CELEBRATE OUR CULTURAL DIVERSITY DURING COMMUNITY IN HARMONY 2023 FESTIVAL

Celebrate multiculturalism in Orange at the Community in Harmony 2023 Festival, with the theme ‘Together in Harmony’ aiming to showcase the city’s new and established multicultural groups.

The highlight of the festival, Harmony Day, will bring sights, sounds and tastes from across the world to the South Court on Saturday 18 March.

Orange City Council’s Community Services Policy Committee Chair Cr Mel McDonell encourages all residents to come along with friends and family to celebrate our diversity.

“The Community in Harmony 2023 Festival is the perfect opportunity to open your minds to so many cultures,” Cr McDonell said.

“This annual celebration attracts hundreds of people and is always fun for the whole family.”

This year, the celebrations will include:

TOGETHER IN HARMONY GARDEN PARTY –Friday 10 March, 5pm to 8pm, Community Services Centre (Giyalang Ganya) 286 Lords Place.

The Garden Party incudes cultural performances in traditional dress together with opportunities for each multicultural group to speak about their culture. Multicultural foods will also be served and limited spots are available by calling 6393 8600.

HARMONY CUP SOCCER GALA DAY – Sunday 12 March, 9.30am for 10am kick-off, Sir Jack Brabham Park.

The entertainment will commence at the Orange Farmers Market at the North Court in the morning with music by the NSW Police Brass Ensemble and Dixieland band, followed by performances in the museum and gallery, and finishing with an interactive performance by the Pinnacle Players at the library.

Festival Director and Cultured 2023 curator Carmen Nieves says Cultured is a celebration of Orange’s love for the arts.

“We aim to incorporate all aspects of Orange’s culture in one event that will have a long-lasting impact in the local community, especially those with limited exposure to the fine arts. It is a joy to be able to provide the community with diverse free performances, with something for the whole family,” Carmen Nieves said.

For more information visit https:// ocmf.com.au/ photos by EdithMay Gowing

The Harmony Cup is a free, round robin soccer competition for men, women and 16s age groups. Participants and spectators can enjoy multicultural food, drinks and entertainment throughout the day.

HARMONY DAY – Saturday from 4pm to 8pm, Saturday 18 March at South Court, Byng Street. Harmony Day will feature multicultural food, entertainment, cultural stalls and a National Dress cultural fashion parade. The celebration will feature performers including the Kinross Wolaroi Indigenous Dance Group and dancers from Thai, Malaysian, Indonesian, South American and Filipino cultures, as well as local singers. Multicultural food will be available to purchase including Indigenous, Indonesian, Ukraine, South American, African and Filipino dishes.

Limited outdoor seating is provided, and guests are encouraged to bring their own fold up chairs. “These events are all about inclusiveness, respect and belonging for everyone regardless of culture or language background,” Cr McDonell said.

These free events are organised by volunteers with support from Orange City Council and Multicultural NSW.

For information contact Council’s Migrant and Refugee Support Officer Anni Gallagher on 6393 8625.