Lithgow’s cultural diversity was celebrated on 23 March 2015 at the Lithgow Library and Learning Centre.
“Harmony Day is a day for all Australians to come together and reflect on what makes our town great. It is a time to celebrate our diversity and share what we have in common,” said Lithgow City Council Mayor Maree Statham.
This year marked the 15th Anniversary of Harmony Day, and it was a great success, with a record number of people getting behind and embracing the annual event. “One of the wonderful aspects of Harmony Day is that the community decides on how they would like to mark the occasion, showing their support for the diversity of our town and the strength of our community,” concluded the Mayor.
The program for Harmony Day comprised a variety of speeches, presentations and performances. There was a warm welcome by Aunty Helen from Mingaan Wiradjuri Aboriginal Corporation, didgeridoo by local Aboriginal musician Bob Sutor, Chinese fan dancing by Lithgow resident Livia, a ‘Cultural Perspectives’ presentation by Lithgow resident Deb Rayner, an Eastern European song duet by Ariel Elliot and Sue Hiscock, and finally a touching real life story by local resident, Salwa.
Salwa is a Yazidi woman from Northern Iraq who has recently sought refuge and settled in Lithgow with her family. “The thing I love most about Lithgow is the people. They are embracing of other peoples’ cultures, religions and traditions. They are warm and kind. I feel very welcome here.” The Yazidi are a peaceful Kurdish religious community of just under 1 million people who have lived in northern Iraq for thousands of years.
To mark the farewell of Harmony Day celebrations, guests enjoyed a fantastic multicultural cuisine sourced from local businesses, including a Cambodian curry from Busy Corner, a scrumptious Indian spread from Welcome India and delightful French pastries and Italian sweets from Woolworths.
Harmony Day 2015 was organised by Lithgow Council in partnership with the Multicultural Community Group based at the Lithgow Information and Neighbourhood Centre (LINC). The Multicultural Community Group meets fortnightly on a Monday at LINC to enjoy different activities such as cooking, Chinese fan dancing, craft making, sharing stories, and engaging in topical discussions, while developing a strong sense of camaraderie and belonging.
Lithgow is fast becoming a culturally diverse town which supports and celebrates its unique way of life while coming together as one community. To join the Multicultural Community Group please call Pim Attapron or Kim Scanlon at LINC on 6354 5910. For further information on Harmony Day or information related to support services for Lithgow’s culturally diverse community please call Council’s Community Development Officer, Viktoria Gulabovski on 6354 9999 or email council@lithgow.nsw.gov.au.
Supporting people from Aboriginal and culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds is part of Council’s ‘Caring for our Community’ strategy in the Community Strategic Plan 2026.
Contact:
Mayor Maree Statham
Tel: 02 6354 9999
Fax: 02 6351 4259
Viktoria Gulabovski
Community Development Officer
Tel: 02 6354 9999
Fax: 02 6351 4259
Photo attached: Some of the many people who attended Harmony Day, at the Lithgow Library & Learning Centre.
Last updated : 30th March, 2015, 12:40 PM