LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
When we asked our multicultural youth leaders what harmony means to them, one response stood out:
“Harmony to me is about celebrating diversity, inclusion, and belonging. It’s a reminder that our differences make us stronger when we come together with respect and understanding.”
Hearing these words filled my heart with absolute joy. Because to me, harmony isn’t something fixed – it is something we constantly work toward. It is a commitment, a daily effort to build a society where respect, kindness, and understanding bring us together.
At Cultura, we believe that strength comes from diversity in everything we do. When people from different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives come together in a respectful and safe space, we grow. We learn from one another. We lift each other up.
You can see it in so many moments - the warmth of our older clients gathered in a social support group, the genuine laughter shared in an ACFE class, the friendly sport tournaments where our young athletes show respect and kindness towards each other, or the vibrant celebration of cultural diversity at Pako Festa. It is in the friendships formed among our residents in care, who find connection and
companionship across cultures. And it is in the way our 45 affiliated multicultural communities come together every two months, sharing a meal, exchanging stories, and strengthening the bonds that tie us together. Every interaction, every shared experience, brings us closer to the harmony we strive for.
We also see how important intergenerational harmony is - how the wisdom of our elders shapes the future and how younger generations carry forward the love, traditions, and cultural heritage passed down to them. Watching this exchange is truly magical.
Leading the Cultura team makes me believe in a future where harmony is possible for us all. And knowing that our multicultural youth are already leading the way fills me with so much hope. Their words remind me that our future is in safe hands.
I hope you enjoy this edition of the Cultura Connect newsletter, filled with stories of us coming together in harmony.
Kind regards, Joy Leggo OAM
EVENTS
CULTURA’S PAKO FESTA 2025!
Cultura’s signature event, Pako Festa, returned to Geelong last month, celebrating multiculturalism, cultural harmony, and community spirit. Over 70,000 people gathered along Pakington Street for Victoria’s largest free multicultural festival, enjoying food, dance, costumes, and music.
Since its inception in 1983, Pako Festa has been a highlight on Geelong’s events calendar. It is a vibrant street party where everyone is welcome. The festival featured over 25 community groups serving authentic dishes, from Brazilian BBQ to Filipino “Inihaw” pork skewers, a crowd favourite since the event’s inception. Food remains a key part of the celebration, with street vendors and pop-up stalls contributing to over 80 places to buy food from. More than 40 performances across five outdoor stages showcased live music, dance, and entertainment.
A major attraction, the Pako Festa Street Parade, featured over 50 floats and 2,000 participants, filling the streets with colour, music, and cultural pride. This year, the 43rd Annual Pako Festa Street Parade, supported by the Transport Accident Commission (TAC), recognised outstanding participants in our traditional categories:
Most Culturally Aware – Indonesian Association of Geelong
Most Innovative Use of Our Theme (“Our Youth, Our Tomorrow”) – Punjabi Swag Geelong
Best School Entry – Kardinia International College
Best Musical Entry – GSODA (Dance School)
Despite closing slightly earlier due to warm weather, the event was a huge success. As Geelong’s biggest celebration of cultural harmony, Pako Festa continues to bring people together, strengthening connections and promoting cultural understanding.
We would particularly like to thank our Major Partners: The Gordon, TAC, GravIT, Barwon Water, WorkSafe, Adroit Insurance and Risk, Unified Technology, along with all Pakington Street Business and other community partners and most importantly, our local diverse communities who are the heart and soul of Pako Festa.
Photo credit: Louise MacDonald
Photo credit: Parminder Sidhu
Photo credit: Parminder Sidhu
COMMUNITIES
The very first International Women’s Day was celebrated on March 19, 1911, in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland, where over a million people demanded women’s rights, including the right to vote and work without discrimination. The United Nations began celebrating International Women’s Day in 1975, and it has since become a global observance on March 8th, focusing on issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence against women.
To celebrate this important observance, our Community Development team organised an incredible event which, despite coinciding with Ramadan, attracted approximately 150 women. This year, seven diverse workshops were offered, including bouquet making, henna art, collage making, Bollywood dancing, and more. Women of all ages and from various programs joined the celebration, enjoying a morning tea featuring traditional sweets and fruit.
Joy Leggo, our CEO, shared an inspiring message: “Today, on International Women’s Day, we celebrate progress, but we also recognise the journey ahead. Our theme, ‘March Forward: For All Women and Girls,’ reminds us that change does not happen by standing still. To march forward means to push ahead, to demand better, and to create a world where every woman and girl can thrive - no matter where she is born, what she looks like, or what challenges she faces.”
We are incredibly fortunate to have these amazing women in our community who contribute so much to society and their families every day. We were delighted to celebrate them and provide an opportunity for them to relax and enjoy activities they love.
