RESIDENTS in the City of Maribyrnong are invited to celebrate Refugee Week with a series of events that are being held from 23-26 October in the municipality.
Events will include a student art exhibition, a debate, an International Rules football match and an animal-themed cultural festival in the park.
Mayor Janet Rice said Maribyrnong was one of the most culturally diverse communities in Victoria.
“Many of our city’s community members come from troubled war-torn countries and arrive here with almost nothing,” she said.
“Refugee Week is about honouring these people and bringing their successes to light within the wider community.
“The planning committee has been working hard to make this year’s celebrations as varied as possible.”
Cr Rice called attention to events on Wednesday 25 October at Whitten Oval, when students from two western schools will battle it out in an official debate and after lunch the students will take part in an International Rules Football Match.
“Meet the Neighbours, an event planned for Friday 27 October at Pipemaker’s Park in Maribyrnong, is the biggest event planned for the week and is sure to draw a crowd,” she said.
“Focusing on the theme of animals, the event will bring together a number of cultural groups to display the meaning of their significant animals in their countries of origin.
“The Burmese Karen will perform a traditional dance and describe their national flag, which contains the image of a frog.
“The Sudanese Dambai Dancers will get everyone on their feet dancing, while the Liberian group will make and display masks, there will also be Aboriginal dancing and story telling, as well as a traditional Chinese Lion Dance,” said Cr Rice.
For more information contact the council on 9688 0200.
