A celebration of cultural diversity culminated in a community recipe book inspired by Devonport residents and the lighting up of the city’s convention centre in support of Ukraine.
Devonport City Council published the recipe book online and lit up Parnaple Convention Centre in yellow and blue during Harmony Week from 21-27 March
Devonport Mayor Annette Rockliff said she hoped the fitting tribute during Harmony Week provided a visual reminder for the community to reflect and appreciate our country’s cultural diversity and freedom.
The Ukraine flag also featured on the outdoor TV screen in Market Square each evening during the week.
The Mayor said Harmony Week was a fantastic annual celebration of the diversity and coexistence of cultures in Australia.
Cr Rockliff said the recipe book contains contributions from Devonport residents who have shared a dish from their home country, a country they have lived in or simply a dish they love.
“Devonport is home for many cultures and it’s important as a community that we celebrate and support significant milestones such as Harmony Day, particularly at a time when some cultures are suffering globally,” Cr Rockliff said.
“Food is a great way to bring people from all walks of life together, so what better way to do this than to provide a community collection of recipes that reflects the different cultures in our great city.”
Devonport residents Sachet Devkota and Deepa Bhattrai have shared one of their favourite Nepalese recipes of fried goat in the Harmony Week Devonport Recipe Book.
Mr Devkota said since the couple relocated to Devonport last year from Sydney for his role as a Civil Engineer at Devonport City Council, they had enjoyed sharing their traditional Nepalese recipes with friends and work colleagues.
“Sharing food from our home country of Nepal is an honour and I hope the residents of Devonport enjoy our fried goat recipe, which is a favourite in our family,” Mr Devkota said.
“Goat is the most consumed red meat and is the preferred choice of 63% of the world’s population, it’s a delicacy in our country.”
Mr Devkota said the first time the couple had been to Tasmania was the day they relocated to Devonport for his new job, and they have loved the move.
“We love living in Devonport and exploring what Tasmania has to offer. We find the community friendly, and our jobs have helped us meet more people,” he said.
“Celebrating culture is important and we are pleased to share something from our country with the Devonport community.”
Cr Rockliff said Council also held a Citizenship Ceremony during Harmony Week.
She said seven residents from countries such as India, Taiwan and Malaysia and Taiwan will officially become Australian Citizens.
