Bannister Creek Primary School’s annual Harmony Picnic drew a crowd of more than 1,500 people in an energetic evening filled with music, dance, and community spirit.
The event was a heartwarming celebration of diversity, culture, and connection, bringing families, students, and the wider community together.
The evening kicked off with a warm multilingual welcome, setting the tone for inclusivity and cultural appreciation. A magical musical prelude followed, performed by a talented Year one student and his family; members of the Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra (MetSO). Their performance cast an enchanting spell over the crowd, showing how music can beautifully unite people of all backgrounds.
The official proceedings began with an Acknowledgement to Country by a Bannister Creek student, followed by a powerful didgeridoo performance by Coen Fowler. His deep, resonant notes paid tribute to the rich heritage of Australia’s First Nations peoples, grounding the evening in respect and tradition.
This year’s community stalls were a major hit. Alongside returning favourites, new participants like the South East Regional Centre for Urban Landcare (SERCUL), FreshSNAP, and Bunnings added fresh energy. A special highlight for many was the surprise visit from Ranger Buddy of the City of Canning, who made a cheerful appearance later in the night.
Cultural performances lit up the stage, offering a glimpse into the diverse traditions that make up the school community. The crowd was treated to an Irish dance by Scoil Rince Ni Bhaird, a thrilling Lion Dance by the Yaolin Kungfu Association, performances by the Bannister Creek Choirs, traditional Singhalese dance by Perth Sinhala School and drumming by the Maharashtra Mandal of Perth
These performances weren’t just entertaining, they were a powerful way for students and families to share their heritage and celebrate each other.
More than just a picnic, the event stood as a shining example of what happens when communities come together to embrace and celebrate their differences. It was a night of learning, laughter, and appreciation, a reminder of the beauty in diversity.
Bannister Creek Primary School extended its heartfelt thanks to the City of Canning for their generous grant and ongoing support, to all performers and stallholders, and to the staff, students, and families who made the evening a resounding success.
