General News
20 March, 2023
Serving up culture, colour and cuisine
Colourful traditional-costume dances and diverse cultural activities are highlights of a multi-cultural event in Horsham to celebrate Harmony Day. Oasis Wimmera is inviting people of all cultures to share in events and a no-cost meal at Horsham...
Colourful traditional-costume dances and diverse cultural activities are highlights of a multi-cultural event in Horsham to celebrate Harmony Day.
Oasis Wimmera is inviting people of all cultures to share in events and a no-cost meal at Horsham Neighbourhood House on Friday, March 24 from 6.30pm.
Organiser Anubha Jalla said the program included a dance with children from many countries and also Nepalese dancers in costume. Indian restaurant Horsham Masala will provide food.
"The message we want to give," Ms Jalla said, "is that no matter where you come from, we are all the same. You are amazing and welcome here.
"And we want people to know there is ongoing social support for them here."
Ms Jalla expects people from Dimboola, Stawell, Ararat and Horsham as well as other towns and asks people to register attendance by emailing: oasis.wimmera@gmail.com or phoning 0469 739 401.
Harmony Day, which this year is on Tuesday March 21, is a celebration of cultural diversity and a day of respect for everyone who calls Australia home. It is an annual event held every year in March and coincides with a United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
Ms Jalla also runs a playgroup, Jellybeans, each Tuesday morning at Horsham Neighbourhood House, under the banner of Wimmera Settlement Services.
Families attend who came to Australia from the Philippines, Vietnam, India or China and Karens from the Thail-Burma border.
Ms Jalla said the time allowed both the children and parents to know each other and was also a valuable time to exchange knowledge..
"Some of the parents are not skilled in use of technology and we can help them, or inform them about available study courses on offer, help them fill in forms or just connect with others in the community," she said.
Free dental services and other hygiene information was also available at times.
"We also have a homework club at the Centre for Participation," she said. The program includes reading, dictation, craft, snacks and games.
Ms Jalla is also an employment mentor for Australian Migration Education Service, AMES.
"I wear many hats and sometimes I'm not sure which one I'm wearing," she said.