Diversity Week 2025
On 20 March 2025, we welcomed over 50 people from our vibrant multicultural community for a day filled with music, dance, and connection. A big thank you to Tim Watts MP for joining us and to our amazing performers—the Filipino band, Congolese dancers, and Cook Island dancers—who brought so much energy and joy to the event. Of course, no celebration is complete without delicious refreshments! Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make this event a success.
Check out some highlights below!
Refugee Week 2025
In June 2025, Walker Close Community Centre proudly hosted Refugee Week as part of our Our Diversity is Our Beauty initiative. The event brought together local residents, newly arrived families, and community supporters to honour the resilience, strength and contributions of people with refugee backgrounds.
A highlight of the event was a powerful talk from an Afghan community member, who courageously shared her journey to Australia as a refugee. Her story offered insight into the challenges faced during resettlement, as well as the hope and opportunities found in building a new life. Her voice deeply moved participants and helped strengthen understanding and empathy within our community.
We also enjoyed a beautiful Vietnamese cultural dance performance, where performers shared not only the art form, but also the cultural meanings and traditions behind the dance. This celebration of heritage encouraged learning, appreciation and cultural pride.
The event received positive feedback, fostering many new connections and friendships. Refugee Week reminded us of the beauty in our diversity and reinforced our commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive community for everyone.
Christmas in July 2025
We were thrilled to welcome more than 65 wonderful residents who came together to share laughter, warm conversations, and festive fun. From the delicious treats to the joyful games, sing-alongs and dancing — it truly felt like a winter celebration full of heart.
We’re so grateful to have such a connected and caring community, and we can’t wait to do it all again! Many of you shared how much you enjoyed the afternoon, and we’re already looking forward to welcoming you back at our future events.
Yarn Time 2025
Yarn Time has been one of our most meaningful programs in 2025, bringing people together to share culture, creativity and connection. Each session invited participants to slow down and sit together.
A special highlight of the program was our collaboration with Wala Connections from the Boonwurrung community, which enriched the project with cultural knowledge, guidance and respect. We opened sessions with Grounding and Acknowledgement to Country, honouring the traditional custodians of the land. Participants experienced a beautiful Boonwurrung Ngargee Dance performance, followed by a Movement Workshop. A Yarning Circle created space for storytelling, reflection and meaningful connection to Country, strengthening understanding and community spirit.
It is a place of learning, healing, belonging and cultural exchange. Through shared yarns, shared moments, we have seen new friendships, stronger community bonds and deeper respect for First Nations culture. We look forward to continuing this journey together.
