Plaques honour cultural diversity

Three community groups were honoured with a plaque each on the Wall of Global Friendships last weekend. Representatives included, Ms Edwige Bignoux, Chairperson of the Cultural Historical Association of Rodriguans and Mauritians (C.H.A.R.M), Lucy Salinas from The Spanish Widows, City of Casey Deputy Mayor Cr Wayne Smith BJ JP, Vasan Srinivasan from the Indian Federation Association of Victoria, Deputy Mayor Cr Amanda Stapledon, Mayor Cr Geoff Ablett and Dr. Sharad Gupta, President of the Indian Federation Association of Victoria. Picture: CITY OF CASEY

The City of Casey has celebrated its rich multiculturalism by honouring three local community groups with a plaque each on the Wall of Global Friendships.

The wall celebrates and acknowledges Casey’s cultural diversity and features a collection of inscribed plaques from local multicultural groups that have settled in or contribute to Casey’s rich culture.

The feature, located at Balla Balla Community Centre, recognises the contribution of various local groups, promotes friendships and goodwill between Casey’s cultural groups.

It also provides a meeting place for ceremonies and other special occasions, as well as a unique outdoor community space.

The Cultural Historical Association of Rodriguans and Mauritians in Victoria (C.H.A.R.M), The Indian Federation Association of Victoria and The Spanish Widows each had a plaque unveiled that was dedicated to their group on Saturday 28 April.

City of Casey Mayor Cr Geoff Ablett acknowledged the groups as well as their remarkable contributions.

“It’s groups such as these that give members of our community a sense of belonging, and an opportunity to take pride in their culture and the diversity that they bring to Casey,” he said.

“Casey boasts more than 150 cultures, and the Wall of Global Friendships demonstrates our ability to work cohesively to maintain a harmonious and welcoming community for all to be a part of.”

C.H.A.R.M showcases the heritage of the Mauritius and Rodrigues people through hosting and coordinating festivals.

The Indian Federation Association of Victoria brings together the regional, cultural and lingual Indian groups under one umbrella while the Spanish Widows is a not-for-profit organisation that supports people with a disability and the elderly, who speak Spanish as a first language.