Anticipation is building for Swan Hill’s annual Harmony Day celebrations.
A celebration of our community’s diversity will be held on Saturday, 26 March and residents from right across our region are invited to attend.
Columbian born singer/song writer Rose Paez will headline the event, and the ever popular community kitchen will be selling food from around the globe.
Entertainment will include a Welcome to Country, aboriginal dance, local Vietnamese children dancing, an Indonesian dance workshop and a traditional dress parade.
Swan Hill Rural City Council Mayor Jade Benham said Harmony Day had well and truly cemented its place, as a signature event on our region’s calendar.
“If you haven’t yet been along to a Harmony Day event, now is your chance. It is a fun and lively celebration of our region’s diversity,” Cr Benham said.
“It is wonderful to see the costumes, music and dance from around the world, and talk to people about their cultures. The food is fantastic too – there’s something there to suit everyone’s tastes.”
“Congratulations must go to the community-based committee for putting together another great Harmony Day – I look forward to seeing you there,” Cr Benham said.
Harmony Day committee member, Camille Cullinan said celebrations would also include the unveiling of this year’s Harmony Day community art project.
“This year giant wooden jigsaw puzzle pieces will be unveiled at the event – each piece will measure 1.2m by 1.2m.
This year’s community art project theme is “Paint Where You Are From” as painting can tell stories and provide an opportunity for everyone to express their ideas – panels have been delivered to local schools and community groups for children and adults to draw images that represent family backgrounds, cultures, communities or their home countries.
Ms Cullinan added “We are delighted have received funding for Harmony Day to support people living in outlying communities to be transported to this event. A bus will depart from Robinvale and pick up residents from other communities along the way.”
Ms Cullinan said that the bus would be free but bookings were essential.
Swan Hill Harmony Day will be held on Saturday, 26 March from 4pm until 8pm at Riverside Park. Entry is free, food and drinks will be on sale. Please BYO chair or picnic blanket.
