Across Mitchell Shire there is an emerging and vibrant multi-cultural community with varying faiths, beliefs, and traditions celebrating Harmony Day today.
Harmony Week is honoured annually across March 15 – 21, and in consideration of a tragic event—the Sharpeville Massacre.
On March 21, 1960, Police in Sharpeville, South Africa opened fire and killed a crowd of 69 peaceful demonstrators who had assembled outside the police station. In response, six years later, the UN General International Community was formed to end all forms of racial discrimination.
Over 80,000 Harmony Week events have been held across Australian childcare centres and schools since 1999 to acknowledge and celebrate multi-culturalism and diversity.
Multi-cultural Indian communities across Mitchell Shire Council (MSC) are; The Mitchell Multicultural Community Association Inc. (MMCAI), and The Sri Lankan Association of Mitchell Shire.
In recent years, MSC supported a community led event for the entire community to celebrate Harmony Day at Hadfield Park in Wallan.
The event was complete with culturally significant stage performances featuring dazzling Bollywood-style costumes, jewellery, make-up, and traditional Indian cuisine.
MMCAI formed in 2021, and another grand-scale community event is on their agenda.
Chairperson Dushyanthy Govender said government funding is available.
“It will be a celebration of culture,” she said.
“Our local community has grown in the last 20 years.
“We try to provide translators for people who attend our events, and speeches are presented in two languages to encourage everyone to be a part of a discussion.
Meanwhile, The Sri Lankan Association of Mitchell Shire formed in 2022.
The Sri Lankan Association of Mitchell Shire also aim to enjoy and promote their faiths, beliefs, and traditions to younger generations through games and by continuing traditional customs.
Soon, in April, the Sri Lankan community will celebrate their new year.
