Families gathered at Southern Grove Primary School for a day focused on culture, connection and wellbeing, as the school hosted its Harmony, Health and Happiness Expo.
The event brought together students, parents and local organisations for a picnic-style afternoon, followed by stalls, activities and live entertainment.
Principal Rebecca Burns said the idea behind the expo was to create space for both celebration and support.
“I think it’s really important that we celebrate diversity, and I think it’s really important also that in a busy world like today, we need to take the time to focus on some wellbeing,” she said.
“That was sort of what was behind it, and also bringing our community together for it, not doing it isolated, just with our students.”
She said harmony at the school meant people from different backgrounds learning to live and grow together.
“Harmony for our school community means that people of different cultures and backgrounds coming together and coexisting together, learning from each other, accepting each other,” Ms Burns said.
“Everybody’s different, everybody’s important, and everybody’s perfect the way they are.”
Wellbeing support was also a key focus of the day, particularly for families facing challenges.
“It’s really important that we, especially at a school, that the children come and feel safe and supported,” she said.
“We’ve got children with families going through hard times, war, things like that.”
Parents said the event created a chance to connect and experience different cultures.
Sharon, who attended with her daughter, said she came along to celebrate Harmony Day and support the school.
“I loved the drumming, African drumming, yeah, and I love the school. It’s a great like, lots of culture here, lots of variety,” she said.
She said events like this helped children understand their identity while learning about others.
“It brings everybody together from different background. And it’s important for my child as well… she sees around all this love and respect that is important.”
Other parents shared similar views, with many highlighting the opportunity to see what happens inside the school and spend time together.
Asfak, another parent, said, “It’s obviously very important we see how the school runs and how they interact with other kids… it’s nice to come and see what’s happening inside.”
Another parent, Rema, stated the event reflected Australia’s multicultural community.
“It’s quite important, because staying in a country like this just embrace every culture,” she said.
Students were equally engaged, with many pointing to the performances as a highlight.
Ishani said her favourite part was “the African drumming,” adding Harmony Day mattered “because you gotta celebrate other beautiful cultures.”
Tiana said she had learned “that so many people are from so many different places around the world,” while Keira said it was important “so you can respect people’s cultures.”
Community organisations also attended, offering support and information to families.
Tim from YouthCARE said events like this helped people connect.
“I think it’s really important because we are very social creatures, so we can build connection and not feel as isolated,” he said.
He said it also gave families a chance to engage with services in a more relaxed setting.
Across the school grounds, families moved between stalls, shared food and watched performances, with African drumming emerging as a clear crowd favourite among both children and adults.
The principal said the strong turnout reflected the school’s community spirit.
“We’ve got a really fantastic school community, and they do come to all events and contribute where possible,” she said.
“We love that… it’s a lovely place to be.”
