Excellence in Diversity nomination for Council

Thursday, 14 April 2016

The Spicy Penrith community festival was a finalist in the Excellence in Diversity category at the NSW Local Government Excellence Awards.

The award showcases an environment where diversity and inclusion are valued.

Spicy Penrith, celebrating diverse cultures and social connection, is coordinated by Penrith Council in collaboration with an organising committee from the Federation of Australia Indian Associations, the Sri Lankan Cultural Forum, the Nepalese Community of Western Sydney and the Association of Bhutanese in Australia. It brings together 120 performers and 400 audience members come together to celebrate the subcontinental cultures of Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and India through food, song and dance.

Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown said the nomination recognises Council in promoting cultural diversity.

"Spicy Penrith has been held on three occasions, each time growing in size," Cr McKeown said.

"Penrith's cultural diversity is changing quickly as culturally and linguistically diverse communities are choosing to live in our city. Spicy Penrith is the most significant event that showcases that diversity."

The Local Government awards also recognised Council's Acting Senior Governance Officer Adam Beggs as dux of the Local Government Professional 2015 Learning and Leadership Course for Governance. The course on local government governance is attended by local government professionals at Charles Sturt University with students sitting a final exam and then submitting a written report for marking.

Information contained within this news release was correct as at Thursday, 14 April 2016.