BRIDGING cultural divides will be given a new platform at Mount Gambier’s first multicultural evening held tomorrow night.
Aiming to unite the region’s diverse communities, event organiser Roland Kalamo said the event brings people together to celebrate their personal journies.
“If people are given the opportunity, people begin to understand everyone’s story has a place,” he said.
“The most important thing is how migrants and refugees can be intergrated smoothly into the community.
“It is not just something authorities can do, Australians are necessary to help string us into their culture.”
Mr Kalamo said community members should consider migrants and refugees as equal human beings.
“We are human, need a space to breathe and a place to call home,” he said.
“We do not need to run away from each other,” he said.
“We need to combine forces for learning opportunities as migrants and refugees are a growth and economy boost.”
Event representatives Chanceline Kakule and Lily Coote said their understanding of their respective cultures grew each day through their friendship.
“I think being friends will Lily allows me introduced me into the Australian culture more easily,” Ms Kakule said.
“I think the same goes with Lily as she can now differentiate between someone from Sudan and someone from the Congo.
“It is about understanding we are not all the same which some people might not be able to do.”
Ms Kakule said the event was Mr Kalmo’s idea to help integrate and unite the community.
“I would love to see more events like this as it brings us all closer,” she said.
“It is about breaking the barriers between cultures.
“There are language barriers between us, but there is more to people.”
Ms Coote said she became involved in the planning initially for moral support, but has grown a stronger stance on embracing multiculturalism.
“I think the discrimination between cultures really needs to be cut and I think this a great way to do that,” she said.
“Bringing everyone together gets rid of the judgement of where you came from, how you talk and what your skin colour is, as we are all the same.”
Ms Kakule believes racism will not disappear, but said there were ways people can prevent it.
“I have moved a lot through my time here in Australia and I think where ever you go, there is always going to be racism,” she said.
“It is not just going to stop and I do not think you can actually completely get rid of it.
“There are things we can do to minimise it and break down stereotypes as there is more behind what it takes to become a refugee.”
Hosted at the Main Corner Complex with a $5 entry fee, the night will involve everything from poetry, dancing, presentations and artistic demonstrations.
Running from 5pm until 8pm, people are invited to ask questions and immerse themselves in a multicultural Australia.
