Dahlia & Arts Festival
The 2024 Dahila & Arts Festival of Friendships hosted by Eaglehawk Community House, celebrated inclusion and diversity. With a mix of the traditional format and the new and exciting multicultural aspect of the event we collaborated with many community groups, multicultural organisations and performers, working together to present a celebration of the vibrant multicultural tapestry that makes up our region.
Canterbury Gardens came alive with performers, colourful costumes, music and dance. Among the celebrations festival goers were treated to free multicultural food tastings, giving locals a taste of the many different cultures that call Greater Bendigo home.
The front of the gardens served as a vibrant bridge between various cultures, offering a unique lens through which we can view and appreciate the world’s rich cultural diversity. The atmosphere was electric and groups were able to showcase their traditions through a dynamic platform of cultural exchange and mutual understanding.
Heading further into the gardens the market area was buzzing with over 30 local businesses, art and craft stalls, food trucks and community groups offering unique items and sweet treats. With high foot traffic throughout the day, the festival seen over 3,000 people filter through the gardens to the children’s rides and attractions. Visitors were able to enjoy the sunshine and festival atmosphere, take in the live entertainment and attend the street parade.
Eaglehawk Community House utilise the event as an important community development project, diversifying the event to attract new partners, create stronger community networks and secure a larger audience to attend and participate in the festival. These types of events are not only occasions for celebration but also powerful tools for education and understanding.
Promoting cross-cultural awareness has a positive impact on the community by providing an outlet for connection. It encourages engagement and a stronger sense of community identity and pride for all involved.
We would like to acknowledge all of our wonderful supporters who have made this event possible – Victorian State Government, Eaglehawk Festivals Inc, City of Greater Bendigo, Olympia Projects & African Community Members, Indian Association of Bendigo, Bendigo Filipino Foundation Inc., First Nations, Indigenous & Torres Strait Island Community Members, New Zealand Community Members, Lanie G – Graphics, Kiwanis Family Hub, Country Hearing Care, Kangaroo Flat Community House Inc & Tip Top Bakeries. Eaglehawk Community House is delighted to be able to partner with like-minded organisations, community groups and businesses to deliver this event for our community to enjoy.
Coordinating the event in collaboration with Eaglehawk Festivals has been a wonderful opportunity for the Eaglehawk Community House to build on our local networks and raise much needed funds that allow us to continue providing services, education programs, emergency food relief and community development activities.
