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CELEBRATING CULTURAL DIVERSITY WEEK

12–27 March, 2020

Major sponsors:

intercultural cities cités interculturelles

Ballarat - Australia’s first Intercultural City

Supporting partners:

5–29 MarchColours of World CulturesThis group exhibition celebrates the 10-year anniversary of the City of Ballarat’s Intercultural Ambassador Program, featuring artists of diverse backgrounds from the Ballarat region and beyond.10am–5pm | Backspace, Art Gallery of Ballarat

Saturday 7 March Chinese Art WorkshopsFeatures calligraphy, ink blowing, paper cutting and Tai Chi. 2.30–4.30pm | Art Gallery of BallaratBookings required (free) – artgalleryofballarat.com.au

Thursday 12–Friday 27 MarchDeadly QuestionsOriginally presented at White Night 2019, this video features the voices of Aboriginal Victorians and showcases the artwork of award-winning artist Wathaurung (Wadawarrung) Elder Marlene Gilson, Land Lost, Land Stolen, Treaty. Deadly Questions is an opportunity to learn about Aboriginal Victorians – their histories, cultures, connection to place and aspirations for Treaty in Victoria.Digital display available during Sebastopol Library opening hours.Sebastopol Library

Thursday 12 March Harmony Fest 2020 Launch and Flag Raising CeremonyJoin us at Queen Victoria Square for the raising of the flag.Everyone is welcome to walk to the Ballarat and District Aboriginal Cooperative (BADAC) for performance by Jayden Lillyst, smoking ceremony and refreshments. 10am | Queen Victoria Square, opposite Town Hall, Sturt Street and Ballarat and District Aboriginal Cooperative, 108 Armstrong Street North

Friday 13 March Harmony Week Intercultural CelebrationCome and enjoy an evening celebrating cultural diversity with Ballarat Community Health and Ballarat Neighbourhood Centre.Enjoy delicious multicultural foods and learn something new with special guest performances. Family event. 6–9pm | Ballarat Neighbourhood Centre at the Ballarat South Community Hub, Tuppen Street, Sebastopol FREE No bookings required. Enquiries Tashkah on 0428 487 469 or email tashkahl@bchc.org.au

Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 MarchTai Chi All welcome. Presented by Confucius Classroom, Mount Clear College.8–9am | Near Pipers Restaurant, Lake Wendouree

Saturday 14 March Intercultural Welcome Morning TeaMingle and network at this annual meet-up. Bring a friend or meet someone new at this morning tea to welcome new migrants and international students. Refreshments provided. Presented in partnership with Federation University.10–11.30am | Sebastopol Library FREE Bookings required

Saturday 14 MarchColours of World Cultures LaunchJoin us to launch this group exhibition celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the City of Ballarat’s Intercultural Ambassador Program.3–5pm | Art Gallery of Ballarat

Saturday 14 March Indian Kerala Food FestCelebrating delicious and authentic southern and northern Indian food with music and stalls. Bring the family for a dinner you’ll never forget! Vegetarian options available. Presented by the Ballarat Malayalee Association.5.30pm | St Patrick’s Parish Hall, 3 Lyons Street South Cost Adults $15/Children (over 5 yrs) $10 Email bmaballarat@gmail.com | Follow us on for updates. Enquiries 0434 509 236, 0470 463 081, 0470 556 935, 0402 550 163

Sunday 15 MarchInterfaith Messages for HarmonyEveryone is welcome to come together, enjoy live music and guest speakers. Concluding with release of pigeons. Presented by Ballarat Interfaith Network. 5pm | Rotunda, next to Pipers Resaurant, Lake Wendouree. Enquiries: 0400 650 234

