A month-long celebration of Greater Bendigo’s cultural diversity will kick off at 10am Monday March 4, in the Library Gardens with the launch of Harmony Month.
Each year in March, Australia marks National Harmony Day (March 21) which coincides with the United Nation’s International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
City of Greater Bendigo Community Partnerships Manager Andie West said the City takes this opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the vibrancy and diversity of Greater Bendigo’s multicultural communities and the significant contributions they make to the social and economic fabric of our society.
“During March many local cultural groups are hosting festivals, events and activities in Greater Bendigo and a program of events that details everything on offer is available to view on the City’s website.
“Some of the activities taking place during March include the Festival of Friendships at the Dahlia and Arts Festival on Saturday March 16, the Bendigo Latin Festival at Garden for the Future, the 2024 Holi Festival of Colours at Golden Square Pool on March 23 and the Intercultural Hub at Bendigo Easter Fair on March 29. There is also multicultural storytime sessions, a local sacred sites tour, community lunch, stories, poetry and readings.
“Celebrations like this are an important part of the City’s commitment to cultural diversity and inclusion and to being a welcoming and inclusive City.
“Celebrating our differences, as well as our common interests, helps unite and educate us to understand other's perspectives, to broaden our own, and to fully experience and educate ourselves.
“Local residents are encouraged to take advantage of all the culturally diverse activities taking place throughout March in Greater Bendigo.”