Multicultural communities across the Wimmera will join forces this month to share in the celebrations of both Harmony and Cultural Diversity weeks.
Named Fortnight Fest, the two weeks of celebrations will be held in Horsham, Ararat, Stawell and Nhill.
Events are being run by local multicultural communities with support from Wimmera Southern Mallee Development, local Neighbourhood Houses and Hindmarsh, Ararat, Northern Grampians and Horsham councils.
WSM Development Settlement manager Sara Baron said 100s of people were expected to participate in cultural activities featuring, food, music, dance, cultural, art, crafts and markets.
“The festival kicks off at Horsham Town Hall on March 14. Running from 10am to 1.30pm, it will include performances, a free multicultural lunch and a chance to talk to local services who support the community.
“There will be a photo booth, market stalls, children’s activities and a chance to sing with a karaoke machine over lunch,” she said.
“On March 21 both Ararat and Stawell will celebrate their diversity in harmony with activities from 10.30am-1.pm in Ararat, followed by festivities in Stawell from noon to 4pm.
“Ararat’s activities at the Town Hall, will feature home-cooked foods from different countries, cultural dance performances, handicraft market stalls, and more. The day is supported by Ararat Neighbourhood House and Rural Australians for Refugees,” she said.
“The Grampians Harmony Festival at Stawell Town Hall runs from 12-4pm and will feature food music, costumes, arts and crafts and family fun. At least 11 different countries will be represented at this day organised by the Grampians Multicultural hub.
“The following week, on March 28, the festival’s final act will be at Nhill’s Jaypex Park from 10am to 1pm. Nhill’s activities include market stalls, cultural food and performance, many featuring the local Karen community.“
Locally produced ‘Paw Po’ handcrafted products, which translates to ‘little flower’ in Karen, will be on show and sale at the major events at Horsham, Ararat, Stawell and Nhill. There will also be free buses running between towns so that locals can attend each other’s events.
Other features during the busy fortnight will include two screenings of the locally produced Shared Table film in Nhill on March 20 and Horsham on March 26.
“This much-anticipated documentary uses shared meals and conversations to show how Nhill has opened its heart to new neighbours and how food helps create a sense of home and belonging.”
Ms Barron said local workplaces were also encouraged to sign up to run lunches or morning teas as part of the ‘Diversity at Work’ program. Participating workplaces can receive a free event pack to help plan, run and cater for a food-associated workplace gathering.
Events and buses are free but pre- booking is essential. To book and find out more go to https://wsm.org.au/harmony-cultural-diversity-week/