The local multicultural community will honour CFA and SES volunteers with a dazzling performance as part of the grand finale at the 2025 Dimboola Steampunk Festival on April 12.
The ‘UNITY Parade’ – a vibrant showcase of collaboration, respect, and unity – will pay tribute to the selfless dedication of CFA and SES volunteers during the recent Little Desert bushfire and celebrate the resilience of the Dimboola community.
Supported by Wimmera Southern Mallee Development (WSMD) Settlement Services the parade will feature 50 performers from the Philippines, Burma/Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, India and Timor-Leste; alongside some Australian friends.
Iconic performer ‘Wander Queen of the Little Desert’ will lead the procession, flanked by two giant Steampunk bicycles. There will also be a vintage fire truck. Children will play a key role, carrying ‘Thank You’ banners in appreciation of emergency service personnel.
“Blending cultures, music, and a touch of the extraordinary, the parade will be a heartfelt tribute to the real heroes of our communities,” said WSMD Migration and Settlement Program Manager Sara Barron.
“Inspired by the vibrancy of Rio de Janeiro, costumes will be themed around fire, symbolising strength, and resilience. This dynamic street dance procession will really bring Dimboola’s main street to life.”
Head-dresses and costumes were made collectively by the Wimmera Filipino Australian Club (WFAC), Nhill and Horsham Karen Community Club, the Timor-Leste Community in Stawell and WSMD Settlement’s Harmony Sewing Group. Support was also provided by Nhill Learning Centre and Centre for Participation.
The parade will start at 6pm and end at 6.30pm. It will enter Lloyd Street from the Post Office side and travel towards Lochiel Street and conclude near IGA.
Since the festival’s inception in 2022, WSMD Settlement Services has played a key role in ensuring multicultural communities remain at the heart of Dimboola’s Steampunk celebrations.
“This involvement reflects WSMD’s broader vision of fostering an inclusive, vibrant, and thriving region, contributing to the goal of facilitating population growth of 7,000 people by 2032,” said WSMD CEO, Chris Sounness.