News
Page 10 The Moorabool News – 29 March, 2022
Email - news@themooraboolnews.com.au
Fire restrictions to end
Harmony Day branches out By Lachlan Ellis A local school has brought artistic flair to Harmony Day, celebrating multiculturalism with a wall of art and a ‘Harmony Tree’. On Monday 21 March, students at Bacchus Marsh Primary School placed leaves made of recycled cardboard and ribbons on the Harmony Tree, as well as drawings of various countries’ flags. On the ribbons, students wrote how they would like to see Harmony Day in action at school, with ideas including an extension of Harmony Day into ‘Harmony Week’, with each day dedicated to a different culture. The event was organised by Visual Arts Teacher Megan Fromholtz, and the school’s Art Captains: Allyssa, Mikita, Taylah, Rebecca, Sophie, Eddie, Mackenzie, and Amitoz. Ms Fromholtz said the day was an important opportunity to foster respect for all cultures, and help the community understand cultures different to their own. “Ideally every day is Harmony Day, but there’s been some good ideas for what people want to see next year. Students want to celebrate the cultures in more ways, they wouldn’t mind traditional dress, some want to hear stories,” Ms Fromholtz told the Moorabool News. “There’s not much else more important than harmony and love. If you’re able to be living in harmony together and show love and compassion, we are connected and supported. It’s important for all people students, staff, and community to understand the importance of showing harmony in different ways. Together we are stronger, and we can come up with
The Fire Danger Period (FDP) will finish at 1am on Monday, 4 April in the Moorabool Shire. The end to restrictions for District 15 will also take in the neighbouring Local Govern-ment Areas of City of Ballarat, Golden Plains and Hepburn Shire Councils. According to the latest Australian Seasonal Outlook, higher rainfall totals have resulted in below average fire conditions, with reduced fire activity in both grasslands and for-ests this summer. Much of Victoria will continue to experience average rainfall over the coming months, however temperatures are predicted to be warmer than normal, particularly in the west-ern parts of the state. CFA District 15 Acting Assistant Chief Fire (A/ACFO) Chris Bigham said while they have been relatively quiet in District 15, the adjoining Districts to the West have been extremely busy since the start of the new year. “While it is getting cooler with spasmodic rain, the unburnt fuels still remain in large parts of our area,” he said A/ACFO Chris Bigham emphasised that while the FDP is coming to an end in some areas, it is still important to remain vigilant. “We’re urging everyone to stay safe, whether you’re living in or travelling to high bush-fire risk areas. “Please monitor the conditions on hot, dry and windy days, as we may still see some days of elevated fire risk,” he said. While the Fire Danger Period will come to an end, it is still important that residents check the local conditions are safe for any burn-off they were considering undertaking. “You must register your burn-offs, check weather conditions and follow local council laws and regulations,” A/ACFO Bigham said. Landowners can register their burn-off online at www. firepermits.vic.gov.au. Alternatively, you can register with the Emergency Services Telecommunications Au-thority (ESTA) by calling 1800 668 511 or emailing burnoffs@esta.vic.gov.au
(Back L-R) - Mackenzie, Mikita, Taylah and Rebecca and, (front L-R) Allyssa, Eddie, Sophie and Amitoz with their Harmony tree. Photo – Lachlan Ellis amazing ideas we can celebrate and share. “Harmony Day was a collaboration between the whole school – teachers, support staff, and students – and I think the Art Captains should be really proud of the amazing job they did bringing it all together. Thank you to the amazing Parent Helpers too.” As someone from a multicultural background, Art Captain Amitoz said Harmony Day was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate her culture. “Harmony Day is a day that we all try our best to celebrate diversity and different skin colours. I’m not white, and sometimes I feel a bit down because of that, because I feel like I don’t have as many options as everyone else. I try to keep that a secret because I don’t want
anyone to feel bad for me,” she said. “But Harmony Day feels really good for me. For this Harmony Day we created a Harmony Tree, and it felt really special this year.” Fellow Art Captain Allyssa added that Harmony Day is important because it represents all the different cultures “And you can represent all the different colours in the world, and all the different people from different places “We all dressed up in orange, I wrote Harmony Day on my legs and harmony on my arm.” Harmony Day is celebrated annually on March 21 in Australia, and began in 1999. It is represented by the colour orange, symbolic of peace and diversity.
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BADAC (Ballarat & District Aboriginal Co-operative) Ballarat 5331 5344 Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation 4308 0420 Wurundjeri WoiWurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation 9416 2905 Kirrip Aboriginal Corporation 26 Exford Rd, Melton South 8088 0764 VACCA 43 Bakery Square, Melton 8746 2776 VACCA 75-79 Watton St, Werribee 9742 8300
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8746 1511
Koorie Engagement Support Officers (KESO) DET Central Highlands Region, Moorabool Email Rick.Balchin@education.vic.gov.au
P 03 4334 0553 M 0477 725 789
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