From the Lord Mayor's Office
Embracing Wollongong’s vibrant cultural mix
What a day it was last Saturday! There was so much colour, energy, music, food and fun in Wollongong as a packed Culture Mix program saw a hive of activity right across the CBD.
A few rainy spells did nothing to dampen the spirits of all those who turned out with so much passion, energy and enthusiasm.
It is impossible to pick a highlight from the huge program of events and activities because there was so much to see, do and experience right across the day. I loved the Indian Folk Dancing Workshop, seeing kids getting creative with the finger and hand puppets of the world creative play space, and watching the giant Culture Mix artwork evolve as part of the Mural Project. The Dance Off on the Green was a sight to behold, the K-pop Dance workshop was a hot ticket that’s for sure, the Ukrainian dumplings were delicious, and the teens at the Youth Services tent enjoyed my lack of foosball skills.
However, to my mind, what was the undoubtable winner from the day was that tangible feeling of pride and connection across the city.
Watching so many people from so many different backgrounds, cultures and histories come together to celebrate their differences, their similarities and embrace all our diverse community was such a joy. It’s a memory I’ll carry for a long time to come, and is such a positive and heartening reminder of the key qualities that makes Wollongong such a great place to live.
This was the second year of Culture Mix and the event was made possible thanks to a two-year grant from the Multicultural NSW Stronger Together Major Festival Grants Program.
I’m grateful Wollongong received this grant opportunity that, thanks to the efforts of Council’s dedicated staff and community volunteers, so clearly demonstrated the rich contribution our diversity makes to the city’s cultural life and how much our community values such celebrations.
