SEATON, Adelaide – In line with the annual celebration of Harmony Day in Australia every 21 March, which promotes multiculturalism and inclusiveness, the Filipino Settlement Coordinating Council of South Australia (FSCCSA) hosted a Harmony Day event on 28 March at Mater Christi Parish, celebrating it with their own twist.
The community event commenced with a Holy Mass officiated by Fr Franco Lacarnia to give thanks for the gathering and place it under divine protection.
Moving beyond showcasing cultural performances and activities, the state council also organised an information session to empower the community through knowledge and access to legal, immigration, and consular information.
Speakers present at the event who addressed queries and concerns in their respective fields included Gil Costes, director and migration agent at My Great Visa International Services Australia, who provided updates on immigration matters; Cheryll Rosales and Christine Guy, lawyers from Uniting Communities, who discussed family law, rights, responsibilities, and family support; and Aida Garcia, a retired lawyer and migration agent, who attended as a representative of the Philippine Consulate to talk about consular services and outreach in Adelaide.
A buffet lunch followed, featuring Filipino celebratory dishes such as lechon, lumpia, pancit, and delicacies including cassava cake, sapin-sapin, and kutsinta, alongside Western options such as salads, sandwiches, and brownies.
Notably, the event served as a reminder of Australia’s multicultural society and its continuing efforts to encourage a sense of belonging for everyone, while also providing practical information to support the community.
