Category: Africa Day Celebrations

Celebrating the Cultures and Successes of Africa Australians and the New Africa

“Serving all Victorians”   

Africa Day has been celebrated in Melbourne since 2012. Each year Africa Day is celebrated in partnership between Africa Day Australia, numerous African Australian community organizations and other organisations representing the broader Australian community.

A central aim of the Africa Day organising committee is the fostering of cooperation and partnerships between diverse Australian African communities, NGOs, the broader Australian community and the international community. The networking focused on peace building, collaboration and development within the social, cultural and economic arena. An additional aim promotes fulfilment of the human potential by fostering individual empowerment, loving families and the public good.

The week long celebrations covered several activities that began with the Emerge Street Festival on the 18 May; in partnership with Multicultural Arts Victoria, showcasing local African performing arts talent.

Gala DINNER

250 were in attendance at the Gala Dinner including members of the diplomatic corps, government organizations, members of various political parties and numerous community organizations.

Africa’s Got Talent

Africa’s Got Talent (AGT) is the performing arts competition of Africa Day Australia celebrations. 300 were in attendance to witness this youth talent quest which every year unleashes African Australian creative talents. Below are the winners for 2016. $5000. In prize money was distributed to the winners. In 2016 Frazer Mutumwa the General Manager of AGT did an amazing job making this even the best ever.

Africa Day Sports Festival

Africa Day Sports Festival – “Living Healthy Active Lives”

We had more than 100 participants at this year Africa Day Sports Festival. The completion included Netball, basketball and Soccer.

Family and Youth Forum

The Family and Youth Forum focusses on collaboration and development within the social, cultural and economic arena. Additionally, the forum promotes human potential by fostering individual empowerment, loving families and the public good.

Celebrating the Cultures and Successes of Africa Australians and the New Africa

“Serving all Victorians”   

Each year, Africa Day provides an opportunity to acknowledge the achievements of the peoples and governments of Africa. In 2013, the 50th anniversary of the founding of the African Union was celebrated around the world. Being the second year for Africa Day Melbourne celebrations, the weeklong events are now a permanent part of Melbourne’s social calendar. Africa Day in Australia is an opportunity to celebrate African cultural diversity and unity as well as the economic, spiritual, moral, social and cultural contributions and successes of Australians from African descent. Africa Day events highlight the benefits African/Australians bring to Australia and the importance of Africa to Australia and the world.

A central aim of the Africa Day organising committee is the fostering of cooperation and partnerships between diverse Australian African communities, NGOs, the broader Australian community and the international community. The networking focused on peace building, collaboration and development within the social, cultural and economic arena. An additional aim promotes fulfilment of the human potential by fostering individual empowerment, loving families and the public good.

The week long celebrations covered several activities that began with the Emerge Street Festival on the 18 May; in partnership with Multicultural Arts Victoria, showcasing local African performing arts talent.

Hon Kevin Rudd MP

The Inaugural Africa Day, Australian-African Dialogue lecture was given by the Honourable Kevin Rudd, former Prime Minister of Australia on the 21st of May. This lecture was made possible through a partnership between La Trobe University’s Centre for Dialogue, the Africa Day Steering Committee and the Africa Think Tank. Mr Rudd spoke on the topic of ‘Africa – Australia Relations: Challenges and prospects’. As both Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mr Rudd’s extensive experience and knowledge on this topic was evident. Australia is a good friend of Africa; diplomatically and economically. This support paid off with Australia gaining a seat at the UN Security Council through Africa’s backing, Mr Rudd said. He also made the case for Africa’s emerging economy and the opportunities this affords Australia. Mr Rudd conveyed, “Part of the mission of this dialogue is to convey this basic economic message to Australia’s businesses: that Africa is open for business and that African governments have progressively achieved improved governance standards ever the past decade. Therefore, the key basis of the ‘New Africa’ as part of the global dynamics and changes means that Africa is a diverse continent of increasing importance to the world. In geopolitical terms, African countries have increasing influence on international organisations. In resources terms, Africa has vast reserves. In trading terms, the African population represents a huge potential market; and in agricultural terms, Africa’s under-utilised arable lands represent great opportunities to feed the world. Africa also continues to face significant challenges, particularly in health, governance and economic development.” Following a visit to Africa in 2009, the President of the World Bank, Mr Robert Zoellick, called for the 21st century to be ‘the century of Africa’. Many other advanced countries are turning their attention towards Africa. It is imperative; therefore, that Australia understands these developments and responds accordingly Mr Rudd said.

Sibusio Maphosa – Local Businessman

The unity of the Steering Committee and great support by the African Think Tank of Melbourne University led by Dr. Berhan Ahmed and in concert with the City of Melbourne /YMCA Director Adnan Benhim helped bring this event to life.

Community Leaders and other volunteers shared comments and inspiring remarks including Yasseen Musa of the Eritrean Community in Australia, also important member of the steering committee; Tut Pal Ding- UPF Ambassador for Peace & Vice-President, Lost Boys Association of Australia; Yasir Mahmud Senior Employment Consultant Job Prospects. The closing remarks were offered by Lulir Mohamed Said, the leader of the Eritrean Opposition Party in Australia, who was passionate about his countries needs.

Githinji Mote and ​Ahmed Abeelrahim

Music and dancing were enjoyed by all and led by Githinji Mbote of the Pan African Community of Australia,  Eritrean guitarist and singer, Ahmed Abeelrahim who spoke very well and offered a beautiful Islamic prayer for peace sung with great emotion, and to close the evening  the Oromo Dance Group delighted guests and inspired us all to dance with them!

Additionally, the following organizations also helped greatly with food donations, volunteers and encouragement: Noteworthy were the, WEAVE, UPF Youth Group, The Woman’s Federation for World Peace, AFP (Australian Federal Police), Federal Agent Alan Smith, who also donated $1000 for the event; The Guide Restaurant donated food; Cooking with Miriam, Woolworths, and Eritrean Australians for Justice and Peace.

Tut Pal Ding- Vice-President, Lost Boy  Association of Australia

Dr. Berhan Ahmed spoke profoundly about a number of integral points regarding the African experience and responsibility of African Australians.

Co-Chair of the Melbourne Africa Day Steering committee John Bellavance, introduced the Universal Peace Federation’s support of Africa Day internationally and the core values of the Federation.  

The day’s festivities stretched from at 3 to 8 PM and welcomed local politicians who gave their encouraging and congratulatory remarks to include Dr. Cathy Oke, City Councillor representing Adam Bandt local MP (Greens), Jennifer Kanis State Member for Melbourne, Josh Presser representing Director Amanda Paxton of DIMC (Department of Immigration and Citizenship) in Victoria, also joining us was VMC (Victorian Multicultural Commission) Commissioner Jenny Matic.