A JOYOUS and vibrant community EID celebration was held at St Pauls Africa House Hall on Sunday, April 30.
Bringing together Shepparton’s diverse and rich ethnic community to commemorate the end of the holy month of Ramadan, the event was led by local organisation Well Wise Women (WWW) and supported by local not for profits, businesses and both the state and local government.
Representing and assisting the ethnic community to access health services and support through community health educators, Well Wise Women opened the EID festivities with an Acknowledgement of Country in Arabic and Dari, which was then followed by an entertaining performance from the Filipino Dance Group.
Other highlights from the day included henna artistry with 150 designs painted, Arabic music, song and dance led by Wasam Kadour and Orag Mohammad as well as a crowd-pleasing performance of Syrian men dancing the Syrian Debka.
A mouth-watering array of international dishes were also on offer including halal lamb shish, biriyani, salads, a range of middle eastern sweets, Sudanese donuts and fruit.
Over 250 children were also catered for with a range of activities including giant games provided by Greater Shepparton City Council.
Grateful for the financial support of many local organisations that made the celebration possible, Co-convenor of the WWW Community Health Educator Program, Eman Alabbassi said, “So many people have contributed to bringing the day together…your time is so very much appreciated.”
Community members said of the day, “It is a great opportunity for making connections with each other. I have been in Shepparton for a few years now and we have not had anything like it to bring different communities together to celebrate EID.”
“I have had a wonderful time, everyone is so happy, look at all their smiles. It is great for whole families to come along and share in a free fun afternoon.”
