Promoting unity in diversity

GREATER Dandenong’s diversity will be in the spotlight next month.
Cultural Diversity Week runs from 12 to 20 March and Harmony Day falls on 21 March, and both are designed to promote community harmony, awareness, understanding and mutual respect for all people.
Greater Dandenong will host the Harmony Festival: Step into Our World in Harmony Square on Wednesday 16 March, from 4pm to 8pm.
There’ll be an international dress parade, a multicultural concert and community stalls with interactive cultural activities.
Mayor Heang Tak said events like these showcased the rich range of customs, histories, foods and faiths that made Greater Dandenong an interesting and vibrant place to be.
“Almost two-thirds of Greater Dandenong residents were born overseas, representing more than 150 different countries,” Cr Tak said.
“Our city is proud of the diversity we embody, and we love to celebrate not only what makes us all different, but all the wonderful things we have in common.”
The festival has been organised by Springvale Neighbourhood House in partnership with the City of Greater Dandenong, Monash Health, Victoria Police, Southern Migrant and Refugee Centre, South East Community Links and the Australian Government Department of Human Services.