BENDIGO’S growing South Sudanese community has held its first public celebration for the fledgling nation’s independence day.
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The community enjoyed speeches about the achievement of the South Sudanese in Bendigo while cooking up some traditional food at St Paul’s Cathedral.
There are about 200 South Sudanese living in Bendigo, from the Dinka, Nuer, Acholi, Nubian and Bari ethnic groups. Many moved to Bendigo from Melbourne for the quiet lifestyle and work opportunities.
One of the city’s newer residents, Napoleon Kwaje, said it was important for the community to support each other.
“This was our first public celebration held in Bendigo,” he said.
“We are a growing community in the region and we are really happy at the support that Loddon Campaspe Multicultural Services has given us.
“We are so pleased so many South Sudanese came together to enjoy each other’s company.”
The South Sudanese in Bendigo often mention the better access to schools and settlement services as a reason to relocate their family to the city. Most arrive as refugees due to the ongoing conflict in their home country.
About 15 South Sudanese students are studying locally, while others work in the farming and industrial sectors.
Loddon Campaspe Multicultural Services chair Abhishek Awasthi said the independence day celebrations were also an opportunity to celebrate Bendigo’s diversity.
“It was a pleasure to attend this independence day event,” he said.
“Loddon Campaspe Multicultural Services is proud to be supporting our region’s new and emerging communities.
“Cultural events like this, that the whole community can attend and enjoy, really highlight what we all gain when our communities become more diverse.”
The Republic of South Sudan achieved independence on July 9, 2011, becoming the 54th independent country in Africa.
The formation of the new state came from a 2005 agreement ending Africa’s longest running civil war. The country continues to experience poverty and violence, and millions fled their homes in 2013 when further civil conflict broke out.