THE Sri Lankan Association of Mitchell Shire last week hosted its Harmony Week Picnic, aimed at bringing the community together and spreading the word about the association.
The picnic, at Wallara Waters’ Merri Creek Park, was organised with the support of a grant from Mitchell Shire Council, given to help organise Harmony Week events between March 20 and 26.
Sri Lankan Association president Panchani Jayatilake said the picnic was a success and a chance to help people become aware of the association and its events.
“It’s a great opportunity for us because a lot of people just didn’t know that there was this association running inside Mitchell Shire,” she said.
“It’s good for us to let [people] know, and also to gather all of the other communities because I don’t think there are many associations like this in [Wallara Waters].”
Based in Wallan East, the Sri Lankan Association of Mitchell Shire was formed in July last year and has since expanded to be able to receive support from Mitchell Shire Council, with visitors at the picnic travelling from Craigieburn and neighbouring suburbs to attend.
Ms Jayatilake said she was thankful to receive the council grant, which helped make the picnic a reality for the newly established group.
“Council has given us great support with the grant. We thought opening the event for all the communities and gathering everybody together in one place and having a picnic was the best way for everybody to gather around,” she said.
“I was actually very pleased that [Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell] was able to come and support us on very short notice. As a newcomer, they’re really helping other nationalities a lot and making these events happen.”
Ms Jayatilake thanked the group’s committee for its dedication, along with everyone who contributed to and attended the picnic.
The Sri Lankan Association of Mitchell Shire has multiple events planned for the coming months and people can keep up to date by visiting the Mitchell Shire Lankans Facebook page.
