskoff, Clr Bilal El-Hayek, Clr Charlie Ishac and Clr Rachelle Harika; Ms Patsy Laurenceson Regional Commissioner Special Projects, Hume Region Scouts Australia – NSW; Ms Poppy Brown General Manager, KU Children Services (3), Mr Tuong Quang Luu AO, Associate Professor Thanh Tran, Mr Davy Nguyen from Vietnamese Community of Australia and many community and local business leaders.

The Poster and Writing Competition with the themes “Celebrating 20 Years Anniversary of Children’s Festival” and “Why should we have a Children's Festival?” respectively attracted over 200 entries from children of different cultural backgrounds. Winners and Prizes were presented in the official opening ceremony.

The Children's Festival 2018 to mark the 20th Anniversary of Children's Festival in Bankstown was lauded as a very successful event by many with approximately 10,000 visitors who came to visit and enjoyed multicultural diversity, the live performance, and other rich cultural aspects that the festival had to offer.

This amazing achievement would have not been possible without the support of the Federal, State and Local governments; local businesses, SES, St John Ambulance, volunteers, performance groups, schools, marching bands…and we are grateful for their ongoing support

Hiep Ho & Mai Ly

Co-Chairs

Writing competition ”Why should we have a Children’s Festival?”

With Australia’s growing population, it is expected for Australia’s citizens to come from a wide variety of cultures, background and economic standing. However, racism and discrimination have been a controversy over the past decade, and victims or abusers are not limited to a certain age group. I believe that the Children’s Festival is the best civil way to tackle this issue and to help bring the multiple cultures that abide in Australia to come together and celebrate our multiculturalism. Having a fun and kid-friendly festival that welcomes all not only encourages the multiple nationalities of the next generation to unite and bond but can come with a vast amount of benefits also.

Multiculturalism refers to “the presence of, or support for the presence of, several distinct cultural or ethnic groups within a society”. This is one of the most significant aspects that are apart of Australia’s own culture that can, more or less, predominately be responsible for how Australia could be run in the next decade or so. It’s important that we take this matter of multiculturalism in Australia in our own hands and control it as best we could (in the most civil way) so that it doesn’t get out of control. Having children as the target audience could help in providing this easily.

We have no choice but to rely on the next generation to make their way and alter society. What can we do that would be the best way in order to promote and teach us the minimal amount we need to know in order to ensure this ‘’better’’ future? Us kids still have much to learn during our lifespan, and various important factors like hobbies, but most importantly, the people around us and our environment, help shape us into the person we become when we finish maturing. Adding a factor that’s uniting children from differing cultures, coming together to create harmony would be a great way to influence a child’s lifestyle. for the better. Having the Children’s festival could be beneficial in teaching us good morals and encouraging a positive environment. Doing it now, whilst we are still developing is the key for us to thrive in the near future.

However, while the Children’s Festival does mainly target a young audience, the fun doesn’t really limit to only them. Having the Children’s festival in Sydney, a highly populated and multicultural region in Australia, could bring in not only children, but families too. The Children’s festival is also a great way to encourage family bonding. I’ve personally gone to the Children’s festival, and I can say, the activities and things to do there were endless. I watched and enjoyed the performances put on show last year in May and tried out foreign food I’ve never tried personally before. Most importantly, I had fun with my family.

The Children’s festival influences children for the better, encourages multiculturalism in Australia, and is a great way to bond with your family, what isn’t there to enjoy? Kelly Dang, 12 years old

Children’s Festival in Sydney, First Fleet Park, Sunday 10.3.2019

On Sunday 10 March 2019, the Children’s Festival Organisation successfully held its 33rd Children’s Festival, and the 6th in Sydney city. An estimated 7,000 people enjoyed the Festival in idyllic weather conditions.

For the fifth consecutive year, the Festival was held at First Fleet Park with the picturesque backdrop of the and Harbour. This Park continues to be a good location with its proximity to the Circular Quay Railway Station and the Rocks ensuring a good flow of incidental pedestrian traffic throughout the day. Tourists from the large passenger ship in port nearby also add to the Festival crowd.

