S

OF EVENT
PROGRAM

18-26
MARCH

www.bendigofestivalofcultures.org.au
WELCOME!
The Festival of Cultures is a week-long celebration of Bendigos thriving
multicultural community, and is the regions premier multicultural event.
The Festival is an initiative of Loddon Campaspe Multicultural Services,
and has been a yearly celebration since 2001.

In 2017 we are celebrating our progress in acknowledging that Diversity is the

Mainstream: Bendigo is a wonderful place to live and the diverse cultures that
have been sewn into the fabric of our society is part of what makes Bendigo
special. We aim to make the 2017 our biggest and most successful festival
ever, with a dazzling line up of performances, art, food, forums, markets,
and exhibitions, culminating with a fantastic event for all ages at Rosalind
Park, The Family Fun Day.

The Festival is made possible with the support of the Department of

Premier and Cabinet, the City of Greater Bendigo and contributions
from our wonderful local community.

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Message from the Board Message from LCMS

Abhishek Awasthi Noemi Cummings

President, Loddon Campaspe Executive Officer,
Multicultural Services (LCMS) Inc. Festival Director

Diversity is a part of mainstream Australia. It is great to live in Bendigo, a wonderful,

It is one of the greatest assets of our nation warm and welcoming place, with its people
as well as of Bendigo and benefits our representing cultures, languages and
whole community. places from all around the world.

Cultural diversity is the array of differences However, the world is in turmoil and
among groups of people with definable there are people in society promoting
and unique cultural backgrounds. These fear and distrust of other cultures and
differences present themselves in a number promoting disharmony within our wonderful
of ways, such as visible and linguistic multicultural societies. Therefore, I think it is
differences. Thus, engaging across cultures extremely important for us to come together
can often be difficult and challenging. and raise our voices in unity, with joyful
sounds, to celebrate the intrinsic values we
The 2017 Bendigo Festival of Cultures is a share such as peace, respect, kindness,
step forward in addressing these challenges compassion, happiness, regardless of our
and offers a range of educational as well cultural background, language, race or
as fun activities for everyone. The festival religious persuasion.
also plays a vital role to ensure we continue
to support and facilitate the successful So, come along and enjoy the events at
settlement of new arrivals into the local this years Bendigo Festival of Cultures as
community. On behalf of the LCMS board, we celebrate the values we all share and
it is my pleasure to officially invite you to the acknowledge that we live in a world where
festival and to enjoy the festivities. Diversity is the Mainstream.

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 FAMILY
FUN DAY Music, performances,
dance, great food
and activities.

Rosalind Park
SUNDAY
26 MARCH
11AM - 4PM FREET!
E V E N
ALLOME
WELC

www.bendigofestivalofcultures.org.au
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 Loddon Campaspe
Multicultural Services Inc.

Our mission: Supporting multicultural communities, celebrating diversity.

Loddon Campaspe Multicultural Services is a not-for-profit organisation

supporting migrants and refugees to build new lives in regional Victoria.
We promote and celebrate our regions rich diversity, multiculturalism
and multi-faiths. Working in the region for over 15 years, we support
multicultural communities to build successful lives in our region, whilst
also working with all residents to create a more inclusive community.

The Festival is an initiative of Loddon Campaspe Multicultural Services,

and has been an annual celebration since 2001.

For more information, visit our website at www.lcms.org.au

or call 03 5441 6644.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION.

Like us on our Festival Facebook page and stay up-to-date on Festival
news and events. Go to: facebook.com/bendigofestivalofcultures

Dont have Facebook, or just prefer email?

Sign up for e-news at www.bendigofestivalofcultures.org.au

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5
PRE-FESTIVAL
EVENTS
STORIES TOLD BENDIGO: WHAT IS THE
PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION VISION FOR A FREE AND
The Capital Theatre Foyer, 50 View St, COSMOPOLITAN CITY
Mon 27th February Fri 7th April OF THE FUTURE?
The Capital Theatre Foyer, 50 View St,
A photographic exhibition by renowned Thurs 16th March, 6:30 pm
local photographer Donna Bailey.
The images of children and families In a world post Brexit and Trump, how has
from the Karen community reflect international politics played out in Bendigo,
their story of journeying, settlement and more importantly, what is the role of
and new beginnings. community leaders and individuals to create
a vibrant, sustainable and multicultural
Supported by The City of Greater Bendigo city of the future? This is a public seminar
and Bendigo Community Health. presented by La Trobe University.

MANY SONGS ONE HEART For more information and booking, go to:
WORKSHOP #1 http://www.latrobe.edu.au/events
Bendigo Library, 59 Hargreaves St,
Sat 11th March 10:30am 1:30pm

Participants are invited to express values

and insights from their own particular
cultural backgrounds.

This art project, to be displayed at the

Bendigo library, depicts the fact that
regardless of our cultural differences
and expressions, we share universal
needs and values such as love, peace,
freedom, connection and growth.

