Celebrating Unity in Diversity: Grand Finale at Sunnybank Multicultural Gallery

Brisbane, December 7 (MCCQ

Newsdesk) Sunnybank

Multicultural Gallery, Thursday

7th December 2023

In a grand celebration of cultural richness, the Sunnybank Multicultural Gallery marked the completion of its two-year journey with the opening of the German Festivals & Traditions Exhibition. The event, held on Thursday, 7th December 2023, was not only a showcase of diverse cultures but also a moment to reflect on the collaborative efforts that brought the gallery to life.

Welcoming and

Acknowledgement:

The evening commenced with the gracious presence of MC Edward Lin, CEO of the Australia Taiwan Culture Foundation Ltd. The acknowledgment of the traditional custodians of the land by Aunty Peggy Tidyman set the stage for an evening filled with appreciation for cultural diversity.

Diverse Attendees:

The distinguished guests in attendance reflected the broad spectrum of cultures represented in the gallery. Notable figures included Lisa Smith, Director for International, Multicultural, and Community Affairs for YFG Shopping Centres; Erin Logan, Marketing Manager of Sunnybank Plaza and Sunny Park; executives of the German Australian Community Centre of Queensland Inc. led by Louise Moeller; and the Chief Curator of the Sunnybank Multicultural Gallery, Susan Yang.

Representatives from participating organizations, diplomats, elected representatives, and community leaders from various ethnic backgrounds added a global touch to the event, showcasing the collaborative spirit that the gallery embodies.

Exhibition Opening

Ceremony: The German Festivals & Traditions Exhibition opened with a warm welcome from

Erin Logan, followed by a captivating speech by Detlef Sulzer, Former Hon Consul of Germany in QLD. A special highlight was the book presentation of “Queensland’s German Connections” by Louise Moeller, President of the GACCQ, and a traditional bell-ringing music performed by the Alpenrosen Folk Dance Group of the Brisbane German Club. The exhibition showcased the culmination of collaborative efforts, celebrating the connections between cultures and fostering a deeper understanding of German traditions in the local community.

Grand Finale of Sunnybank Multicultural Gallery: The second part of the evening marked the Grand Finale of the Sunnybank Multicultural Gallery, with MC Edward Lin introducing key speakers. Lisa Smith, Director for International, Multicultural, and Community Affairs for YFG Shopping Centres, and Manager for Marketing & Community

Engagement of Sunnybank Plaza and Sunny Park, delivered a heartfelt speech expressing gratitude for the support received throughout the project.

Director-General William Fan of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Brisbane, Cr Kim Marx, Councillor for MacGregor Ward, and Susan Yang each shared their thoughts, highlighting the significance of the gallery in promoting cultural exchange. Susan Yang, in her poignant speech, expressed gratitude to all those who contributed to the success of the gallery. She thanked YFG Group for their continuous support, the Taiwanese community, and a myriad of individuals who played pivotal roles in bringing the vision to fruition. A momentous occasion followed with the presentation of certificates and gifts to the Sunnybank Multicultural Gallery team by Lisa Smith. Group photos captured the essence of unity in diversity, symbolizing the rich tapestry woven by the collaborative efforts of the community. The evening concluded with light refreshments, allowing attendees to continue their cultural exploration through the gallery’s exhibits.

A Legacy of Unity and Diversity:

Susan Yang’s closing speech encapsulated the essence of the gallery’s journey—a beautiful and fulfilling experience that celebrated cultures, fostered connections, and promoted understanding. As the curtains closed on this chapter, the spirit of unity and appreciation for diversity, which had been the cornerstone of the gallery, resonated as a lasting legacy.

The Sunnybank Multicultural Gallery stands not just as a physical space but as a testament to the power of collaboration, understanding, and the beauty that arises when diverse cultures come together. The Grand Finale was a fitting tribute to this legacy, leaving attendees with a sense of pride and anticipation for the cultural exchanges yet to come.