Harmony Project brings cultures closer in Brisbane
22.12.05
One of the many groups supporting Harmony Day this year will be residents of two inner-Brisbane suburbs and Anglicare's Refugee and Migrant Services (ARMS).
ARMS has received a Living in Harmony community grant to help resolve fears of some seniors in Brisbane 's inner suburbs when they encounter young people from Africa in their neighbourhoods.
Some older, Annerley and Moorooka residents feel threatened when they encounter African teenagers in their streets and parks. Of course for these young people, gathering in public places is quite normal.
ARMS has invited members of Brisbane 's newer African and established Anglo Australian communities to take part in its Communities in Conversation Project. This involves cultural ‘conversations' that encourage genuine exchange.
The first conversation starts with an Aussie/African barbecue because a community gathering around food is something that most cultures do well. Besides featuring Australia 's and Africa 's finest dishes, the barbecue provides common ground to start breaking down the barriers in a fun, non-threatening environment.
Communities in Conversation will also work with local organisations including Neighbourhood Watch, nearby schools and Sudanese, Liberian and Sierra Leone Associations.
Out of these events will come working groups that will pick out issues of concern to the local community and developing activities to address them. It is hoped these groups will continue the work of building stronger, inclusive local communities beyond the life of the project