Sydneysiders can learn how to make bread, or simply break bread, with friends and family while learning about other cultures at the Living in Harmony festival in March.
The City of Sydney will support cultural events celebrating the city’s many different communities, from challah-bread making, stand-up comedy and cultural intelligence workshops to local tours and neighbourhood festivals.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the City is proud to support the Living in Harmony festival and its important message of tolerance, understanding and respect for all cultures.
“There are people from more than 200 nations living in Sydney and the festival gives us the opportunity to think about and deal with issues of cultural, racial or religious intolerance,” the Lord Mayor said.
“Successful, harmonious multicultural communities don’t happen by accident. They need to be worked with, supported, and encouraged and Living in Harmony gives us the chance to do this, as well as to share some of the riches of Sydney’s amazing mix of cultures.”
[caption id="attachment_15286" align="aligncenter" width="620"] Living in Harmony L-R Fabia Claridge, waitperson, Amir Javan and Mary Vangelovska[/caption]
Amir Javan, known as Alex, was born in Iran in 1974. He worked in the jewellery industry before fleeing to Australia via Malaysia in 2000 due to his political activities.
Mr Javan was held in Western Australia’s Curtin Immigration Detention Centre and South Australia’s Baxter Immigration Detention Facility for four and half years, before winning his case in the High Court and gaining a protection visa.
At a special one-off night, People Just Like Us, at Customs House, Circular Quay, Mr Javan shares his story of fleeing persecution, his time in detention and new life in Sydney.
Despite being released from detention a decade ago, Mr Javan suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and is haunted by images of his incarceration.
But he appreciates his life as a new Australian citizen and works as a licenced real estate agent and investment property specialist based in North Sydney.
Mr Javan said he hoped by telling his story it would lead to changes in the detention centre system, so that no one had to go through similar experiences.
“I also want to talk about how when I was released from the centre, everyone was so helpful and everything changed for me,” Mr Javan said.
“When I first arrived in Australia, I was told in detention that I was not welcome here, and what I have since found is that this is not true.
“I have a few Australian friends help and assist me in settling in, and all the people of Sydney are so helpful and really lovely.
“I also love the nature of the city – the trees and the harbour – and how there are lots of events and activities that I can participate in.”
[caption id="attachment_15288" align="aligncenter" width="620"] Living in Harmony L-R Mary Vangelovska, Amir Javan and Fabia Claridge[/caption]
Living in Harmony includes 22 events this year. Highlights include a Jewish challah-bread making workshop, an Aboriginal heritage tour of the Royal Botanic Garden and a tour of the Auburn Gallipoli Mosque.
Also returning are the popular Thailand Grand Festival at Tumbalong Park in Darling Harbour, along with the Children’s Festival at First Fleet Park.
For the full program of events, visit livinginharmonyfestival.com.au
People Just Like Us – Refugee talks and performances (includes talk by Amir Javan) Wednesday 2 March 6pm-8pm Customs House, 31 Alfred Street, Circular Quay A one-off evening featuring stories about the experiences of people seeking asylum in Australia, including first-hand accounts and performances. Free; bookings essential via peoplejustlikeus.net
Breaking Bread Thursday 10 March, 6pm–8pm. Friday 11 March, 11am–3pm. Saturday 12 March, 11am–2pm. Redfern Community Centre, 29–53 Hugo Street, Redfern. An evening of discussion, damper and Jewish challah-bread making workshops. Free; bookings essential at livinginharmonyfestival.com.au
#justsayhisydney event launch Saturday 12 March, 6pm–8pm. Beats Eats Drinks, 36 Glebe Point Road, Glebe. You’re invited to the launch of a moving documentary film featuring local community groups – with a sound-score by Sydney Choirs and members of the public – that shows how being connected and involved with your community benefits your emotional and physical wellbeing. Free; bookings essential via just-say-hi-sydney-event-launch.eventbrite.com.au
Aspire to harmony in Green Square Saturday 19 March, 11am–2pm. Joynton Park, corner of Victoria Parade and Gadigal Avenue, Zetland. Diverse communities from Green Square, Redfern, Waterloo, Zetland, Beaconsfield and Rosebery will come together to share their cultural traditions and aspirations through a variety of engaging and fun experiences and activities, including arts and crafts, performance, music, origami and more.
High-rise harmony: Communication strategies to create a sense of community in your apartment building Thursday 22 March, 6pm–8pm. Level 3, 307 Pitt Street, Sydney. Learn how to improve your communication skills and find useful strategies for living smarter in strata. This workshop will help participants address and overcome common areas of conflict in strata schemes such as noise, parking and parties. Free; but bookings essential on 9265 9958 or connectsydney1@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au For more information, visit strataskills101.com.au
Sydney Town Hall tour Tuesday 8 March and Wednesday 9 March, midday–1pm. Sydney Town Hall, 483 George Street, Sydney. Sydney Town Hall is one of Sydney’s most loved buildings and a favourite meeting place in the heat of the city. Join a free guided tour with the Sydney Town Hall curator and see spaces the public don’t usually get to see. Free; but bookings essential. For more information, visit livinginharmonyfestival.com.au
For more information, visit cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au Twitter: @cityofsydney Instagram: @cityofsydney Facebook: facebook.com/cityofsydney
For media inquiries: City of Sydney Senior Media Adviser Jodie Minus 0467 803 815 or jminus@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
For interviews with Lord Mayor Clover Moore: Paul Mackay 0432 182 647 or email pmackay@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au