The air was filled with music and merriment at Ivory’s Rock Conventions & Events on Saturday, 27th July, as new Australians from various countries and ethnic backgrounds, such as Kurdish, Tamil, Serbia, Sudan, Iraq, South Sudan, Bangladesh, Congo, Afghanistan, Iran and Somalia were welcomed to a Community Day celebration. The event was co-hosted by Multicultural Development Agency and Access Community Services with Ivory’s Rock Foundation.
Around 400 newcomers enjoyed the ‘Welcome to Country’ by the Yuggera Dance Group, with some joining in and learning indigenous dance moves. This was followed by multi-cultural entertainment, traditional music and dancing, sports games, face painting, a petting zoo and craft activities for kids.
The day was enhanced by presentations from the Australian Red Cross, Harrisville Fire & Rescue, Ipswich City SES Unit and the Queensland Fire & Emergency Services fire truck display.
Although unable to attend, in a message from the Minister for Multicultural Affairs, the Honourable Stirling Hinchliffe MP recognised Ivory’s Rock Community Day as “a powerful way to strengthen the sense of belonging for migrants and refugees in the local community and a great opportunity for all locals to celebrate our diversity and to help create a unified, harmonious and inclusive community”.
Lida Daliri Development Officer from MDA, who was MC on the day, said “It was our pleasure to collaborate with Ivory’s Rock for such an amazing event. We have received much positive feedback from our clients.They really enjoyed the Ivory’s Rock hospitality, sports, kids activities and music.They loved the indigenous welcoming dance and are looking forward to next year.”
Now in its third year, this annual event brings people together for an enjoyable day in the country and helps new Australians feel welcome and accepted. Ivory’s Rock Foundation would like to thank the Queensland Government for funding for the event, Beemac for organising the entertainment, the volunteers who were so welcoming and MDA and Access for their collaboration.