By CASEY NEILL
SPRINGVALE Neighbourhood House has celebrated 30 years of supporting community harmony and diversity – with the Prime Minister even chipping in her congratulations.
Since it was established in 1983 the house has helped people from diverse backgrounds to overcome social isolation, and its annual Diversity Day event at Springvale Town Hall seemed the perfect chance to acknowledge its efforts.
Project officer Siham Barakat said 300 people attended the evening, which included a retrospective photo exhibition, cultural performances and a Burmese-style dinner.
“It was mainly for members to celebrate their loyalty,” she said.
Representatives from the three groups with the house since its inception cut the birthday cake and a cultural parade to ‘I still call Australia home’ ended proceedings.
“We all got teary,” Ms Barakat said.
“It was great.”
In a letter read out during the ceremony, Prime Minister Julia Gillard said the celebration paid tribute to Australia’s diversity, which had been nurtured and promoted in Springvale.
“The Springvale Neighbourhood House has offered valuable support to the Melbourne community, offering language, literacy and educational programs that share skills, build networks and bring together people from all walks of life,” she said.
“Today we reflect on the rich culture, traditions and heritage of people who have migrated or sought safe haven here.
“At the same time, we also recognise the wonderful contribution that migrants have made to the nation we have become.”
