A month-long celebration of Greater Bendigo’s cultural diversity will kick off at a free Cultural Diversity Celebrations launch featuring multicultural food, dance, music and a panel discussion on Multicultural Women in Business to mark International Women’s Day at 11am Thursday March 6, in the Hargreaves Mall.
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,” Ms West said.
“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 and local residents are encouraged to take advantage of all the culturally diverse activities taking place throughout March.
“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.”
Some of the activities taking place include the Holi – Festival of Colours at Golden Square Swimming Pool and the Festival of Friendships at the Dahlia and Arts Festival on Saturday March 15 and the Bendigo Latin Festival at Garden for the Future on March 22.
There is also multicultural storytime sessions, a local sacred sites tour, Interfaith Forum, Faith Exhibition and more.
To view the program of events that details everything on offer during the month, please visit: