Celebrating cultural diversity

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Monday, 16 March 2026

Council is celebrating Cultural Diversity Week from 23-29 March.

Ferntree Gully resident Madhulika (Maddy) Kumar embodies the week’s theme: culture connects us all.

Hailing from an Indian-Sri Lankan background, Maddy reached out to Council two years ago after participating in our Neighbour Day initiative encouraging residents to host neighbourhood gatherings.

“It was such an awesome way to meet people in my street and I still catch up with my neighbours on the basis of that day,” Maddy says. “I really love where I live, and my neighbours, and I want to play a little part to make my community better. You don’t necessarily need have a big sphere of influence to make a difference — anyone can make a difference wherever they are.”

Maddy then joined the Knox Multicultural Advisory Committee, which advises Council on multicultural issues and promoting cultural diversity.

She also volunteers at CityLife Church in Wantirna South, supporting their Kidzbizz playgroup and youth group.

“It’s a space for parents, new mums, grandparents and others within the community to have a space where they feel welcome, enjoy a cuppa and chat to other people,” Maddy says of the playgroup.

“The youth group is a safe place for teenagers on a Friday night, and the work we do has a real impact to young people in our community.

“My goal is to build diversity and connection with those around me and help make the spaces and neighborhood I live in a better place”.

Celebrating cultural diversity

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