The Cardinia Shire community is invited to join the 2025 Fusion Festival celebrations in honour of World Refugee Week.
Returning by popular demand, this vibrant community event will take place on Friday, 20 June 2025, with family fun from 3.30pm to 6pm and a special film screening from 6.30pm – 8.30pm at the Cardinia Cultural Centre located at 40 Lakeside Blvd, Pakenham.
Join us from 3.30pm to 6pm for a family fun afternoon filled with a delightful array of food and service stalls, dynamic performances, and insightful speakers representing diverse cultures from around the globe. Additionally, there will be a variety of engaging activities for children and youth, ensuring fun for all ages. Fusion Festival 2025 aims to unite the community through a joyful and enlightening experience.
This year’s theme, ‘Community as a Superpower’, focuses on the incredible impact of community bonds and celebrates simple acts of shared generosity and kindness as an unstoppable force. The festival also serves to raise awareness of World Refugee Week (15-21 June 2025), a time to recognise the journey and contributions of refugees worldwide.
After the family fun festival concludes at 6pm the Cardinia Cultural Centre will host an additional event in honour of World Refugee Week featuring multi-award-winning photographer and filmmaker Barat Ali Batoor. Batoor’s award-winning full-length documentary film, ‘Batoor: A Refugee Journey,’ will be screened at 6:30pm followed with a Q&A session with Batoor and one of Cardinia Shire Council’s Multicultural Advisory Group members. Due to the mature themes present in Batoor’s film this event is advised for mature audiences aged 18 years and over. Tickets for this event are available at https://CARDINIA.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/149346
Cardinia Shire Mayor Councillor Jack Kowarzik encourages every community member to attend and enjoy the cultural performances, interactive stalls, and activities on offer.
“Cardinia Shire’s Fusion Festival is more than just a celebration, it’s a chance for community connection, education, and family-friendly fun! This is an opportunity for people to come together, learn from one another, and appreciate the richness of our diverse community,” said Mayor Kowarzik.
“Join us in this celebration of diversity, family, togetherness, and the fusion of cultures that enrich our community. Experience global cultures through live performances, indulge in a variety of food offerings, and enjoy the fun-filled activities designed to educate and enlighten you on the journey of Refugee and Asylum seekers in Australia. There will be something for everyone at this festival.”
This year’s event is hosted in partnership with Myli, Southeast Melbourne Chin Community, Better Health, Casey Cardinia for Refugees, Anglicare Australia, United African Farm, Australian Tamil Sangram inc, AfriausIleac, Hazara Cultural Association.
Cardinia Shire Council acknowledges the Victorian State Government’s Multicultural Affairs, Department of Premier and Cabinet, for the funding support through the Multicultural Festivals and Events Program, to deliver this year’s Fusion Festival.
For more information about the 2025 Fusion Festival, please visit www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/multiculturalevents.
For more information about World Refugee Week, visit www.refugeeweek.org.au.