The colourful and vibrant atmosphere at the Festival was highlighted by a Children’s Parade and on-stage entertainment from mid-morning to late afternoon, and some 30 performing groups from different cultures, including a Traditional Aboriginal Welcome and National Anthem performed by a multicultural children’s group. A variety of children’s activities – animal farm, bungee trampoline (a new attraction), colouring in, face painting, kite making, Lego, mural, parachute games, traditional costume display, Tumbletown mobile centre, and umbrella painting kept the children well occupied and entertained. There was also a poster and writing competition on the themes, “A lot of different flowers make a bouquet “ and “The Beauty of the World lies in the Diversity of its People ” with winners announced and entries displayed at the Festival.

The Festival organisers were delighted that the Minister for Multiculturalism and Minister for Disability Services, Hon Ray Williams MP, could again open the Festival. Other honoured guests who spoke included Aunty Millie Ingram, who gave the Welcome to Country and Hon David Coleman MP, Federal Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs. Letters of Support were also received from Jihad Dib MP, State Member for Lakemba and Shadow Minister for Education; MP, State Member for Canterbury; MP, State Member for Sydney; and Clover Moore, Lord Mayor of Sydney.

There was integral and invaluable participation of many community organisations and volunteers and other in-kind support. Funding or sponsorship support was received from the NSW Government (Multicultural NSW and Property NSW), and from several minor sponsors including the City of Sydney, Metro Assist, Scouts Australia NSW, Sikh Association of Sydney, Universal Peace Federation, and the Vietnamese Students’ Association. However, the need to find additional and alternative funding beyond government grants and usual regular supporters continues to be self-evident. To this end, we are exploring possible connections with Rotary and with the Chamber of Commerce in the Sydney City, etc. So long as ongoing financial support can be secured, the Children’s Festival in Sydney city is destined to become an integral ongoing annual event in this city’s calendar. We owe all this to the vision, passion and tireless commitment to Children’s Festival Organisation Founder and President, Thuat Nguyen OAM.

The CFO has booked for the 7th Children’s Festival in Sydney to take place on Sunday 5 April, again at First Fleet Park. We look forward to your ongoing support and to seeing you there!

Mark Burfield, Mai Ly Co-Chairs Writing Competition The beauty of the world lies in the diversity of its people

This world has been created for all follow if the government demanded so. creatures and humans to live on. This restriction put others distant with Scientifically, every human in this their beliefs. In certain parts of the world is different, to species, skin tone, world nowadays, leaders of certain face features, etc. Not only do these countries still put limitations on what comply for humans but for creatures citizens are allowed to believe and too. And for all the differences, this practice but in other parts, they have makes our world beautiful. In society finally given others the freedom and nowadays, it is very easy for people to independence to choose. judge and make assumptions about others just by their appearance and The Earth we live on is a an add negative comments in real life or adventurous and beautiful place filled even on social media behind a screen. with mesmerising sceneries and As a result of this selfish act, it has left majestic animals. Nature most those victims impacted with negative definitely provide resources for us to effects of self consciousness, stay alive but in some minorities of the discouragement and could potentially world, that isn't the case. For example, lead to them to being depressed. It is there are countries that are running finally time for people to accept the low on resources and is initially term ‘diversity’ and the astonishing ruining their land, which deserve more fact that there over 7 billion people recognition and help because we are living in our world and it is certainly losing not only people to starvation, destined for us to all be different one limited supplies for medicine, etc but way or another. also the culture that's connected with the land. There are approximately 197 nations in this world. Each one of them have In conclusion, society nowadays should different cultural beliefs and that also be more accepting of the fact that may affect their appearance, leisure everybody is different and that makes and even what they eat. For example, them stand out. In 2019, discrimination put on body and racism shouldn’t be tolerated. paint for cultural ceremonies as a part More attention and focus should be of their cultural, as opposed to laid on the countries that need help the Vietnamese culture, they use lion most. Finally, leaders (people with high costumes as props to dance with, rankings) shouldn’t use their power to again, they are different but doesn't manipulate others into doing or mean they are wrong. believing something just because they There are approximately 4200 believe themselves that it’s the right religions being practiced across the thing. Everybody has a voice and globe. In the past, people would be doesn’t deserve to be ignored for the punished if they were caught practicing better for our future. a religion they weren’t allowed to Anh Thu Nguyen, 13 years old

