The Philippine Australian Foundation of Victoria Inc. (PAFI) successfully organised the “Connecting Cultures Through Music and Dance” event at Commonwealth Reserve Band Rotunda Williamstown on Saturday, March 4, 2023. The event was made possible by the Multicultural Festivals and Events Program of the Victorian Government for the 2021-2022 fiscal year.
The event aimed to commemorate and preserve culture, share traditions, and encourage mutual respect and understanding among the broader community. Invited to speak during the program were Honourable Melissa Horne, representative for Williamstown to the Victorian Parliament, Deputy Mayor of HBCC Cnr. Diana Grima, and Consul General Maria Lourdes Salcedo.
The program featured a two-hour showcase of cultural dances and traditional folk music by performers from Mabuhay Aesthetic Events and Performance Association Inc., Australian Vietnamese Arts Inc., and Peranakan Australia Inc. With their colourful costumes and lively performances, the performers entertained the audience with their vibrant and rhythmic movements.
The event highlighted the importance of cultural diversity, which enriches society and brings people together. It also underscored the essential role of community organizations in promoting cultural diversity and understanding. PAFI and other organizations that supported the event played a vital role in bringing different communities together and showcasing their cultures.
PAFI expressed gratitude towards the Victorian Government’s Multicultural Festivals and Events Program for their assistance, as they acknowledge the significance of multicultural events in fostering community pride, promoting social harmony, and celebrating diversity.
The Connecting Cultures Through Music and Dance event brought together different communities to celebrate and preserve their cultures, share traditions, and encourage mutual respect and understanding. The event underscored the importance of community organisations and government support in promoting cultural diversity and social cohesion.
