What began as casual conversations between neighbours has grown into a small community organisation bringing residents together through cultural celebrations and local events.
The Pallara Community Youth Club was established about three years ago after residents living on the same street began discussing ways to connect their neighbourhood.
Committee member and youth club president Gagan Samra said the idea developed during informal evening chats between neighbours.
“Usually when we chat in the evening, we thought maybe we should celebrate something,” Mr Samra said.
“It’s good for the neighbourhood and it’s good for the kids. They can enjoy, they can come together and they can celebrate.”
The group first organised a small Diwali celebration on their street before expanding the event the following year to a local park. Volunteers funded the early celebrations themselves.
“The first time, everyone just chipped in from their own pocket,” Mr Samra said.
“We did it as volunteers and everyone did a great job.”
Encouraged by the response from residents, the group continued organising celebrations and formally established the youth club.
Mr Samra said the aim of the events was to create an inclusive space where people from different backgrounds could take part.
“Diwali is not just for one community,” Mr Samra said.
“It’s for everyone. It’s a multicultural performance where people can come together, perform and celebrate.”
The club now has seven members on its core committee and holds monthly meetings to plan activities and discuss future ideas.
“We usually do monthly meetings, and if we need to decide anything, we send a message to all the committee members,” Mr Samra said.
While the club currently focuses on two major annual events, Diwali and Holi, organisers are considering expanding their activities.
“If this area becomes a district sports park, we can also organise sports events,” Mr Samra said.
“That’s good for the kids as well.”
The club’s most recent Diwali celebration drew a strong turnout despite rain at the beginning of the event.
“In the beginning, we got rain, so we were a bit disappointed,” Mr Samra said.
“But everyone was very excited, and they stayed. Some people waited in their cars, and when the rain stopped, they came out again and enjoyed.”
“We had fireworks, and we got very good feedback from the community.”
