Building on the success of last year’s event, the 2017 Glen Innes Harmony Day attracted around 100 people and was presented by Arts North West with assistance from GISC and Refugees Welcome Glen Innes volunteers.
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The financial support went towards bringingfeature act, The Balkanics who performed at the event with well-known multi-instrumentalist, Linsey Pollak.
The Balkanics played high-energy music from the Balkans (especially Macedonia) featuring five accomplished musicians.
“The Balkanics help you forget your worldly woes for a few hours, the music was energetic, infectious and very danceable,” Nicci Parry-Jones, Projects Officer of Arts North West said.
The Balkanics include Anthony Pizzica (rezouki, tambura), Linsey Pollak (sax, gaida, clarini), Philip Griffin (electric bass, tambura), Ric Halstead (sax, flute) & Tunji Beier (drums).
From midday there was a feast of free food to sample from around the world from pakoras and raita to sushi and tabouli and felafel and a tea station that served teas from around the world. World music was played by DJ, Bob Blair while children and adults alike took part in a range of arts activities.
“The art stalls focused on traditional craft practised from different countries such as making mandalas, origami and painting,” Nicci said. “Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
“Harmony Day is all about celebrating Australia’s cultural diversity. It’s about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone.
“The selection of cultural festivities on offer for all of the community aims to highlight the rich contribution multiculturalism has made, and continues to make, to Australian culture and to encourage community inclusivity through harmonious engagement.”
Funding for Harmony Day GI had been provided by the NSW Government through Multiculturalism NSW, Arts North West, Glen Innes Severn Council and RWGI.
