Whittlesea residents are being urged to plan ahead in light of likely disruptions to travel, transportation loud noise and higher parking demand due to upcoming events.
Mernda Recreation Reserve will host two major community celebrations in the coming weeks, bringing colour, music and festivity to the north.
The Melbourne Basant Festival, organised by the Pakistani Society of Australia and supported by the City of Whittlesea through its community grants program, will take place on Sunday, September 29 at Schotters Road.
A week later, the Dussehra Mela, run by the Prem Prakash Mandal Mandir Melbourne, will return to the reserve on Saturday, October 4.
Both events are expected to attract large crowds and will feature cultural performances, food, and family activities. The City of Whittlesea has issued permits for the celebrations.
Likely disruptions are expected to include road closures, traffic changes, loud noise or fireworks, higher parking demand and increased foot traffic. Pet owners are advised to keep animals indoors during firework displays.
Traffic management and signage will be in place to ensure safety and reduce inconvenience for local residents and businesses.
The City of Whittlesea said it was proud to support the festivals, highlighting their role in celebrating the region’s cultural diversity.
“All are welcome to attend and enjoy these vibrant community events,” the council said on its website.
For more details, visit the Melbourne Basant Festival 2025 or Dussehra Mela Facebook pages.
