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Pakenham celebrates Fusion Fest

Bollydazzlers Dance Troupe put on a great show. PICTURES: GARY SISSONS

Fusion Festival celebrated diversity and inclusion in Pakenham on Saturday 22 June to mark World Refugee Week.

Pakenham Hall was filled with many communities of the South East, coming together for this year’s theme of ‘Finding Freedom’ with a focus on family celebrating the shared values of resilience, strength, and unity that define our multicultural community.

The event’s keynote speaker was multi-award-winning photographer and filmmaker, Barat Ali Batoor who shared his personal experiences as a refugee. There was also a screening of Batoor’s award-winning full-length documentary film ‘Batoor: A Refugee Journey’.

An annual event is held to raise awareness for World Refugee Week (16-22 June) and showcase the contribution of refugees in the community. It is organised by Cardinia Shire 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 and Foundation House.

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