Free flicks for Harmony Day
Wingecarribee Shire Council is celebrating Harmony Day with a free short film festival across the Shire.
Council’s Cultural Development Officer Celeste Coucke explained the significance of Harmony Day.
“Harmony Day is held annually across Australia each year on March 21 and is an opportunity to celebrate our cultural diversity,” she said. “It’s a day to honour all cultures, from those of the traditional custodians of the land to those of our newest arrivals.”
“With some seven million people having migrated to Australia since 1945 and approximately 45 per cent of our population having either been born overseas or who have a parent who was, it’s proof of how extraordinarily culturally diverse we’ve become,” Ms Coucke said.
“With these statistics in mind, it was thought a short-film festival highlighting the diversity of cultures and nationalities that can be found throughout our towns and villages would be the perfect way to celebrate Harmony Day.”
Eight short films (all rated PG) from Australia’s Multicultural Film Festival – Colourfest – have been chosen for the screenings.
The films will be screened at the Hilltop Community Centre on Sunday March 16 from 2pm to 3.30pm, Moss Vale Civic Centre Theatrette on Thursday 20 March from 5pm to 6.30pm, Bundanoon Community Centre on Friday 21 March from 4.00pm to 5.30pm and the Robertson Community Technology Centre (CTC) on Sunday 23 March from 2pm to 3.30pm.
Light refreshments will be served following the free screenings.
“Harmony Day is a wonderful opportunity to reflect upon where we have come from and who we have become,” Ms Coucke added. “It also reminds us of the diverse journeys of our forebears.”
Wingecarribee Shire’s Harmony Day celebrations have been organised by the ‘Friends of Diversity’ and sponsored by Macarthur Diversity Services and Wingecarribee Shire Council.
Residents wishing to attend are asked to contact Council’s Cultural Development Officer prior to the screening to assist with catering on phone 4868 0761 or via email at celeste.coucke@wsc.nsw.gov.au.
For further information visit www.wsc.nsw.gov.au/uploads/720/harmony-day-film-festival.pdf or www.harmony.gov.au