CFA and District 15 are proud to be a supporter of Cultural Diversity Week from 14-22 March 2015 at Harmony Fest.
Every year, the Ballarat City Council hosts Cultural Diversity Week which includes Harmony Fest, a vibrant colourful celebration of Ballarat’s cultural diversity in the Ballarat Central business district Sunday 22 March 2015.
Harmony Fest – featuring a vibrant parade of nations, a four hour live concert, international food, workshops, games, demonstrations, children’s activities and markets.
It is the first year in which CFA District 15 will take part in the festival, and with the support of the Community Resilience team at CFA HQ and D15 we are proud to be one of the event sponsors.
Staff and Brigade members from District 15 will be on hand to offer information about CFA - our people and our activities, Home Fire Safety as well as interactive activities, information about being a volunteer and supporting our multicultural community.
Our participation and involvement is a joint initiative of the D15 Volunteerism Coordinator and D15 CALD engagement group which is led by volunteer fire fighter Heather Hutton.
“Harmony Fest attracts all demographics – anyone who celebrates Ballarat’s diversity and enjoys a fabulous mix of international food, dancing, art, sports, craft activities and music. It is a great opportunity for us to build relationships with our multicultural communities built on mutual trust, respect and understanding” said Heather.
D15 Acting Operations Manager Gavin Hope said “With CALD communities there are often misconceptions that CFA is not a “for free” service, and that there is a lack of awareness regarding what to do in an emergency, who to contact and volunteerism opportunities” he goes on to say “Our involvement with the support of our volunteers at these type of events will really go a long way towards members of our CALD communities having a reasonable understanding of CFA."
Harmony Fest promotes the theme of ‘all of us’, with the event aiming to bring the entire community together to celebrate Ballarat’s wonderful diversity. This year’s event is being run in association with the Filipino-Australian Association Ballarat Inc we have tailored our fire safety information in Filipino.
“Mabuhay”
If people are around in Ballarat on Sunday you are encouraged to attend this great event.
Author: Sherene Mounier - District Volunteerism Coordinator