SETTLEMENT
Emran and his family arrived in Geelong on March 1, 2025, with a sense of relief and hope. Their journey to Australia began after being displaced in Turkey since June 24, 2021, following the difficult circumstances of Afghanistan’s fall to the Taliban. This new chapter represents not just a safe landing, but the beginning of a fresh start for them after enduring so much hardship.
On March 3, 2025, the CSP - Cultura team embraced the family with warmth and kindness at the hub in Norlane, creating a nurturing environment as they embarked on their new journey. Settlement case worker Azizeh Mohseni extended her heartfelt support, guiding them gently through the essential steps of applying for Medicare and securing a Tax
File Number. With a genuine commitment to their well-being, she linked them to invaluable resources, including English classes, ensuring they felt embraced and empowered every step of the way.
In addition, registered migration agent Mayumi Watanabe was present to warmly welcome the family, offering them clear and reassuring information about their visa and their rights in Australia. The team’s dedication to their comfort and success shone brightly, making sure they knew they were not alone as they began this new chapter.
VOLUNTEERS
PAKO FESTA – SATURDAY 22ND FEBRUARY 2025
What an amazing event it was again this year.
The conditions were certainly challenging, facing hot weather and wind however it was inspiring to see communities come together and huge numbers flock to Pakington Street.
One of the key aspects which made the day so successful, was the incredible contribution from staff and volunteers. Over 100 of our Cultura staff and volunteers assisted in all aspects of running the event, many of whom completed shifts for Cultura and then went on to support their communities.
We now look forward to celebrating Harmony Day – a celebration of our cultural diversity – a day of cultural respect for everyone who calls Australia home. I cannot think of a better example of cultural diversity, respect and coming together, than what Pako Festa creates for our community.
A huge thank you and congratulations to all who were involved in Pako Festa 2025.
Written by Amanda Kirk Volunteer Coordinator
COMMUNITY AGED & DISABILITY
When our participants aren’t cooking up a feast for Octoberfest, propagating plants for our garden, perfecting Japanese paper craft, feeling the vibe while belly dancing or stopping to smell the roses in Werribee, they are relaxing with one of the Healthy Living Centre’s exercise programs Mind-BodyMoves, Chair based yoga, Zumba Gold or our Strength and Balance program.
If there’s time in the day our participants stop and share a meal while enjoying conversation with friends- I don’t know where they get the energy.
Our programs run Monday to Friday with half and full day options. A healthy morning tea and lunch are provided.
Drop into the Healthy Living Centre 25-41 Arunga Ave, Norlane, phone 5222 7275 or email aged.support@cultura.org.au for more information about our programs.
Our Social Support, Respite and Allied Health programs are for older community members that are eligible to receive support through the Commonwealth Home Support Program(CHSP), Home Care Packages (HCP) and Home and Community Care Program for Younger People (HACC PYP).
RESIDENTIAL AGED CARE
At Cultura, the power of movement isn’t just about staying active - it’s about maintaining a sense of independence, boosting mental wellbeing, and creating a space for social connections. When you combine this with laughter and kindness, it becomes something much more than physical exercise. It becomes a source of joy and empowerment for residents, a way to nourish both the body and the spirit!
At our facility, we offer a variety of programs designed to meet every resident’s needs, from gentle walking sessions to strength-building exercises. Whether it’s strengthening muscles, improving balance, or simply getting some fresh air, there’s something for everyone. Programs like our Sunbeam Exercise Program, a resident favourite, bring together stretching,
strength, and balance exercises in a fun and energizing way. This activity takes place both indoors and outdoors, depending on the weather, so everyone can enjoy the fresh air and sunshine when possible!
One of the highlights of our monthly calendar is our themed dress-up days, where residents and staff can get creative, have fun, and enjoy some lighthearted moments together. From St. Patrick’s Day celebrations filled with green attire and Irish music to Australia Day with fun Aussie-themed outfits and activities, and Valentine’s Day for a celebration of love with red and pink costumes, themed days are the perfect way to lift spirits and bring a bit of joy to the routine.
Cultura Connect Harmony Day edition
Cultura Connect Harmony Day edition
OUR PURPOSE:
Support, care for and celebrate culturally diverse individuals throughout their life journey.
PEOPLE AND CULTURE
CURRENT JOB OPPORTUNITIES WITH CULTURA
We have some exciting opportunities open at Cultura:
• Activity Worker – casual
• Bicultural Worker – casual
• Personal Care Worker – part time
• Registered Nurse (Grade 2) – part time
• Support Worker (Aged & Disability) – casual
• Wellbeing Carer – part time
• Wellbeing Team Leader – full time
For more information, please visit our ‘Careers’ page https://www.cultura.org.au/careers.
OUR VISION: To empower diverse individuals and communities to reach their full potential.
OUR VALUES: Inclusion, Integrity, Sustainability, Kindness
Cultura CONNECT
March 2025 - Harmony Day Edition
Photo credit: Parminder Sidhu