Mt Druitt showcases and embraces diversity
28 March 2009
The Mt Druitt Embraces Diversity community festival is a great showcase of diversity, the Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs and Settlement Services, Laurie Ferguson, said today.
The festival is part of this year’s Harmony Day celebrations and includes a project entitled Mt Druitt Embraces Diversity, which is run by the Mt Druitt Ethnic Communities Agency and funded through the Department of Immigration and Citizenship’s Diverse Australia Program.
‘This community festival showcases the diversity of the local area through displays of dance, cultural cuisines and arts and crafts,’ Mr Ferguson said.
‘It also provides a great opportunity for diverse members of the community to get together to foster a sense of understanding and belonging.
‘Community workshops and forums will also be conducted as part of the project, creating further opportunities to strengthen community relations.’
Harmony Day is a national day that celebrates the cohesive nature of Australian communities and promotes the benefits of cultural diversity.
‘Mt Druitt has a population of newly arrived migrants and refugees from more than 136 countries,’ Mr Ferguson said.
‘Projects like Mt Druitt Embraces Diversity are important in areas of diverse populations, as they provide an opportunity for communities to get together to explore and appreciate the rich diversity that exists in Australia.’
Media contact: Carla Wilshire 0432 755 935
URL: http://www.minister.immi.gov.au
/parlsec/media/media-releases/2009/lf09018.htm
Last update: 30 March 2009 at 10:14 AEST