Promoting harmony in Victorian communities 

24/09/2003

Gwenda Prince, Victorian State Manager of the Department of Family and Community Services, will be attending the launch of a film produced by St Luke's Anglicare's Promoting Harmony Project in Bendigo tomorrow.

Ms Prince said that the Promoting Harmony Project is an eight-month project that aims to improve community cohesion, trust in authorities and community support for tolerance.

'The Minister for Family and Community Services, Amanda Vanstone, approved funding of $43,000 in December 2002 for the project under the Family and Community Networks Initiative,' Ms Prince said.

'This Australian Government initiative has the objective of enhancing the capacity of communities and services to work together effectively to address the needs of families and communities.

'The Promoting Harmony Project has raised messages about the importance of promoting harmony within schools, community houses, local newspapers and community groups and has involved the production of a play and film.

'Over 60 community members were involved in the creation of the film 'The Dirt on Squirt' alone. Local people, including young people from the local schools and older people in the community, created the script, performed the roles and produced the film.

'These people, and other community groups and local authorities involved in the Promoting Harmony Project, have explored issues of difference, acceptance, tolerance and prejudice.

'The project's activities focus on families in the suburbs of Eaglehawk and Long Gully in Bendigo, and has shown what can be achieved by local communities, with support from the Australian Government.'

Tomorrow's event will involve a screening of the film, 'The Dirt on Squirt', as well as dance and song performances by local young and older people. Ms Prince will present certificates and gifts of appreciation to local people who participated in the film and the Reference Group who guided the project.

The launch of the film will take place at the Star Cinema, Eaglehawk tomorrow at 7pm.