Journo Nancy

Residents from all across Western Sydney took to Parramatta’s Prince Alfred Square on Saturday 21st May for Oceania Festival. The celebration brought people together by sharing Pacific and First Nations cultures. The event, which was organised by Tapastry, Kokonut Vibe and the Fiji Youth Pacific Initiatives, was last held in 2018. This long anticipation meant not even the rainy weather could dampen the high spirit of everyone attending. Guests were welcomed from as early as 10am, with many staying for the full event which came to a bittersweet end at 7pm. Entertainment included live music and dance, as well as a Speakers Tent where members of the community got the opportunity to talk to cultural leaders. Numerous stalls also lined the park, offering a range of products such as traditional food, jewellery, and gift sets. The success of Oceania Festival has the diverse Western Sydney community already looking forward to their next festival.

Oceania Festival finally returns to Parramatta

As Labor’s Andrew Charlton continues his campaign to win over the Parramatta electoral division, residents are worried over the reality of his differences. Chosen by Anthony Albanese, Charlton is an entrepreneur and economist who worked alongside Kevin Rudd during the 2008 global financial crisis. However, local residents are more concerned with his socioeconomic background. Growing up in a wealthy family from the eastern suburbs of Sydney, he now faces Parramatta as a white, millionaire man – a stark difference to the struggles of the diverse Western Sydney people. With even Labor supporters debating this as an obstacle, the battle for Parramatta’s seat is certainly heating up ahead of May 21st.

Federal Election: Parramatta wary of Andrew Charlton

DJP Radio Bulletin

Radio Bulletin