The 2017 Glen Innes Harmony Day attracted around 100 people in the magnificent setting of the Glen Innes Town Hall with a foody heaven created by volunteers who supplied delicious plates of world cuisine from Indian pakoras and raita, Japanese sushi, to Turkish felafel and tabouli and a tea station that served teas from around the world. World music was played by DJ, Bob Blair while children and adults alike took part in a range of dancing and arts activities. Nicci Parry-Jones, Arts North West Projects Officer explains, “The art stalls focused on traditional craft practised from different countries such as making mandalas, origami and painting. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves.” This festive event and waspresented by Arts North West with assistance from GISC and Refugees Welcome Glen Innes volunteers. The financial support went towards bringing feature act, The Balkanics who performed at the event with well-known multi-instrumentalist, Linsey Pollak.
Luke Hodgson, senior student at the Glen Innes High School took the opportunity to undertake an activity for children – a painting and photo booth as part of his Major Project for Aboriginal Studies, which was enjoyed and utilised by attendees.
“Harmony Day is an inclusive community event to celebrate Australia’s multicultural diversity. The selection of cultural activities on offer aimed to highlight the rich contribution multiculturalism has made, and continues to make, to Australian culture and to encourage community inclusivity through harmonious engagement. Arts North West takes this opportunity to thank the many volunteers who helped on the day and made it such a resounding success.”
Funding for Harmony Day GI was provided by the NSW Government through Multiculturalism NSW, Arts North West, Glen Innes Severn Council and Refugee Welcome Glen Innes.