Monday 16 March No Lights No Lycra (NLNL)A one-hour endorphin-pumping dance party in the dark.Part of a world-wide dance community, this session allows you to let go and lose yourself in the music. There’s a sense of acceptance, connection, belonging, solidarity and unspoken kindness among our dancers. NLNL brings together people of all backgrounds, united by the pure joy of dancing. 8–9pm | Victorian Railways Institute Hall, cnr Lydiard Street North and Nolan Street COST $8 (cash only). No bookings required | Find us on

Monday 16 MarchSt Patrick’s Eve CelebrationJoin the Ballarat Irish Association for a buffet supper with stimulating guest speakers and musical entertainment.6.30pm | Ballarat Welcome Centre, 25-39 Barkly Street Bakery HillCost TBC Enquiries/bookings: 0400 650 234

Eventbrite bookings at eventbrite.com.au

PROGRAM OF EVENTSTHURSDAY 5–FRIDAY 27 MARCH

*all events are free, unless otherwise indicated

Tuesday 17 MarchCultural Diversity RoundtableA forum for university students to share their own experiences and information relating to cultural diversity. Presented by Federation University.12–1.30pm | Federation University, Mt Helen | Accessible venue Bookings required (free). Enquiries m.doon@federation.edu.au

Wednesday 18 MarchLittle Languages Kinder Dreaming A fantastic introduction to Aboriginal cultures for young learners. Western Creation share stories through Didgeridoo, dance, games and storytelling. Presented in partnership with Child and Family Services (Cafs).10.30–11.30am | Sebastopol Library

Friday 20 MarchTwilight MarketA family-friendly event celebrating community.The market is a celebration of Ballarat’s rich array of cultures and will feature a diverse range of multicultural market stalls, entertainment, food and much more. Presented by Ballarat Regional Multicultural Centre (BRMC).5–8pm | Ballarat Welcome Centre, 25–39 Barkly Street, Bakery Hill

Friday 20 MarchBahá’í Naw Ruz (New Year) A festive celebration to usher in the Bahá’í New Year.Featuring reflections on the significance of the New Year, dinner and music. Presented by Baha’i Community of Ballarat.6–8.30pm | Ballarat South Community Hub FREE Bookings required - bahaiballarat.org.au Enquires 0423 242 972

Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 MarchTai Chi All welcome. Presented by Confucius Classroom, Mount Clear College.8–9am | Near Pipers Restaurant, Lake Wendouree

Saturday 21 MarchWalk with Us and Holi Festival of ColoursPresented by Ballarat Indian Association (BIA), Centre for Multicultural Youth (CMY), headspace, Ballarat Health Services and Sonika. All ages and abilities are welcome to ‘Walk With Us’ community walk around Lake Wendouree, raising dialogue around mental health issues in diverse communities. Afterwards, collect your paint and enjoy the Holi Festival of Colours, a Hindu Spring Festival dedicated to arts, culture and colours from around the world spreading love, joy and forgiveness. Features Celebration Central with entertainment, music, art, food and community stalls.11am–3pm | Fairy Land, Lake WendoureePaint colours at a small fee. No bookings required.

Saturday 21 March Chinese Art WorkshopsFeatures calligraphy, ink blowing, paper cutting and Tai Chi. Presented by Confucius Classroom, Mount Clear College.2.30–4.30pm | Art Gallery of Ballarat Bookings required (free) – artgalleryofballarat.com.au

Sunday 22 March Intercultural FestAn intercultural presentation of dance, performances and live music. Enjoy a special Gamelan performance, martial arts and self-defence demonstrations along with a fashion parade. A family event with food trucks. Presented by Filipino-Australian Association of Ballarat Inc (FAABi), Ballarat Region Indonesian Community (BRIC) and Ballarat Thai Association (BTA). 12–5pm | Alfred Deakin Place

Monday 23 MarchBallarat Spanish PlaygroupA fun and relaxed session with Spanish songs and stories for preschoolers. 10–11.30am | 112 Victoria Street, Ballarat East (next to St Alipius Primary School)

