Federal Member for Blaxland, Jason Clare MP, today announced ‘Welcoming the Babies 2010’ will be held in Paul Keating Park, Bankstown, on Saturday, 25 September from 9am – 10:30am as part of The Bankstown Children’s Festival.
“Every baby that attends will receive a special certificate and gift bag which will also contain useful information for Mums and Dads about health and community services available to them and their babies”, said Mr Clare.
“In the last year, Bankstown experienced the third highest number of births of any suburb in NSW. That’s why I think it’s important to hold a free family event that officially celebrates new births in our community.
“Having a child is one of the most important decisions that we will ever make. ‘Welcoming the babies’ gives us a chance to thank mums and dads for the invaluable work they put in to raising the next generation, and also provide information to make parenting a little easier” said Mr Clare.
“This is the second time we’ve held ‘Welcoming the babies’. Last year, it was an overwhelming success. We officially welcomed 180 babies into the community, and about 400 parents and family members came along to the ceremony.
“I encourage young families to attend ‘Welcoming the Babies’, and then stay for The Bankstown Children’s Festival, which is a terrific celebration of our community’s rich cultural identity.
“My favourite part of the day is always the parade, where children from Bankstown’s 130 different cultural backgrounds march together into Paul Keating Park, dressed in traditional costumes.
“It’s such a colourful display of all the different cultures represented in our community,” Mr Clare said.
Registration for ‘Welcoming the Babies’ is essential. All children under the age of 2 are eligible. Parents should call the Office of Jason Clare MP on 9790 2466 to register their child.
Registrations close on Friday 17 September at 5pm.
Media Contact: Chris Zogopoulos T: (02) 9790 2466
