The Australian Indonesian Arts Alliance held their annual Harmony Day celebrations in the Byron Shire on 2nd April at the Byron Bay Community Centre with the help of a grant from the Northern Rivers Community Foundation. The event aims to support multiculturalism and eliminate racial intolerance.

The well attended event provided an opportunity for the multicultural community of the Byron Shire to display their culture, music and dance to the broader community. Throughout the morning people enjoyed an International Food Bazaar offering Indonesian, Chinese, Latin, and Thai dishes accompanied by world music performances, and free Workshops in indigenous weaving, Argentinean tango classes and Chinese painting. Stalls provided information on TAFE English Language courses, the Japanese earthquake disaster, and the Australian Indonesian Arts Alliance… and face painting for children.

Throughout the afternoon, the Community Centre Theatre was a sound and sight extravaganza featuring local indigenous groups, Balinese gamelan and flute, Middle Eastern belly dancing, African drumming, world fusion music and Bollywood dancing.

The day was a vibrant and successful celebration of the rich cultural diversity throughout our region. Keep an eye out for Harmony Day 2012!