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Migrants and refugees share hopes for ‘greener pastures’ in Gippsland

 Sounds of Gippsland musical performance will take place on Saturday, March 26, 2022, at the Maffra Memorial Hall, Foster Street, Maffra at 2pm. Entry by gold coin donation, proof of vaccination status is required for entry.  Maffra Squash and Racquetball has returned to the Maffra Courts (behind Woolworths, Maffra). Monday night is racquetball night, Tuesday and Thursday nights for squash. For more information please phone 5147 1030. Great family fun for all age. All players must be fully vaccinated.  The next meeting of the Maffra CWA branch will take place on Monday March 28, 2022, in the Maffra Recreation Reserve Function Centre, 6 Maffra Newry Road, Maffra, commencing with social time at 11am (grow bulbs for spring flowering, over two months), followed by a BYO lunch and the monthly meeting at 1pm. Competitions for March, best bloom or stem and something horse related.

Greener Pastures is on at The Wedge in Sale on Thursday, March 24 as part of Cultural Diversity Week 2022.

Photo: Contributed

A MOVING film that documents the lived experience of migrants and refugees who live in Gippsland will be launched during Cultural Diversity Week 2022. With funding from the state government, Latrobe Community Health Service has partnered with production company StoryIsConnection to produce Greener Pastures, a short film that touches on the trauma, hope, courage and resilience of Gippsland's multicultural community. "A new life in other country, it's like… it's for greener pastures," Isabelita Garcia, one of the film's participants, said. Renowned arts director Catherine Simmonds produced Greener Pastures through engagement with migrants and refugees who attend multicultural friendship groups in Wonthaggi and Warragul. Those featured in the film courageously share their stories of settlement in Gippsland. "I have worked for 30 years with migrant and refugee communities, and I never tire of their stories," Ms Simmonds said. "I continue to learn through the lens of their

EVENT DETAILS

GREENER PASTURES

– a film screening and panel discussion Time: 6.30pm-8pm Details: Doors open at 6pm for a 6.30pm screening. Panel discussion and networking will follow, with an 8pm finish. Location and dates: West Gippsland Arts Centre, Warragul – Tuesday, March 22; Gippsland Performing Arts Centre, Traralgon – Wednesday, March 23; The Wedge, Sale – Thursday, March 24; Wonthaggi Union Community Arts Centre, Wonthaggi – Friday, March 25.

experience. Cities challenge migrant and refugee people's sense of belonging, yet rural areas reveal a different set of challenges and realisations as the people in our film come to terms with the realities and new sense of self." L C HS wi l l l a u n ch th e f i l m d u ri n g Cultural Diversity Week with four film screenings at Gippsland's premier performing arts centres. Attendees will enjoy a cinematic experience, and have the opportunity to hear from those who feature in the film during a panel discussion led by the director. LCHS multicultural strategic engagement coordinator Farhat Firdous encouraged the broader community to attend, to gain new perspectives and a greater understanding of the experiences of migrants and refugees. "After viewing the film, a friend said to me they have a greater appreciation for the power of hello," Ms Firdous said. "It is such a simple gesture, but we often take these things for granted. A small smile and quick hello can change a migrant or refugee's perspective about how they're being received in their new community. "We hope this film creates the space for more courageous conversations. Everyone can learn something from Greener Pastures; we encourage you to come along to an event near you and show your support for our migrant and refugee community."

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