Curtain rises on BRMC’s 25th year

THE Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council is kicking off its twenty-fifth anniversary celebrations with an Intercultural Concert this Saturday 16 November.

To be held at Federation University’s Founders Theatre in Mount Helen from 1pm to 4pm, the stage is set for 22 acts from different cultural groups to perform.

On the bill are Chinese fan, Aboriginal, Indian Bharatanatyam, Filipino Tinikling and Uzbek dancers, Nepalese and Bangladeshi performers, and music from across Europe, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific.

BRMC project consultant Annie Dunn said the show of singing, instrumental music, dancing, and cultural displays will hightlight the talents of Ballarat’s vibrant and diverse communities.

“Stella Savy will lead a finale with a Ghanaian song,” she said.

BRMC CEO Suzanne Ryan-Evers said the multicultural council’s beginnings in 1999 were humble.

“A small group came together recognising the need for multicultural people to have a voice here in the region,” she said.

“Out of that, BRMC was formed, and while we’ve had several homes around Ballarat, our home is at Barkly Square now.

“That’s a true reflection of the continued support we give to communities, helping them settle into the region and ensuring they have everything they need to grow in the region and be successful.

“Each year our programs grow.”

BRMC is the peak multicultural agency in the Central Highlands-Grampians region with a network of 29 cultural and faith associations.

A 25th Anniversary Welcome Morning Tea at the BRMC Welcome Centre will be held on Wednesday 27 November from 10.30am.

“We’ll be celebrating our 25 years into next year,” Ms Ryan-Evers said.

“As we celebrate this milestone, we remain committed to our purpose of developing goodwill, understanding, and harmony in our culturally diverse community.

“Our strength lies in the partnerships we’ve built and the collective vision of our members, who represent the vibrant tapestry of our regional community.”

Visit events.humanitix.com/brmc-intercultural-concert for tickets to the concert.