Benalla’s multicultural heritage celebrated at Harmony Day

Many had traditional artefacts and clothing on display, a few shared some of their local cuisine.

Ian Prentice, president of the North East Multicultural Association (NEMA), which organised the event, said there was 20 cultures represented on the day.

“We were set up many years ago under the theme of ‘everybody belongs’,” Mr Prentice said.

“I think for us Harmony Day is about celebrating that we are all one in the community.

“It brings the richness of each culture together to learn from each other.”

Mr Prentice said events like this were essential as “Harmony is something you have to work at, it doesn’t just happen”.

“Enjoying each other’s culture and putting our differences aside is very important,” he said.

"Setting up Benalla’s Harmony Day Festival takes many weeks of preparation.

“We have an event organiser who is supported by volunteers who look after that.

“We also have an event up in Wangaratta next week, which also takes some organisation.

“So it’s a real team effort to get them all arranged.”

Benalla Rural City councillor Danny Claridge opened the festival, greeting all of the cultures represented, and more.

“It’s nice to be back,” Cr Claridge said.

“We managed to have Harmony Day even during COVID.

“But it’s nice we can mingle freely without masks and enjoy the Benalla sunshine.”

Cr Claridge said Harmony day was important to celebrate in the Rose City.

“Benalla has had a long history of migrants,” he said.

“The Chinese were here originally, way back, and there’s a fair Chinese contingent still here.

“Then the migrant camp with all the European people who came after the second world war.

“And we have a strong connection to India, an example being Siva Singh who was here back in the ’20s.

“And we are blessed with a huge amount of multicultural residents.”

The event also included entertainment with several displays of traditional dances and performances.

To find out more about NEMA, visit https://www.nema.org.au/home/