On 12/02/2016, the flag of the Republic of Serbia was raised for the eighth year in a row at the Rockdale Council, in celebration of the Statehood Day, which has now become a tradition.

The Australian multicultural policy and organizations established for that purpose, allow ethnic communities a possibility to engage and affirm themselves within a society. An example of this is Sydney’s big municipality of Rockdale. Initiated by the National Association “Sretenje” led by Miodrag Pesic, an eminent member of the Serbian community, the Serbian flag has been raised in front of the Rockdale City Council every year since 2009, in celebration of the National Day of the Republic of Serbia, which is an ongoing incentive for harmonious relations, closeness and tolerance among people from many nations who live in Sydney.

On this occasion, the Mayor of Rockdale, Mr. Bill Saravinovski and Mr. Branko Radosevic, Consul General of the Republic of Serbia, gave their speeches.

In addition to the above named, the flag raising ceremony was attended by Branislav Grbic, Consul, Stephen Kamper MP for Rockdale, Milovan Karajcic, Deputy Mayor of Fairfield, Miodrag Pesic, President of the Serbian-Australian Association “Sretenje”, Andrew Cunis, Rockdale Councilor, Father Nikola Bilic representing the Serbian Orthodox Church, as well as many of the Council staff, Rockdale residents and members of the Serbian and other ethnic communities.

The celebration was enhanced by the performance of the “St. Lazarus” Alexandria church folkloric dance group, and followed by a suitable reception.