Tuesday 24 MarchDutch Morning TeaEnjoy a talk by guest speaker Ron Vulling with his street organ Marianne, followed by morning tea including Dutch biscuits.10–11.30am | Sebastopol LibraryBookings required (free)

Wednesday 25 MarchLittle Languages Carnival of NationsLittle Languages celebrates all cultures at this fun session. Children are encouraged to wear cultural or national dress. Features special performance by the Filipino-Australian Association of Ballarat (FAABi) dancers. 10.30–11.30am | Sebastopol Library

Thursday 26 MarchLanguage CaféJoin us to celebrate diversity in our community with a Chinese Lion Dance demonstration followed by mingling and chatting in languages from all around the world. All welcome.4–5.30pm | Ballarat Library

Friday 27 MarchIntercultural City Gala Dinner Details over page.

Eventbrite bookings at eventbrite.com.au Follow us #harmonyballarat

PROGRAM OF EVENTSTHURSDAY 5–FRIDAY 27 MARCH

*all events are free, unless otherwise indicated

Join us as we celebrate Ballarat’s wonderful, diverse communities and Harmony Fest 2020.Enjoy a three-course dinner and live entertainment featuring multiculturalperformers Amaru Tribe, Mitch Tambo, Nesian Pearl and Hanz on Drumming.

Friday 27 March, 2020 6.30pm: Pre-dinner function | 7pm Dinner and entertainment

Venue: Mercure Ballarat, 613 Main Road, Ballarat

Dress: Traditional or formal dress

Tickets: $65 per person for community members and groups,

$105 per person for corporate and government sector* discount for bookings of tables of 10 - see options online

The City of Ballarat invites you to

INTERCULTURAL CITY GALA DINNER 2020

For bookings visit hermaj.com/events/intercultural-city-gala-dinnerBookings by 11 March or until sold out.

For more information contact Lisa Collinslisacollins@ballarat.vic.gov.au or (03) 5320 5831

intercultural cities cités interculturelles

McDonalds Ballarat Harmony Fest promotion

FREE SMALL COFFEE All 6 Ballarat McDonalds stores are celebrating Harmony Fest 2020

with in-store activities, promotions and giveaways.Present this voucher to receive a free small coffee at any Ballarat McDonalds store.

Follow Ballarat Harmony Fest on facebook for updates. Valid until 29 March 2020

AUSTRALASIA INTERCULTURAL CITIES NETWORK Ballarat and Maribyrnong Intercultural Exchange

Sunday 15 MarchWest Footscray Festival of ColoursThe much-loved West Footscray Festival of Colours is an annual, free event celebrating the diversity and strong community of West Footscray. The festival includes market stalls, food vendors, stage entertainment and of course the highlight of the day – the throwing of the colours!11am–4pm | Barkly Street, West FootscrayFREEEnquiries wfnh.com.au/content/westfootscrayfestival or call 9687 3345

Sunday 22 MarchHarmony FeastCelebrate cultural diversity at the 10th annual Harmony Feast. Try new foods, share stories, meet new people and have fun celebrating the many cultures that reside in Maribyrnong. The Feast is mostly cooked by locals on-site and features traditional dishes from around the world, including vegetarian and halal options.12–3pm | Maidstone Community CentreFREE No bookings required. Enquiries maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/Events/Harmony-Feast-2020 or call 9688 0543

Since it was launched in 2010, Harmony Fest has become the City of Ballarat’s vibrant celebration of diversity.

Harmony Fest wraps around Harmony Day, the United Nation’s International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which is celebrated on 21 March.

The day encourages Australians to come together to reflect on and celebrate the many cultures that create our great nation.

The City of Ballarat is committed to building a culturally sensitive and socially cohesive community through a range of initiatives, such as Harmony Fest, the Intercultural Ambassador Program, the development of the Intercultural City Strategic Plan 2018–21 and by declaring Ballarat as a Refugee Welcome Zone.

To find out more visit ballarat.vic.gov.au