EVERY organiser of Swan Hill’s popular Harmony Day celebration brings a sense of purpose and understanding.
Lived experiences are shared around the committee table throughout the year, culminating in the melting pot of food, singing and dancing at Riverside Park tomorrow.
Harmony Day celebrates and recognises diversity and brings together Australians from various backgrounds.
Having different cultures organising the event meant it was a true representation of the day, according to co-organiser Joelle Whiting.
The Mauritius-born local been part of the committee for almost two decades.
“It’s a day to share each other’s strengths and a sense of willingness to share,” Ms Whiting said.
“We all contribute to our communities, but this day is about sharing something different that makes us a stronger community.”
Ms Whiting said for people who now called Swan Hill home, Harmony Day was also a time to feel safe and welcomed.
“We have a safe place for who we are,” she said.
“Everyone comes, dressed up in their traditional outfits, which we wouldn’t do down the main street during the rest of the year.
“The community appreciates us and there is mutual respect between two cultures.”
The headline act this year is singer-songwriter Ajak Kwai and 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 that 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 a local Aboriginal dance group, Fijian community choir, Indian folk dancing, the Echuca Discoveries singing group, as well as interactive dance exercises, an Indonesian dance workshop, and the 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 stallholders, 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 Australia, 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 Regional 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.
