General News
22 March, 2024
Everyone belongs in the Wimmera
Cultural Diversity Week and Harmony Week coincide with each other this year, and there will be many celebrations across the Wimmera from March 18 to 24.
Cultural Diversity Week and Harmony Week coincide with each other this year, and there will be many celebrations across the Wimmera from March 18 to 24.
"Shared Stories" and "Celebrating Together" are the themes of Cultural Diversity week, with Harmony Week showcasing "Everyone Belongs".
Wimmera Southern Mallee Development settlement and migration program manager Sara Barron said Cultural Diversity Week shared the importance of the community coming together.
"We're all Wimmera residents," she said.
"It's about looking at the similarities, rather than the differences."
Ms Barron said this year's Cultural Diversity Day event in Horsham on March 24 will be the first large celebration since the Covid pandemic.
Wimmera Filipino-Australian Club, Oasis Wimmera, the Nhill and Horsham Karen community groups, and the Multicultural Hub will all be present at the event, alongside many other cultural representatives
With support from the Wimmera Southern Mallee Development (WSMD) settlement services and funding from the Victorian Multicultural Commission, the Diversity Day event will take place at the Horsham Town Hall from 11am until 3pm, with doors opening at 10.30am.
Auditorium performances will kick off the day until 1pm, followed by a shared lunch - with attendees encouraged to bring a plate - and finishing with live music until 3pm.
Other activities on the day will include international dance performances, a fashion show, kids activities and henna tattoos.
The event is free, but bookings are essential at www.horshamtownhall.com.au/hthevent/cultural-diversity-day-2024/
Ms Barron also said the possibilities are endless when it comes to a single reason why people come to the Wimmera to live.
"It's the escape-to-the-country move," Ms Barron said.
She outlined that reasons range from career changes and love to rock climbing being the most popular response.
Harmony Day was celebrated at the Centre for Participation with a shared lunch, and Harmony Week celebrations will continue at Horsham Library on Saturday March 23.
The library will open at 9.30 with a crafts table full of activities for the whole family to enjoy, and international movies available upon request.
There will be speakers who have international backgrounds and who now call Australia home, and platters from local food vendors showcasing a range of international foods.
Bookings are required for catering purposes and can be made at www.wimmeralibraries.vic.gov.au/events/harmony-festival-at-horsham-library/