Children's Festival Organisation Inc. A.B.N. 85 264 520 983

Statement of Financial Position as at 31 May 2019

2019 2018 $ Difference % Difference

Assets Current Assets Cash On Hand Main Account $11,508.65 $23,769.89 ($12,261.24) -51.58% Childrens Festival Gift Fund $26,677.10 $35,892.65 ($9,215.55) -25.68% Inventory - Lanterns $156.50 $288.50 ($132.00) -45.75% Total Current Assets $38,342.25 $59,951.04 ($21,608.79) -36.04% Non-Current Assets Plant & Equipment Plant & Equipment at Cost $15,459.00 $14,550.82 $908.18 6.24% Plant & Equipment Accum Dep ($14,421.72) ($12,219.25) ($2,202.47) -18.02% Total Plant & Equipment $1,037.28 $2,331.57 ($1,294.29) -55.51% Total Non-Current Assets $1,037.28 $2,331.57 ($1,294.29) -55.51% Total Assets $39,379.53 $62,282.61 ($22,903.08) -36.77%

Liabilities Current Liabilities GST Collected $5,727.17 $4,671.22 $1,055.95 22.61% GST Paid ($6,927.76) ($5,325.04) ($1,602.72) -30.10% Total Current Liablities ($1,200.59) ($653.82) ($546.77) -83.63% Total Liabilities ($1,200.59) ($653.82) ($546.77) -83.63% Net Assets $40,580.12 $62,936.43 ($22,356.31) -35.52%

Equity Accumulated Surplus (Deficit) ($12,206.14) ($12,206.14) $0.00 0.00% Retained Earnings $35,168.38 $11,242.28 $23,926.10 212.82% Current Year Earnings ($22,356.31) $23,926.10 ($46,282.41) -193.44% Historical Balancing $39,974.19 $39,974.19 $0.00 0.00% Total Equity $40,580.12 $62,936.43 ($22,356.31) -35.52%

Children's Festival Organisation Inc. A.B.N. 85 264 520 983

Statement of Cash Flows For the year ended 31 May 2019

2019 2018 Operating services Receipts from: Grants $36,640.00 $30,250.00 Donations $5,403.60 $20,192.80 Sponsorships $20,529.95 $22,175.01 Memberships $52.00 $44.00 Fundraising Income $6,384.01 $9,460.00 Stall Fees $9,079.02 $8,479.20 Interest Income $45.06 $55.46 GST return from ATO $171.00 Other Income $446.00 $770.00 Payments to: Creditors and others ($92,809.72) ($63,457.02) Fundraising Expenses ($6,418.71) $0.00 GST paid to ATO $0.00 ($555.00) Net cash provided by operating activities ($20,477.80) $27,414.44 Investing activities Purchase of property, plant and equipment ($999.00) ($1,095.00) Proceeds from disposals of property, plant and equipment Net cash provided by/ (used in) investing activities ($999.00) ($1,095.00) Net change in cash and cash equivalents $21,476.80 $26,319.44

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year $59,662.54 $33,343.10 Main Account $23,769.89 Gift Fund Account $35,892.65

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year $38,185.75 $59,662.54 Main Account $11,508.65 Gift Fund Account $26,677.10

Suite 12, 76-80 John St Cabramatta, NSW 2166 Tel . : 02-9726 0222

His Excellency The Governor of NSW visited the Children’s Festival display stall at the The celebration of Friendship and Thanks on 11.11.2018 United Nations Day Multicultural Festival on 24.10.2018 at Martin Place - Sydney

Annual General Meeting on Sunday 29.7.2018 in Revesby Workers’ Club ANNUAL REPORT 2019

CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL ORGANISATION INC. web: https://www.childrensfestival.com.au facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChildrensFestivalOrganisationlnc