A SMORGASBORD of international food, singing and dancing will come together in Swan Hill next weekend for the annual community celebration Harmony Day.
Harmony Week celebrates and recognises diversity and brings together Australians from various backgrounds.
It’s about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone.
The headline act this year is singer-songwriter Ajak Kwai, along with her talented band.
Australia’s renowned song-woman of contemporary South Sudanese music recently released her fifth studio album, Let me Grow my Wings – an eclectic collection of 12 self-penned songs which reflect her observations, influences and connections since moving to Australia in the late 1990s.
Her image also features on this year’s Harmony Day poster.
Other performances will include local Aboriginal dance group, Fijian community choir, Indian folk dancing, Echuca Discoveries singing group, as well as interactive dance exercise, Indonesian dance workshop, and the ever popular traditional dress parade.
Swan Hill Mayor Les McPhee said it was wonderful to see the event growing in popularity each year.
“Each year we see more interest, more performances, more stall holders, and as a result a bigger celebration of diversity and inclusion – and that’s what it’s all about,” he said.
“This year the food stalls are absolutely fantastic – food from Africa, Indigenous Australian, Afghanistan, France, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, South Korea, Malaysia, Vietnam and Mauritius.
“It’s also a great family day with events for all ages, including a petting zoo, story times and craft activities for younger children; games and sports type activities for young adults.
Local services including Swan Hill Region Library, headspace, SMECC and Intereach will have community information stalls.
People are encouraged to attend in traditional dress for the day.
Festivities begin at 4pm at Riverside Park.
