The member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney will launch the Women Creating Harmony Project this Saturday the 16th of February at the Marrow Theatrette, Geelong at 2.30pm.
There are a number of established ethnic communities in the Geelong region who have settled in the region since WW2, predominately of European decent.
However, over recent years other cultural groups such as Asian, Middle Eastern and most recently African people now live and work in Geelong – bringing with them languages and cultures to the community.
The Women Creating Harmony project involved two forums attended by 60 women with a total of 21 cultural backgrounds sharing their stories and cultures to produce a documentary titled Women’s Voices – Women’s Stories Creating a catalyst for Cultural Harmony through Radio.
An audio CD and DVD have been produced and will be available to Community Radio Stations upon request after the official kit is launched on Saturday.
Project Co-ordinator, Irena Stumbras said the idea of the project stemmed from the growing awareness and evidence of women playing a leading role in communities.
“The objective of the program is to build respect and understanding for cultural, racial and religious diversity through a specific women-led program”. Ms Stumbras said.
The project is a result of women from the Geelong and Surf Coast region coming together to tell their stories of settlement in Australia.
The project was organised by the Geelong Ethnic Broadcasters Association and the Women’s Group at 94.7The Pulse and made possible by funding from the Department of Planning and Community Development.
Media and photographers are welcome to attend the launch at the theatrette (51 Malop St opp. GPAC).
A media release will be available on the day.