Upcoming events to celebrate our wonderful multicultural community

We are so lucky to live in such a diverse, multicultural community.

In Melbourne’s inner city, it’s not unusual to hear three or four languages spoken on a single tram ride, or to see different cultural events happening side by side in our parks and public spaces.

The start of the year brings many important cultural celebrations, and each one is a reminder of the richness that multicultural communities bring to our shared home.

Earlier this month, I was honoured to celebrate Thai Pongal with members of our local Tamil community at Parliament. Thai Pongal is a harvest festival, and a time for gratitude, generosity and family. The celebration was filled with dance, music and incredible food.

Sadly, several Tamil women shared with me that wearing their beautiful cultural attire in public can sometimes make them feel unsafe. That’s heartbreaking. No-one should feel that expressing their culture – through clothing, language or faith – puts them at risk.

While Melbourne proudly calls itself multicultural, we know that racism and stigma haven’t disappeared. For some, they are a daily reality. At a time when divisive, far-right rhetoric is growing louder, it’s more important than ever that we actively show support for our multicultural communities by standing alongside each other and celebrating openly.

On Saturday, March 7 at 2pm, I’ll be hosting a Chinese New Year meetup at the Chinese Museum, and I’d love you to come along. It’s a chance to meet people in your local community and celebrate the Year of the Horse with exciting live performances and refreshments. Everyone is welcome. You can find out more and RSVP at ellensandell.com/event/chinese-new-year-meetup.

And as the month of Ramadan comes to a close, I’m also proud to be co-hosting the Greens 13th annual Iftar, to share a meal with my community that symbolises reflection, gratitude and togetherness. This year’s event will be held at Collingwood Town Hall on Thursday 12 March at 6:30pm. If you’d like to join us, please RSVP at greens.org.au/vic/iftar.

Our diversity is one of Melbourne’s greatest strengths. Let’s protect it, celebrate it and ensure everyone feels safe and proud to share who they are. •