Cultural Diversity Week will be celebrated throughout Hobsons Bay from 16-24 March with a program of free and fun activities celebrating the cultural diversity of the community.
Cultural Diversity Week is Victoria’s biggest annual multicultural celebration. It coincides with the United Nations’ International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
Social Wellbeing Advisory Group Portfolio Holder, Councillor Tony Briffa, said Council was proud to present a program that would include a range of free activities to encourage residents to meet their neighbours, share their culture, language and faith.
“There are plenty of opportunities to experience live performances, games from across the globe and, of course, different types of food.
“For the first time, Williamstown Police Station will be opening its doors to the public and inviting residents to take a tour of the station, enjoy a shared lunch and hear from officers born overseas about their journey to Australia.
“We’re also excited to introduce the community to the practice of Wayapa, an Indigenous earth connection and mindfulness practice, with workshops set in the beautiful and peaceful surrounds of the Williamstown Botanical Gardens.
“The Hobsons Bay Interfaith Network is hosting a bus tour of different places of worship, taking guests through the Australian Islamic Centre Mosque, Williamstown Uniting Church and the Russian Orthodox Church.
“Let’s celebrate this diversity together and use it as a vehicle to connect and share in our common humanity.”
Social Wellbeing Advisory Group Portfolio Holder Councillor Colleen Gates said that celebrating events such as Cultural Diversity Week helped enhance community wellbeing and inter-connection, a key priority in the Hobsons Bay 2030 Community Vision.
“This year’s program is all about breaking down the barriers and providing chances to connect to others in the community.
“We are lucky to live in a community that boasts residents from 144 countries of origin, speaking over 100 languages and celebrating over 90 faiths – we don’t even have to leave our backyard to experience iconic architecture, worldly flavours and spiritual adventures.”
