The celebration will kick off with the debut of “Our World in Wyndham,” a fresh composition by The Peace Choir Project. The collaborative initiative between Wyndham Community and Education Centre and Play it Forward Australia will also introduce the song and its accompanying music video, highlighting the diverse community of Wyndham.
According to Councillor Jennie Barrera, Wyndham City Mayor and holder of the Welcoming City portfolio, multiculturalism is integral to Wyndham’s essence and appeal.
With nearly half of Wyndham’s residents born outside Australia and a similar percentage speaking a language other than English at home, Cr Barrera says that now more than ever, it’s crucial to acknowledge and honor the city’s cultural diversity.
“Wyndham City is a cultural melting pot, with 48 per cent of our residents born overseas, and nearly 50 per cent speaking a language other than English,” says Cr Barrera
The Peace Choir Project, a joint effort between the Wyndham Community and Education Centre and Play it Forward Australia, will unveil their song “Our World in Wyndham” during a special event at the Wyndham Cultural Centre in Werribee on Monday, March 18, from 6-8pm. Admission is free.
Elsewhere, artist Dilshad Moosajee will exhibit paintings that reflect his experiences as an Australian with Kenyan heritage. The exhibition will take place at the Tarneit Community Centre from March 18 to 20, and subsequently at the Saltwater Community Centre.
Addtionally, emerging Chinese Australian artist MeiMei Hodgkinson will delve into and question the notion of ordinariness through a collection of paintings and drawings featuring Wyndham residents in “Ordinary People”. The showcase will run from March 19 to 21.
Wyndham’s libraries will also join the celebration, offering bilingual storytelling, craft sessions, and other engaging activities while Manor Lakes Library will host a session on raising multilingual children and a tea tasting event that takes participants on a global sensory journey.
Overseas-Born Residents and Multilingualism Flourish in Wyndham
In Wyndham of its residents hail from foreign shores, with nearly half of them proficient in languages beyond English. The demographic mosaic underscores the pressing need to honor and cherish the community’s diverse fabric like never before.
As the community comes together to honor and appreciate the rich tapestry of cultures within our midst, it’s evident that diversity is not only embraced but celebrated as a source of strength and enrichment.
The array of events, activities, and dialogues throughout the week has fostered a deeper sense of connection and appreciation among residents, breaking down barriers and promoting an inclusive community spirit
Cr Barrera voiced she views Cultural Diversity Week as an opportunity to cultivate a collective sense of community, reflect on the multicultural narratives that enrich Wyndham, and uphold cultural respect for everyone.
