The Sunshine Coast’s multicultural communities will be celebrated at a range of events around the region this month.
Locals and visitors will converge for a picnic, soccer carnival, Japanese cooking class and more during Harmony Week from March 18-24.
Sunshine Coast Council economic and community development group executive Greg Laverty said that as the region’s population grew, so did its cultural diversity.
He said Harmony Week was an opportunity to promote the region as a place where everyone was welcome.
“Let’s come together with friends and family and our wider communities to celebrate our multicultural communities,” he said.
Nambour Community Centre Community Action for a Multicultural Society worker Vicki Qiu said the organisation was grateful to have partnered with the council to develop this year’s Harmony Week program.
“These events help us to support our community and bring our community members together to celebrate our diverse region, helping to foster a healthy, connected and inclusive community,” she said.
Attendees will be able to take part in an array of events including workshops, concerts, food adventures and sport and art experiences held by local community organisations.
Harmony Week events
- Taste of Harmony Picnic: Celebrate multicultural communities with a day filled with picnic food, games, music and laughter. Thursday, March 21, 10.30am to 2.30pm at Cotton Tree Park.
- Harmony Inside Out: Join an immersive experience crafted to nurture inner peace and connection. Embrace the healing power of nature through forest bathing, a guided practice promoting mindfulness and rejuvenation. Thursday, March 21, 7.30am to 9.30am at Mary Cairncross Park.
- Sunshine Coast Harmony Cup 2024: Join the fourth annual Harmony Cup, organised by the Multicultural Sport Organisation. This social seven-a-side soccer carnival is dedicated to fostering unity and celebrating diversity within our community. Sunday, March 24, 9.30am to 5.30pm at Kawana Football Club.
- Japanese Cooking Class: Embark on a culinary journey with a Japanese cooking class. Friday, March 22, 5pm to 7pm at Nambour Community Centre, bookings essential.
- A Glimpse of Russia: Embark on a captivating journey into Russian culture with a dynamic event featuring traditional folk songs by talented musician Innessa, celebrating the rich heritage of Eastern-European music. Sunday, March 24, 10am to noon at Nambour Community Centre.
- Beerburrum Harmony Week Celebration: Experience cultural diversity at the free-entry Harmony Week event hosted in the historic Beerburrum Hall. The Beerburrum School of Arts Association welcomes everyone for a family-friendly gathering featuring artists and performers. Saturday, March 23, 2.30pm at Beerburrum Community Hall.
View the full list of Harmony Week events on council’s website.
Libraries events
- Conversation Circle celebrating Harmony Week: Join a special Harmony Week conversation circle. Practise speaking and listening skills with a friendly group of adults where English is their additional language. Afternoon refreshments provided. Maroochydore Library, Wednesday, March 20, 12.30pm to 2.30pm.
- Hula, heritage and mor: Participate in a hula demonstration from Atete Panui. Listen to the story of how Atete’s ancestors migrated from Tahiti to Hawaii and her journey to the Sunshine Coast. Visit Caloundra Library on Wednesday, March 20, 10am to 11.30am; Maroochydore Library on Thursday, March 21, 10am to 11.30am; or Nambour Library on Friday, March 22, 10am to 11.30am.
- Library members can discover free resources including world language books, Road to IELTS training, foreign language films and more. People can develop a new skill or learn a new language with transparent Language Online.
- People from a non-English speaking background can practise their English in a friendly conversation circle at Maroochydore Library each Wednesday from 12.30pm to 2.30pm.
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