Bannister Creek Primary School hosted a vibrant Harmony Picnic on Friday, March 22, which drew an estimated crowd of 1500 attendees from the local community.
The event, held in the school grounds, was a celebration of diversity and community spirit, featuring a lineup of performances and community stalls.
Distinguished guests in attendance included Sam Lim MP, Bill Johnston MLA, Kate Doust MLA, Canning Deputy Mayor Amanda Spencer-Teo, and Councillor Mark Bain, who added to the festivities with their presence and support.
The evening was filled with an array of captivating performances, showcasing the rich cultural diversity within the community. This was opened with the sounds of boodja reflected through the didge playing of Coen Fowler.
Members of the Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra (MetSo) delighted the audience with their musical talents, while the Flamenco Dance and Lion Dance performances added an exciting flair to the event. The school choir also impressed with their harmonious melody.
Adding to the vibrancy of the event were numerous community stalls representing various sports and extracurricular activities available in the local area. Sporting clubs and organisations like the Lynwood Ferndale Football Club, Jetz Netball Club, Riverton Scout Group, Extreme Cheer Allstars and Whaleback Golf Course provided information and opportunities for involvement, while services focused on mental health and well-being, such as the City of Canning Lynwood Youth Hub, Culture Care WA, Headspace, YouthCARE, MercyCare, Child and Parent Centre Brookman, and Lynwood Ferndale Playgroup, offered valuable resources and support to attendees.
The success of the Harmony Picnic was attributed to the school’s proactive approach in fostering connections with the local community. By reaching out to community groups and creating pathways for consultation with culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) families, Bannister Creek Primary School demonstrated its commitment to inclusivity and collaboration.
As part of its efforts to align with the Department of Education’s Multicultural Plan, the school established a CALD community group, providing a platform for families to engage and contribute to various school matters. This initiative reflects the school’s dedication to supporting intercultural understanding and cultural responsiveness, in line with the state government’s Multicultural Policy Framework priorities.
Principal Susan Archdall expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support and participation in the Harmony Picnic, emphasizing the importance of creating opportunities for all families to engage in the school’s decision-making processes.
“It is our school’s priority to ensure that every family feels valued, culturally safe and has their voice heard and events like these play a crucial role in fostering a sense of belonging and unity within our community,” she said.
The Harmony Picnic not only celebrated cultural diversity but also served as a testament to the strength and cohesion of the Bannister Creek community, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.
