YADMA Celebrates Harmony Week

Young and District Multicultural Association Inc (YADMA) hosted another very successful Harmony GALA Dinner on Saturday, March 23 at Young Services Club auditorium.

Spearheaded by YADMA President Josefina Johnson, this Harmony Gala dinner event was part of the Hilltops Off The Beaten Track and Cultural Trail.

There were 118 attendees, including visiting guests from Sydney, Newcastle, Canberra and as far away as from Brisbane.

It was an event filled with various nationalities and ethnicities.

Porter House Bistro served a delicious three-course dinner which was enjoyed by all.

The program commenced at 6 pm with an introduction by the Master of Ceremonies, multi-talented singer and entertainer Brian Lorenz.

This was followed by the National Anthem sung by local talent Julie O’Connor.

Selena Sullivan from Southwest Slope Credit Union Bank delivered the acknowledgement of Country.

YADMA President Josefina Johnson made a welcome address to those gathered.

Hilltops Mayor Margaret Roles gave a special message on Harmony and out diversity here in the Hilltops region.

Once again, different cultures were represented by this yea’r even performances.

Guest performer of the year, Viet Bambooz Band by Minh Ha Patmore and sponsored by Southwest Slopes Bank.

Minh Ha Patmore wowed the audience with authentic Vietnamese musical instruments.

Bamboo flute, Dan Bau monochord, T’rung Bamboo xylophone Duo Nepalese dancers Headed by Nikita Kharki and Barsha Basnet Solo Nepalese dance by Siwani Basnet.

Filipino performances by Jand Ablang - gold medallist vocal contemporary WCOPA 2017 USA CA.

A much anticipated custom at the annual GALA event is the Parade of Costume, with the whole community joining with the singing of We Are Australian led by Julie O’Connor and Peter O’Connor.

Prizes for Best Multicultural and Best Dressed (Lady and Gentleman) were awarded.

Winners of the Raffle were:

• First prize - $300 won by Natty Napier;
• Second prize - $200 won by Carlos Clint Yparraguirre;
• Third prize - $100 won by Siri Hall

Once the program was complete, everyone danced the night away with A3 Sounds providing the music.

YADMA thanked all of their sponsors for supporting their event.

Anyone interested in joining YADMA, is invited to attend one of the group’s monthly meetings held every 2nd Tuesday from 6pm at the Ibis Room Young Services Club.

Contact the group via email at multicultural.young@yahoo.com.

Harmony is the celebration that recognises our diversity and brings together Australians from all different backgrounds.

It’s about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone.

As a multicultural community here at Young and Hilltops region we can share our diversity and celebrate our differences because this is a place where everyone is welcome and everyone belongs.

IMAGE: Filipino performer singer Jand Ablang serenades diners at the YADMA Harmony Week event last month

IMAGE: Nepalese solo dancer Siwani Basnet performs for Harmony Week.

IMAGE: Nepalese Duo Dancers Nikita Kharki and Barsha Basnet entertain the group.

IMAGE: The Bambooz Viet band performer Minh Ha Patmore plays for the audience at the YADMA Harmony Gala event.

• Topics:

• Multiculturalism
• Events