To book, visit www.goldfieldslibrary.com

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FESTIVAL
EVENTS
SATURDAY 18TH SUNDAY 19TH
MANY SONGS ONE HEART ! GUAN YINS BIRTHDAY !
FREE FREE
WORKSHOP#2 CELEBRATIONS
Bendigo Library, 259 Hargreaves St, Guan Yin Temple, 11 Bridge St,
10:30am 1:30pm 11:00am 11:45am

Bookings: www.goldfieldslibrary.com The Bendigo Chinese Association Lion Team

and Plum Blossom Dancers will be performing
CARNIVALE LATIN DANCE traditional cultural birthday celebrations for
$20.00 per adult Guan Yin, Goddess of Compassion,
concession and $20 Mercy and Kindness.
PP
senior prices also No booking necessary.
available
Liborius Centre
Panton Street, Eaglehawk HARMONY FLAG FREE
!
7:30pm 10:30pm WORKSHOP #1
Golden Dragon Museum,
Melbourne-based Salsa band Grupo Bahia 11 Bridge St, 1:30pm 3:00pm
will be performing Latin favourites to get
you on the dance floor! With their full line The Golden Dragon Museum invites you to
up of brass, percussion and more, this will participate in the creation of harmony flags
be a spectacular show sure to get the heart to celebrate cultural diversity week.
pumping. Spanish food stall or BYO Food, Bookings: the museum on 5441 5044.
drinks and dancing shoes. Supported by Limited places.
Eaglehawk Dahlia and Arts Festival.

Bookings: www.bendigofestival
ofcultures.org.au/bookings

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MONDAY 20TH HARMONY FLAG WORKSHOP #2
Golden Dragon Museum,
ISLAM !
& BENDIGO 11 Bridge St, 1:30pm 3:00pm FREE
WORKSHOP Bookings: the museum on 5441 5044.
Bendigo TAFE Library Seminar Limited places.
!
Room, 2:00pm 3:30pm FREE

Come along to an interactive workshop MANY SONGS ONE HEART

delivered by local Muslims who live in EXHIBITION LAUNCH FREE
!
Bendigo. You will be able to learn, explore & AFTERNOON TEA
and ask questions about Islam and the Bendigo Library, 259 Hargreaves St,
Bendigo Muslim community. 3:00pm 4:00pm

Topics include women and Islam, Muslims in Join us to launch this exhibition created by
Bendigo, Sharia law, halal food, relationship local community members and artist Stella
with non-Muslims, beliefs about God and Levak. The artwork reflects expressions of
local mosque plans. The workshop includes universal values such as love, peace, freedom
an afternoon tea of traditional Arabic sweets, connection and growth from diverse cultural
Turkish coffee and Moroccan mint tea. perspectives. Afternoon tea provided.

Bookings: www.bendigofestivalofcultures. Sponsored by Capital Venue & Events

org.au/bookings. Limited places. and Central Goldfields Library.

No bookings necessary.
TUESDAY 21ST
!
FREE
HARMONY DAY INTERNATIONAL BANQUET
AT HARGREAVES $45 per person
MALL Malayan Orchid, 155 View Street, $45
PP
Hargreaves Mall, Bendigo 6:30pm 10:00pm
11:30am 2:30pm
Renowned chef, Bob Yam, will create
A public celebration of harmony day. a sumptuous banquet with delicious
School groups and the general public food from around the world.
will come together to enjoy multicultural
dance, music and workshops. Live entertainment will add delight
to the experience.
No bookings necessary.
Bookings: the Malayan Orchid
on 5442 4411. Limited places.

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WEDNESDAY 22ND INTERFAITH FORUM & DINNER
$50 per person or $380 per
CULTURAL DIVERSITY FREE
! $50
table (8 people) $45 concession PP
WEEK STORYTIME #1
All Seasons Conservatory, 171-183
Bendigo Library, 259 Hargreaves St,
McIvor Rd 6:00pm to 9:00pm
10:00am 11:30am and
1:00pm 2:30pm Join us at the annual Interfaith Forum
and Dinner to enjoy a delicious meal and
During the Festival the Librarys regular
explore the topic of Community Harmony
story time will be embracing Middle Eastern
through Times of Crisis with Jenny McGuirk
culture! Enjoy Middle Eastern themed
from the Victorian council of Churches
stories, music, activities and maybe a
emergencies ministries. Entertainment will
surprise or two. For young families.
be provided by Sukhjit Kaur, spoken word
No bookings necessary. artist, actor and human rights performer.

Bookings: www.
ARABIC LANGUAGE TASTER bendigofestivalofcultures.org.au/
Bendigo Library, bookings or call LCMS (5441 6644) or All
259 Hargreaves St, FREE
!
Seasons 5443 8166. Limited places.
10:00am 11:30am
and 1:00pm 2:30pm
AFL FOOTBALL / NETBALL FREE
!
Drop in and enjoy an introductory COME & TRY DAY
lesson in conversational Arabic Epsom Huntly Reserve, 353 Midland Hwy,
with local teacher, 9:30am 2:30pm
Hanan Weatherall.
Primary and secondary students are
No bookings necessary. invited to come and learn more about
AFL, Netball and how these sports are
supporting cultural diversity.
THURSDAY 23RD
!
HARMONY FLAG FREE FRIDAY 24TH
WORKSHOP #3
!
Golden Dragon Museum, 11 Bridge St, BOLLYWOOD WORKSHOP FREE
1:30pm 3:00pm Bendigo Library, 259 Hargreaves
St, 5:30 6:30pm
Bookings: the museum on 5441 5044.
Limited places. The Singh Sisters will demonstrate
Bollywood dancing and teach you some
basic moves, just in time for the Bollywood
Extravaganza!

