By Casey Neill
Greater Dandenong migrants and refugees have flown the coop and landed at St Kilda’s Get Striped Festival.
Women who took part in Space2b’s Ready to Fly program at Heritage Hill in Dandenong will have their own stalls at the event on Saturday 25 March.
The festival will celebrate diversity, acceptance and respect and feature creations hand-made by newly arrived migrants, refugees, local creatives and children.
There’ll also be dance, African beading, basket weaving and guest speakers.
The Journal met stallholders Leila, Lhakpa, Chaw and Rosa in June last year at one of social enterprise Space2b’s fortnightly sessions at Heritage Hill which was designed to help budding entrepreneurs to finesse and potentially monetarise their skills.
Chaw from Springvale South was cutting pant patterns when she shared her story.
“I do both children’s clothing and women’s fashion,” she said.
“I also make jewellery as well. I never stop learning new things.”
The women were from mixed backgrounds and cultures, with different skills.
“Space2b is all about making connections and to become integrated and accepted,” co-founder Janine Lawrie said.
“All funds raised, whether it be through our retail shop, workshops, events or our future cafe, directly support the empowerment of new migrants and refugees.
Space2b’s Get Striped Festival will run from 9am to 4pm on Saturday 25 March at St Kilda Primary School, 2b Brighton Road, St Kilda.
