Cultural connections

Swagatika Swain and Poonam Singh are inviting the community to the Women of Brimbank Multicultural Showcase. (Damjan Janevski) 351467_01

Not-for-profit organisation, Women of Brimbank, is bringing the community together for a celebration of culture this September.

The multicultural showcase is a free community event marking the spiritual celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi Utsav. The festival is celebrated each year, and marks the birth of Lord Ganesh the God of new beginnings.

This year’s showcase will celebrate the diverse communities within Brimbank, with a range of cultural performances from all age groups.

Women of Brimbank founder and director Poonam Singh strives to empower and support local migrant women.

As a professional driving instructor, Ms Singh taught newly arrived immigrant women and was inspired to form the group after meeting many women who were feeling isolated.

“I thought of making this group where we can help each other and empower women. We started the group in 2013 which first began with just going to picnics. Now we have festivals and celebrations that we all do together,” she said.

Ms Singh said with the support of Brimbank council, this is the first time the festival is open to the wider public.

“Anybody is invited to attend, not just the Indian community. Any person can come and join us. We will celebrate our festival but also connect with other cultural performers and community people to come together and celebrate,” she said.

“I’m also doing this event to give an opportunity to the younger generations to perform at the show and increase their confidence, and to explore the tradition of other communities.”

The multicultural showcase will take place on September 9, from 1pm-8pm at 19 Carrington Drive, Albion.

Register: shorturl.at/wMNPU

Hannah Hammoud