Colourful launch for festival

JUST days before the Ballarat Harmony Fest’s official launch, City of Ballarat Cr Belinda Coates and intercultural representatives in traditional costume formally introduced the event and its program to the public.

Now in its 11th year, the festival, runs from 12 to 28 March and wraps around Harmony Day, the United Nation’s International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which is on 21 March.

Chair of the Intercultural Advisory Committee Cr Coates said this year’s events provide opportunities residents to reflect on, and celebrate, the many cultures in Ballarat.

“The festival is a collaboration between the City of Ballarat and numerous community groups that promotes diversity through the sharing of aspects of different cultures, through music, dance, food, story-telling or discussions,” she said.

“Everyone was really disappointed last year because it was a big program of events but we’re really excited to be going ahead this year.

“It’s grown from strength to strength over that time, now with a new look this year with a range of virtual and in-person COVID-safe events.”

With a huge range of events and workshops happening including a flag raising ceremony to be held virtually and hosted by the president of the Ballarat African Association Michael Akindeju, Cr Coates said the festival couldn’t go ahead without the variety of dedicated cultural groups involved.

“It’s a great partnership between the City of Ballarat and a number of intercultural representatives, it couldn’t happen without them,” she said.

“Although I don’t have a favourite event, the Mitch Tambo event sounds exciting, as well as the Islamic Art and Calligraphy Workshop and the Women’s Business Pop-Up market will be really popular.”

“It is incredibly important to celebrate the cultural diversity we have in Ballarat, proud to be an intercultural city and of our intercultural ambassadors, we’re also a welcome refugee zone.”

For the full list of Harmony Fest events, visit bit.ly/3qtJ31c.