Schools and universities around Bendigo have celebrated Harmony Day with music, dance and food.
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Hundreds turned out to the event at La Trobe University's Bendigo campus. International Student Coordinator Badraa Al-Darkazly said it was an important day in the calendar.
"I'm actually very proud of the turn out," she said. "There are lots of students and lots of international students who are willing to go out there and share their cultures.
"This is a very good way to build bridges."
Students and staff enjoyed Dutch and South Sudanese music and dance, as well as a henna stall, arts, crafts, and more food from other parts of the world.
The event was a partnership between Bendigo Student Union, Loddon Campaspe Multicultural Services and La Trobe University.
"Bendigo's social capital has really been enriched by our increase in our diversity," City of Greater Bendigo councillor Jennifer Alden said
"On Harmony Day, this wealth is something that I'm really proud to celebrate."
Bendigo Senior Secondary College also held an event for its students. There was live music, free food, prayer flags, Boba Tea from Taiwan, and origami and lantern making.
"BSSC embraces diversity in all its forms, whether that be cultural or social diversity," BSSC communications manager John Holton said.
"We have events like this every year because we love to celebrate this diversity."
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