Harmony Day was celebrated on Saturday March 20 at the Civic Centre in Bega to celebrate multiculturalism and promote inclusion in our diverse community.
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The council estimates 500 people attended discussion panels, performances, and international food stalls.
Djiringanj and Ngarigo elder Aunty Colleen Dixon opened Harmony Day with a Welcome to Country. Mayor of Bega Valley Shire Russell Fitzpatrick then addressed the audience saying the community becomes richer each year through its multicultural growth.
Ms Dixon, with BJ Cruse, Ellen Mundy and David Dixon chaired a panel discussion. It called for Australia's complex history to be reviewed and for a government treaty to be formed with First Nations' peoples.
Japanese drumming group Stonewave Taiko and African group Djembe Forte then took the stage by storm.
Migrants face unique challenges in the Bega Valley Shire
The Bega Multicultural Centre presented its Thai and Filipino Dance Troupes. Regional director for the centre John Gunn, said there were unique challenges facing multicultural communities in the Bega Valley.
"There's the issue of isolation due to the remoteness of this area. Language is another big problem.
"The government has a special language program available to new arrivals but it was closed in Bega. That's a huge challenge, because when people have the language they need, they can adapt and meet new people."
Bega three piece One Gener8ion advocated for social justice, followed by the Sapphire Tribal Belly Dancers.
International food stalls offer Bega Valley flavours of the world
Meanwhile food stalls were bustling with people, with offerings of Thai food, Ramen dishes and curries.
Guillermina Porporato was one of the many people enjoying the delicious food on the day.
"One of my friends was playing the taiko drums and I looked into it [the event] and it was very nice to see other cultures in the Bega Valley, as I'm from Spain," she said.
"Harmony means living in peace all together, when we are all coming from different cultures."
Melbourne-Ethiopian jazz band Black Jesus Experience performed with guest rapper Warren Foster Jr, who also emceed the event.