First New and Emerging Communities Festival (NECF)
The first New and Emerging Communities festival was held in Glenroy on the 29th April 2017. The festival brought over 20 diverse ethnic communities living in Melbourne to celebrate Australian Multiculturalism and Embracing Diversity and Common Values.
The festival was organized to involve local residents and wider Victorians to celebrate the rich culture, history, and traditions that many diverse communities bring to Australia. The main aim of the festival was to work together with different ethnic communities under one banner sharing common values and understanding the difference through festive celebrations.
The festival was initiated and led by the youths from the Bhutanese, Karen, and Nepalese community by engaging other community youth. The multicultural festival showcased dances and activities from over twenty different communities. The festival was celebrated through music, food, dance, and sports, traditional games of our countries of origin. Free sports items were distributed, free rides and fund activities provided for children and youth. On the side of the festival, Victoria Police, Metropolitan Fire Brigade, Oorja Foundation and Itiki Community Inc put on information stalls.
Festival attended by three Ministers, Member of Parliaments, head of government and non-government organizations community leaders, councilors, and over 25 presidents of ethnic community organizations.
The full festival video will be uploaded soon.
