By Esther Lauaki
African drumming and henna tattooing will be part of the fun bringing the Melton community together on Harmony Day.
Melton council will lead celebrations this Saturday (March 16), marking the start of Cultural Diversity Week, with a community event promoting awareness, acceptance and appreciation of citizens from all nations.
Harmony Day, to be held at Morton Homestead in Taylors Hill, will feature cultural performances, multicultural food and free children’s activities.
Melton mayor Bob Turner said the celebrations were a wonderful way to recognise the unique experiences, values and skills people from diverse backgrounds bring to the municipality.
“Our city is home to people from over 130 nations,” Cr Turner said.
“By coming together for Harmony Day and Cultural Diversity Week we can all learn and understand how every Australian equally belongs to, and enriches, this nation.”
Cr Turner said the message of Harmony Day is that “Everyone belongs” in Melton.
“The day is an opportunity for everyone to embrace cultural diversity, meet new and interesting people and share in a day of cultural respect for everyone,” he said.
In the lead-up to Cultural Diversity Week, children were invited to design a poster showing what diversity and harmony means to them.
Prizes will be awarded for the best posters in two age categories, under sevens and eight to twelve year-olds, with the winners being announced during Harmony Day celebrations.
Festivities run between 11am and 3pm.
Details: melton.vic.gov.au/harmonyday
