The Castlemaine Botanical Gardens resounded with wonderful singing two weeks ago when locals welcomed the Solomon Islanders who have come to our shire to work at Don KR Castlemaine as part of the Australian Government Pacific Australia Mobility (PALM) scheme.
Approximately 70 Solomon Islanders and a similar number of local community members attended the picnic that started with a beautiful Solomon Islander prayer, singing and Somoan dance.
Locals reciprocated with an Acknowledgment of Country, welcome by Mayor Councillor Rosie Annear and then singing led by James Rigby. Everyone then enjoyed and connected over a picnic feast.
The local attendees included representatives from the local churches, Castlemaine Community House, Castlemaine Fringe Festival, Loddon Campaspe Multi Cultural Services, Castlemaine Safe Space, Mount Alexander Shire Council, local choirs, Castlemaine Goldfields Football Club, Labour Solutions Australia (LSA) and Don KR Castlemaine.
The Solomon Islander singing continued throughout the afternoon and hopefully will continue in different forums in our community. In fact, several members of the group even made an appearance at Friday night’s ‘Rotary Carols in the Park’.
As one picnic attendee said “It was such a lovely, heart warming afternoon, full of good will and joy – the Solomon Islander singing was beautiful”.
Local community members hope to hold similar events on a monthly or bi-monthly basis to ensure the Solomon Islanders feel welcomed, valued, supported and connected. Watch this space.