UNOH volunteers aim to help Greater Dandenong embrace multiculturalism. From left: Adol Bar, UNOH volunteer Catt Lam, Malek Bar, UNOH volunteer Sarah John, Yasitha De Silva and UNOH worker Debbie Marx.Sarah Thompson
GREATER Dandenong’s growing Sudanese population will celebrate Australia Day with a barbecue and entertainment planned by the Urban Neighbours of Hope (UNOH).
Noble Park Community Centre will host the event, with a performance by Sudanese youth dance group South Sudan Musica from 11am.
With the City of Greater Dandenong home to the largest Sudanese population in Victoria, UNOH volunteer Sharmila Blair believes Australia Day is the perfect day to embrace Australia’s diverse population.
“The purpose of the day is to make Sudanese friends and neighbours feel welcome in Australia and promote greater communication, harmony and understanding between our culture and theirs,” she said.
“What better day is there to promote multiculturalism than Australia Day.”
UNOH is a Springvalebased charitable organisation affiliated with the Churches of Christ.
“UNOH is committed to sharing life with and working together with their neighbours to respond to issues of poverty and isolation within the community,” Mrs Blair said.
The barbecue will be held at Noble Park Community Centre, Ross Reserve, Memorial Drive, Noble Park, on Thursday, January 26.
All South Sudanese from Springvale, Noble Park and the City of Greater Dandenong are welcome.
