Harmony Day 2024, by Miriam Bilander.
On Thursday the 21st of March, 2024, Blind Sports & Recreation Victoria invited its members to take part in Harmony Day celebrations at The Multicultural Hub in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD.
Thirteen adults with vision loss attended, each wearing the colour orange to show their commitment to inclusiveness, respect and belonging to all Australians, regardless of cultural or linguistic background.
The festivities commenced with an enchanting performance by a solo Qanun player, an ancient Middle Eastern harp-like instrument, followed by an immersive circular dancing activity to the sounds of a Lebanese drum.
Not-for-profit community health organisation, Cohealth, invited people to participate in cooking various multicultural recipes. BSRV participant, Janina, made Lumpia, Filipino spring rolls, and Alan made a delicious Greek salad. This food was later shared with homeless people who frequent Cohealth’s services.
Other participants joined in with Yarn Strong Sista, a National Indigenous Educational Provider, by making beautiful native flower bouquets.
Finally, after a delicious lunch of Turkish Borek’s from the Victoria Market, everyone joined in with Origami making, led by BSRV Ambassador, Rob Fletcher, and BSRV member, Michelle Marsiglia.
A special thanks to Melbourne City Council for their support, as well as BSRV volunteers, Darren McLelland, Carmel Kozolup, Jordan Watkins and Liz Denham – as always, we couldn’t do it without you!
