Commonwealth Day 2023 Multicultural Service at St John’s Cathedral Brisbane

The year 2023 marks the 10th anniversary of the commonwealth charter.

The Commonwealth Charter is a document of the values and aspirations which unite the Commonwealth. It expresses the commitment of member states to the development of free and democratic societies and the promotion of peace and prosperity to improve the lives of all the people of the Commonwealth. It especially acknowledges the role of civil society in supporting the goals and values of the Commonwealth. The Theme for 2023 is Forging a sustainable and Peaceful Common Future. This is so much needed in the day and age of the wars being fought around us and the unrest, and agitation by a few civilians who are disrupting the peace and harmony of the place. The theme was especially chosen because the governments and people of the 54 commonwealth countries connect at various levels through networking of friendship and goodwill. It is important that countries connect to tackle bigger issues such as climate change and its impacts, find sustainable solutions to use the natural resources both the land and the ocean, protect the environment, encourage inclusive economic empowerment and fair trade, empower women, young people, and the marginalized communities to facilitate sharing the fruits of progress and prosperity of our democratic economies.

With that theme in mind, a Multicultural Service was held at the St. Johns Cathedral in Brisbane on March 14th, 2023. The welcome-to-country ceremony was performed by Wajji Walu Dreaming, Jah Marley Dawson. Her Excellency Hon. Dr. Janeatte Young AC PSM Governor of Queensland and Professor Graeme Nimmo RFD graced the ceremony with their presence. Her Excellency Hon. Dr. Janeatte Young AC PSM Governor of Queensland read the Kings Commonwealth Day message. To highlight a few key messages from the speech.

“This week marks the tenth anniversary of the Charter of the Commonwealth, which gives expression to our defining values – peace and justice; tolerance, respect and solidarity; care for our environment, and for the most vulnerable among us. These are not simply ideals. In each lies an imperative to act, and make a practical difference in the lives of the 2.6 billion people who call the Commonwealth home. Whether on climate change and biodiversity loss, youth opportunity and education, global health, or economic cooperation, the Commonwealth can play an indispensable role in the most pressing issues of our time. Ours is an association not just of shared values, but of common purpose and joint action. In this, we are blessed with the ingenuity and imagination of a third of the world’s population, including one and a half billion people under the age of thirty. Our shared humanity contains an immensely precious diversity of thought, culture, tradition, and experience. By listening to each other, we will find so many of the solutions that we seek.”

Dignitaries from various cultures were present at this service. Consulate Generals of the UK, Sri Lanka, Papa New Guinea, and Consulate General of India Hon. Mrs. Archana Singh were present at this occasion. Hon. Consul Mrs. Archana Singh's presence voices and emphasizes the support, and respect, for the message of peace and harmony. She often encourages harmony within our diversity among the Indian Diaspora as well as peace and harmony in Brisbane. The ceremony also gave an opportunity to express voices to the youth of different schools in Brisbane who performed cultural dances representing various countries. St. James Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Dance group performed a beautiful reflection dance performance. Wavel State High School Dance Group performed “Clarity” by Oliver Davis. St. Peters Lutheran College- Suprada Academy performed the Indian Semi classical Bollywood Dance and Bhangra. Two of the students of St. Peter Lutheran College, one with Indian background Ms. Mahi Kar Ray along with Jay Fiske voiced the reflections of the youth in Brisbane in their commonwealth reflection speeches. Taisoo Kim Watson, a Member of the Toowoomba Interfaith Working Group, also addressed the audience with her commonwealth reflection speech. Morayfield State High School’s Taiko Drummers and the Queensland Police Pipes and Drums stole the show with their drumming performance. Rhonda Davidson- Irwin - Musical Director conducted the Choir and Rev Ben Hentschke, first Assistant Bishop, of the Lutheran Church of Australia Queensland District read a reading from the First Letter to the Corinthians at the ceremony. Following the service, all Dignatories were invited to a networking reception organized by the Victoria League under the leadership of William Willcocks where many consulate generals of various countries for the first time came together and exchanged ideas, and cultural reflections, as well as developed bonds for collaboration.