Celebrate cultural diversity in March

A MONTH-long celebration of Greater Bendigo’s cultural diversity kicked off last week in the Hargreaves Mall, featuring multicultural food, dance, music and a panel discussion on multicultural women in business.

The colourful event was a precursor to National Harmony Day coming up on Friday 21 March, which also coincides with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

COGB community partnerships manager Andie West acknowledged the opportunity to 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.

“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,” she said.

She encouraged local residents to take advantage of activities taking place throughout March.

“Celebrating our differences, as well as our common interests, helps unite and educate us to understand (each) other’s perspectives, to broaden our own, and to fully experience and educate ourselves.”

Some of the events taking place include the Holi – Festival of Colours at Golden Square Pool tomorrow, the Festival of Friendships as part of the Dahlia and Arts Festival, also tomorrow, and the Bendigo Latin Festival at the Garden for the Future on 22 March.

There’s also multicultural storytime sessions at Bendigo Library, a local sacred sites tour, an Interfaith Forum and a Faith Exhibition at the Great Stupa in Myers Flat.

To view the four-week program of events across March, visit the COGB website.