Join the celebration at Fusion Festival 2024!

Back by popular demand, this vibrant community event is set to take place from 11am to 4.30pm on Saturday 22 June 2024 at Pakenham Hall, John Street, Pakenham.

The FREE event will feature an array of food and service stalls, dynamic performers, and speakers from diverse cultures around the globe. Additionally, there will be a variety of children’s and youth activities, ensuring entertainment for all ages.

Fusion Festival 2024 aims to unite the whole community through a fun and enlightening experience. This year’s theme of ‘Finding Freedom’ with a focus on family celebrates the shared values of resilience, strength, and unity that define our multicultural community.

The event also serves to raise awareness about the purpose of World Refugee Week (16-22 June 2024) as a time to acknowledge the journeys and contributions of refugees worldwide.

Multi-award-winning photographer and filmmaker, Barat Ali Batoor, will appear as Keynote Speaker. Batoor, a two-time TEDx speaker, will share his personal experiences as a refugee and discuss the significance of World Refugee Day.

Cardinia Shire Mayor Councillor Jack Kowarzik encouraged every Cardinia Shire community member to attend and make the most of the cultural performances, interactive stalls, and youth and children’s activities.

“Cardinia Shire’s Fusion Festival is more than just a celebration; it’s an opportunity for community connection, education, and family-friendly fun! People can come together, learn from each other, and enjoy the richness of our diverse community,” Mayor Kowarzik said.

“Join us in this celebration of freedom, family, resilience, and the fusion of cultures that make up our community. Come and experience global cultures through live performances, get a taste of cultural diversity with a range of food offerings, and enjoy the fun-filled activities designed to educate and entertain. There will be something for everyone at this festival."

Batoor’s award-winning full-length documentary film ‘Batoor: A Refugee Journey’ will also be showing at Pakenham Library from 2pm on Saturday 22 June 2024.

For more information about the Fusion Festival 2024, please visit www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/multiculturalevents or contact Council’s Community Development Facilitator - Cultural Diversity on 1300 787 624.

For more information about World Refugee Week, visit www.refugeeweek.org.au.

This year’s event is hosted in partnership between Council and South Sudanese Community Group with support from Casey Cardinia Refugee, Centre for Multicultural Youth, Cardinia Youth Services, Myli, Southeast Community Links, Living and learning Centre, Southern Migrant & Refugee Centre, AfriAus iLeac, Foundation House.