By Rowan Forster
Diwali’s first ever theme park extravaganza is shaping up to be a state-wide drawcard for Cardinia Shire, with festivalgoers from Melbourne’s northern suburbs and regional Victoria hurling their support behind the event.
Minister for Jobs and Industrial Relations Kelly O’Dwyer stopped by Gumbuya World on Friday to spruik the revamped Pakenham Diwali Festival – which was saved in the eleventh hour amid difficulties finding a venue.
Ms O’Dwyer – who was the first federal politician to host a Diwali event –said the support of Victoria’s marquee theme park would make the occasion one of the biggest yet.
“Being able to host Diwali at Gumbuya World is incredible,” she said.
“I’m sure we will see many new faces and people from all across the state coming to be a part of this event.”
“It is always a fantastic cultural festival.”
The Indian Association Casey Cardinia anticipates the event will explode in popularity this year, with a projected attendance of between 3000 and 4000 people.
Last year, the event at the Toomuc Oval drew a crowd of about 1400.
Organiser Aanchal Meshram said she has been shocked by the number of people who are planning to travel for Diwali.
“This is being sold right across the state,” she said.
“We’ve had a lot of people registering who are from way out in Melbourne’s north and west – and even some from the country.
“A bad situation has really turned into an incredible situation.”
In September, Star News reported that the IACC was locked in a stalemate with Cardinia Shire, unable to secure a venue for the November event.
Council requested the non-for-profit bankroll a comprehensive traffic management study to use the PB Ronald Reserve – a feat which volunteers were hard-pressed to meet.
Federal MP Jason Wood read the article and scrambled to intervene.
“We contacted her through your story and she said thank you, but I’m so stressed and we can’t use the venue and we don’t know what to do,” Mr Wood recollected.
“I told a contact at Gumbuya World that this could be a perfect partnership and the negotiations went from there.”
“I also decided to sponsor the event through my personal fundraiser to help out, because it’s a worthwhile event.”
The majority of festivities will take place inside the park’s Oz Adventure area – with a stage and food trucks set to fill remaining open space.
Guests will also be able to embark on the wildlife trail.
Oasis Springs, Gumbuya World’s waterpark, will be closed on the night.
Gumbuya World Business Director Ron Weinzierl revealed the partnership will likely exist for many years to come.
“We want to make sure Gumbuya becomes a multicultural location,” he said.
“It’s a great opportunity for us to help them out and host a cultural festival every year.
“We’re expecting people to come along from everywhere.”
The event has been set for 10 November, from 6pm to 9pm.
Those wishing to attend can register their interest on the IACC website.
While entry through the gates will be free, visitors will have to pay for rides.
