Nothing but peace

[Kiwi]

Nothing but peace
By Alicia Bowie
http://camden.yourguide.com.au/news/local/general/nothing-but-peace/1163232.html


CAMDEN'S Australia Day activities will be a family affair despite earlier concerns the town would be used to spread a white supremacist group's agenda.

Camden Mayor Chris Patterson and Camden police are confident residents will be able to enjoy Australia Day in peace.

Last week, media reports said the Australia First Party, known for its white supremacist sentiments, was planning an anti-Islamic rally in Camden on January 26.

But in an interview with the Advertiser, the party's state secretary, Jim Saleam, said the group was organising no such thing.

"It's what I call a classic disinformation campaign that's been put in the media," he said.

"It was never our intention to do so [organise a rally]. In fact, we've got an entirely separate set of events somewhere else."

Mr Saleam said the group had been told "some sort of community action" was being planned in Camden on January 26 and Australia First had sent out an electronic newsletter asking for members to hand out leaflets.

That leaked electronic newsletter had sparked the media reports, he said.

Camden police crime manager Detective Inspector Paul Albury has assured residents there will be no protests or rallies on Australia Day.

"We have spoken to a number of groups who have indicated they aren't planning any protest activities," he said.

"From our perspective Australia Day is a family-oriented celebration of being Australian and we will be doing our best on the day to ensure people can enjoy the activities from the [Macarthur] Lions Club and the council, without any anti-social behaviour impacting on that."

Detective Inspector Albury said the police would have a zero tolerance approach to anti-social behaviour and people who attempted to interfere with the Australia Day activities.

"We'll have sufficient resources to deal with any eventuality that may occur," Detective Inspector Albury said.

Cr Patterson said Camden would be an area of celebrations on Australia Day.

"It's not for anybody with a political agenda, or any agenda, other than enjoying the day and commemorating what a great day it is and what a great community we have," he said.

"Australia Day has a great tradition and that is what we're celebrating."The council has prepared a number of activities to celebrate Australia Day this year.

An ecumenical service will be held at Camden Civic Centre at 8.30am.

The service will be followed by a Citizenship Ceremony, where 14 residents will pledge their commitment to our country.

At 11am people who have gone above and beyond for Camden will be recognised at the Civic Awards.

Afterwards, the Macarthur Lions Club Street Parade will kick off in Argyle Street at 11.45am.

Every year dozens of community groups and organisations march in the parade waving to the sea of red, white and blue face-painted and flag-flying people on the main street.

Then it's on to Onslow Park in the afternoon for more entertainment, starting at 1pm.An international food market will be set up to celebrate cultures in the area.

Everyone is invited to attend the council's Australia Day activities.

Details: Visit www.camden.nsw.gov.au. or call 46455115.

Tell us how you will be spending Australia Day.