Cultural Diversity Week 2024
Here at City of Port Phillip we welcome diversity and strive to be a fully inclusive place for everyone.
Each year we celebrate Cultural Diversity Week by hosting a wide range of culturally diverse activities and events between Council and our libraries.
Cultural Diversity Week 2024 ran between 18 and 24 March.
Our Shared Stories – Celebrating Together
This year, the Cultural Diversity Week theme was Our Shared Stories – Celebrating Together which asked us to reflect on our own experiences and recognise how each story has the potential to create shared connections and understanding.
James' story - connecting through food
Port Phillip resident and Chair of our Multicultural Advisory Committee, James, shares his story with us and talks about how food can bring people and communities together.
If you would like to connect with James and learn more about his food experiences, you can find him on Facebook and Instagram under the name The Well-Fed Nomad.
Fun Fact: James' video was created as part of the Smartphone Stories project, which saw community members come together to film their stories on smartphones. James' interview was captured by Freda.
Events and Activities for 2024
Join us in celebrating Cultural Diversity Week with the following 2024 events.
Festival Africa 2024 at St Kilda’s Space2b
Brace yourselves for a day of rhythm, flavour, and community spirit as Festival Africa ignites St Kilda's own Art Lane at Space2b.
This event is supported by City of Port Phillip's Cultural Development Fund – Festival and Events.
When and where
11 am to 5 pm, Sunday 17 March 2024
Space 2b laneway - 144 Chapel St, St Kilda
Artwork by Karen Bravo.
Let’s celebrate our diverse City
As part of Cultural Diversity Week, 18 of our City’s multicultural seniors groups have come together to host a spectacular afternoon filled with stories, music, food, art, movement and more.
When and where
11.45 am to 2 pm, Tuesday 19 March 2024
Port Melbourne Town Hall – 333 Bay Street, Port Melbourne
Yachad Senior Citizens Club
Welcome to Diversity Week Walk
Celebrate the inclusive multicultural heritage of Port Phillip by following the immigration trail starting from Station Pier where so many ancestors first began their journey in Australia.
Our local walk leader will help you retrace their footsteps and learn about the remarkable stories which continue to shape our community.
When and where
10 am to 12 pm, Sunday 24 March 2024
Station Pier - 6 Waterfront Place, Port Melbourne
Migrants on the Oronsay, 1939.
Cultural Diversity Week at our libraries
Update: The 'Author Talk: Bruno Lettieri in conversation with Amra Pajalic and Demet Divaroren' event has been postponed until Tuesday 7 May 2024.
Vinod and Anubrata - Classical Indian Music
Vinod and Anubrata's performances are a mesmerising blend of authentic traditional Indian music.
When and where
6.30 to 7.30 pm, Monday 18 March 2024,
St Kilda Library - 130 Carlisle Street, St Kilda
Translated poster in Hindi language. View the enlarged version here.
Author Talk: Bruno Lettieri in conversation with Amra Pajalic and Demet Divaroren
Growing up Muslim in Australia celebrates diversity, courage and determination while dispelling myths and stereotypes.
When and where
6.30 pm to 7.30 pm, Tuesday 19 March 2024
Emerald Hill Library, 195 Bank St, South Melbourne
Author talk poster for the book Growing up Muslim in Australia. View the enlarged version here.
Children's activities in our libraries
An afternoon of family-friendly activities celebrating our community’s diverse cultures will be hosted at the St Kilda Library, including craft activities with Space 2b, a hosted storytime and Cool Capoeira.
When and where
10.30 am to 3 pm, Saturday 23 March 2024
St Kilda Library - 130 Carlisle Street, St Kilda
Cultural Diversity Week Family Day poster. View enlarged version here.
Author Talk: George Kyriakou
George Kyriakou will discuss seven generations of culture, conflict, compassion and understanding.
When and where
6.30 to 7.30 pm, Tuesday 26 March 2024
Port Melbourne Library - 333 Bay Street, Port Melbourne
Translated poster in Greek language. View the enlarged version here.
Love your library in your language
For the duration of Cultural Diversity Week (18 to 24 March), all of our libraries will have postcards available for you to leave a comment in your native language. The postcard will then be displayed on the walls for all to enjoy.