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 Loddon Campaspe Multicultural Services

Supporting migrants
and refugees to thrive
in Central Victoria
With programs including:

Employment Program
Multicultural Playgroup
English classes
Learn to Drive Program
Cross Cultural Workshops
Karen Seniors Support Group
Multicultural Womens Support Group
Refugee School Holiday Program
and more.

To support our organisation, volunteer

or to find out more, visit www.lcms.org.au
www.facebook.com/lcmsbendigo Loddon Campaspe
or phone 5441 6644. Multicultural Services Inc.
11
BOLLYWOOD EXTRAVAGANZA SUNDAY 26TH
Dai Gum San Precinct, 11 Bridge St
FREE
! FAMILY FUN DAY FREE
!
6:30pm 9:30pm OR
Rosalind Park, MAJENT!
11:00am 4:00pm EV
The Indian community together with friends
from the Indian Sub-continent are delighted to
Enjoy international music, performances,
bring to you this spectacular event. This will be
dance, great food and activities. Join with
an opportunity for everyone to enjoy dancing,
people from all around the world who call
listening to music, food and meeting our local
Bendigo home, share their cultures and
communities from the Indian Sub-continent.
celebrate diversity!
A variety of delicious Indian street food for sale.
We have a full line up of vibrant
CULTURAL DIVERSITY music including Latin, Filipino
WEEK STORYTIME #2 percussion, Congolese and
Bendigo Library, Celtic bands:
259 Hargreaves St, 10:00am Grupo Bahia
11:30am and 1:00pm 2:30pm Claymore
Anointed
No bookings necessary. Ati-Atihan

Activities include henna tattooing, piata

SATURDAY 25TH making, face painting and more. Delicious
international cuisine will be available from
PAPER LANTERN & PAPER
India, Turkey, Thailand, South Sudan and
DOLL MAKING WORKSHOPS FREE
!
the Philippines.
Bendigo Marketplace (in front of
Katies), 6 Sessions 10:00am 2:15pm
For more information, including
The Paper Lantern Workshop will begin performance times, go to http://www.
with the reading of popular childrens story bendigofestivalofcultures.org.au/events/
The Most Beautiful Lantern. Children will
learn how to make paper lanterns from AFGHAN NEW YEAR !
FREE
cultures around the world. The Paper Doll CELEBRATION
Workshop will begin with the reading of St Andrews Uniting Church Hall,
popular childrens story, The Paper Dolls. 3:00pm 6:00pm
Children will learn how to make paper
dolls from 27 different countries. The Afghan Community of Bendigo invites
you to come and join our Auspicious 1396
For more information and session times go to: Persian/Afghan New Year. Traditional
www.bendigofestivalofcultures.org.au/events entertainment and food will be available.
All welcome.

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 JOIN
TODAY!

Vibrant
humans
wanted
Become a member of LCMS today
and support multiculturalism to
grow and flourish in our community.

Join us today by visiting

www.lcms.org.au/about-us/become-a-member

120 McCrae Street Bendigo

 FRIENDS OF THE FESTIVAL
Thank you to all our wonderful supporters, especially:

AFL Central Victoria Community AV

Bart n Print Dja Dja Wurrung Clans

Bendigo Afghan Community Dutch-Australian Friends

Bendigo Asian Grocery Eaglehawk Dahlia and Arts festival

Bendigo Australia Indonesian Klub Eaglehawk Secondary College

Bendigo Karen Monastery Euro Fest Bendigo Inc

Bendigo Islamic Council Food O Clock

Bendigo Bangladeshi Community Golden Dragon Museum

Bendigo Community Health Services Golden Square Primary School

Bendigo Police Hazeldenes

Bendigo Senior Secondary College Karen Organization of Bendigo

Bendigo Filipino Foundation Kangaroo Flat Primary School

Bendigo Indian Community La Trobe University

Bickley Transport Noahs ark

Bendigo South East College Pyramid Hill Primary School

Caltex - 224 McCrae St. Bendigo Stay Social

Coliban water Sri Lankan Fellowship

Communities for Children Violet Street Primary School

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 THANK YOU!
LCMS would like to thank all our sponsors. Without your contributions,
the festival would not be the successful event that it is. It is heartwarming
to see so many businesses in Bendigo actively supporting multiculturalism
and the bigger tomorrow that it promises.
Please support the businesses that support us.

GOLD SPONSORS

SILVER SPONSORS

BRONZE SPONSORS

The Hon.
Howard Nathan

bendigofestivalofcultures.org.au
PROUDLY PRESENTED BY

120 McCrae Street,

Loddon Campaspe Bendigo, VIC, 3550
Multicultural Services Inc. www.lcms.org.au