Press release

Auburn launches Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival

By Richard J. Ford (PRO-APCO Inc)
On behalf of ASCON Inc.
Sydney-Australia
August 20, 2016



The annual Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival was launched at the Auburn Botanic Gardens last Friday, the 19^th of August 2016.

Emceed by Brooke Endycott, Manager of Cumberland Council based in Auburn, the Festival was attended by State and Council officials and staff, community leaders and representatives of the Japanese Consulate in Sydney. The official program included: a welcome remarks by Cumberland Council Administrator Viv May followed by the messages of the Hon Paul Toole MP, Minister for Local Government and Deputy Consul General of Japan, Mr Katsutoshi Miyakawa representing Mr Masato Tokoaka, Consul General of Japan.

“The Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival is a truly unique event in Australia that encapsulates the beauty of the Botanic Gardens while celebrating the culture of Japan. This Festival is emblematic of the rich diversity of our community and is welcoming to all who come to view the blossoms”, Cumberland Council Administrator Viv May said.  Minister Toole commended the Cumberland Council Administrator and staff for the magnificent garden show and for bringing together people from around the world to celebrate the diversity of Auburn.

The Filipino-Australian community was officially represented by Dr Cen Amores, founding president of APCO and Public Officer of Auburn Small Community Organisation Network Inc (ASCON) respectively. Incidentally, APCO is organising a Community Picnic at the Auburn Botanic Gardens this October as its contribution to the Annual Flavours of Auburn. It will be open to the public to have a taste of Filipino favourite foods.