Cultural Diversity Week is an opportunity to celebrate Victoria’s rich cultural tapestry, and will have a dedicated festival space at Grazeland in Spotswood open from March 21-23.
At Grazeland, people will be able to try food from all over the world and enjoy an array of cultural entertainment.
The pre-launch event was attended by several government, media and sports personalities such as Archie Thompson, Peter Bol, Michael Rowland and, of course, Minister Stitt herself, among many others.
“This is a celebration of who we are and why we’re the multicultural fabric that makes up our nation,” said Nardia Brancatisano, the senior communications and events advisor for the VMC.
“It shines light on cultures, traditions and places that make our neighbourhoods, our workplaces and our state more dynamic and full of opportunity.
“Multiculturalism is not just something to tolerate, it’s something we should all celebrate and be proud of.
“It’s a reminder that diversity isn’t something to fear; it’s something to embrace – it’s what helps us grow, learn and truly connect with each other.”
Ingrid Stitt MP spoke about what the week means for Victoria.
“For me, it means the pride that we all have in that fact that in Victoria, we’re very proud to have come from over 300 different ancestries,” she said.
“We speak over 290 languages, and we practise over 200 faiths.
“So, having Cultural Diversity Week … is incredibly important because it’s about celebrating the fact that all our differences meld into the wonderful community that we are today.
“It’s incredibly exciting and I know that there will be many schools, community organisations, members of the public and faith groups that’ll come together this week to celebrate what makes Victoria one of the most special places in the world.”
Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt MP
After the opening address, guests were treated to a Q&A panel with actress and activist Sharon Johal, former AFLW player Akec Makur Chuot and former AFL star Mathew Stokes.
Johal spoke about her upbringing in a small town in South Australia that lacked diversity.
“[Growing up], I went through a journey that I don’t think is completely unique to me,” she shared.
“When you’re born in Australia, but you look a certain way, you just want to fit in – especially when you’re young a kid.
“I had a double life, essentially. I would go to school and just try to fit in … and then at home I was Indian – eating Indian food and going to temple.
“And that’s hard,” she explained, “It means you’re hiding such a big part of who you are.”
Left to right: Sharon Johal, Akec Makur Chuot and Mathew Stokes
“Growing up in a refugee camp, it teaches you that diversity is what makes a community,” said Chuot, who then spoke about the profound effects small acts of kindness can have for new Australians.
“There’s so much beauty in being able to just go and say hello,” she continued, “A simple ‘hello’ is so important.
“One of our neighbours, when we first moved to Australia, did that to us. [They] just came over, knocked on the door and just said hello.
“We were this nervous, South Sudanese family that just arrived - not knowing anyone here. This neighbour changed our whole trajectory of living in Australia.
“All of us in this room can be that neighbour.”
As conflict rages in far corners of the globe and on our screens, Cultural Diversity Week provides us with an opportunity to remedy its effects on our community here in Victoria.
So, head to Grazeland, try something new to eat and see what life is like outside your digital and real-world echo chambers.
And don’t forget to say hello.
