Cultural diversity was celebrated in Moorabool shire last week when the Lerderderg library came alive with food and culture at a community lunch to celebrate Harmony Day.
Chinese, Mexican, Japanese and Indian cuisines were on the menu and festivities included a traditional Chinese dragon dance.
Prominent human rights advocate Abdi Aden also took to the stage to highlight the importance of inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging in the community.
Five per cent of Moorabool residents speak a language other than English at home, according to the 2011 census.
Mayor Paul Tatchell said many different cultures, notably Italian, Greek, Indian and Indigenous Australians, made up the Moorabool community.
“The Harmony Day celebration is an important community event for Moorabool residents to communicate the importance of cultural diversity in Australia,” Cr Tatchell said.
“The children’s activities and cultural lunch created a fun, enjoyable and inclusive atmosphere.”
Cr Tatchell said the shire continued to promote harmony and honour the benefits of multiculturalism by celebrating culturally significant dates such as NAIDOC Week, Reconciliation Week, A Taste of Harmony and Harmony Day.
