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Event promotes harmony

Nicole SalmeriSouth Western Times
Yan Iyu, of Bunbury, Wayne Sandford, labour candiate for Forrest and MLA Don Punch celebrating Harmony Week at the Bunbury Trotting Club.
Camera IconYan Iyu, of Bunbury, Wayne Sandford, labour candiate for Forrest and MLA Don Punch celebrating Harmony Week at the Bunbury Trotting Club. Credit: Nicole Salmeri

People from across the South West gathered to enjoy Harmony Week celebrations over morning tea at the Bunbury Trotting Club on Friday.

Shizleen Aishath and Evans Ofori, both of Bunbury
Camera IconShizleen Aishath and Evans Ofori, both of Bunbury

Bunbury MLA Don Punch and Bunbury Multicultural Group joined forces to host a five person panel of people from all across the world – who now call Bunbury their home.

“I think it was a really great conversation – our panellists were really well received by the audience and each of them had a unique story to tell,” Mr Punch said.

Widi Astut-Farrow, of Bunbury and Marie Claire, of Donnybrook
Camera IconWidi Astut-Farrow, of Bunbury and Marie Claire, of Donnybrook

“In a community like Bunbury where we have people from over 40 different countries living here, building an understanding is the best way of building a positive community that understands and values inclusiveness.”

Bunbury Multicultural Group chairwoman Shamara Williams said these events were in line with the group’s vision to promote multiculturalism, understanding and friendship.

Darryl Cotton, dean of Bunbury St Boniface Cathedral and Gordon Hill, of Pelican Point
Camera IconDarryl Cotton, dean of Bunbury St Boniface Cathedral and Gordon Hill, of Pelican Point

“Bringing various cultural groups together, building relationships, sharing our stories and experiences is how we find commonalities between us all and continue to build stronger connections within our community,” Ms Williams said.

Panellist Marie Claire, originally from Belgium, moved to the South West 23 years ago as a registered nurse.

Liza Johnston, Mong Leng and Marie Bruce, all of Australind
Camera IconLiza Johnston, Mong Leng and Marie Bruce, all of Australind

“I chose Donnybrook because when I was passing through visiting friends the landscape looked a lot like home,” Ms Claire said.

“I’m really pleased because I think this day will really help me link with new people.”

Karen Turner, of Carey Park and Sharyn Hariis of Grace Christian School
Camera IconKaren Turner, of Carey Park and Sharyn Hariis of Grace Christian School

Mr Punch said he planned to continue to work closely with the Bunbury Multicultural Group.

Gail Munro, of Dalyellup Scott Dawson and Diane Tate, of Bunbury
Camera IconGail Munro, of Dalyellup Scott Dawson and Diane Tate, of Bunbury
Sylvia Ballantyne, of Bunbury and Lynne Bickley of Eaton
Camera IconSylvia Ballantyne, of Bunbury and Lynne Bickley of Eaton
David Bailey and Daniel Bruce, both of Bunbury
Camera IconDavid Bailey and Daniel Bruce, both of Bunbury
Dale Hewitt, of Bunbury and Max Walsh, of Capel
Camera IconDale Hewitt, of Bunbury and Max Walsh, of Capel
Ashleigh Erbe, of Bunbury, Kelly Woods from Head Space Bunbury and Steph Jackson, of Bunbury.
Camera IconAshleigh Erbe, of Bunbury, Kelly Woods from Head Space Bunbury and Steph Jackson, of Bunbury.
Julie Howells, Ann Clapp, both of Bunbury and Margaret Smith of Gelorup.
Camera IconJulie Howells, Ann Clapp, both of Bunbury and Margaret Smith of Gelorup.

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