Though the weather was as wet and grey as predicted, the inside of the Memorial Hall was the complete opposite; bright, warm, and full of colour for the Donald Multicultural Festival!

The day began with Lisa Woods welcoming all and thanking the sponsors and volunteers who help make events such as these a possibility. Also introduced was the CEO for Neighbourhood house Victoria, Keir Paterson.

After the introductions the show began in earnest, with the Bendigo Australian Indonesian Klub taking the stage.

With their colourful outfits and incredibly eye catching dance moves, the members of the club kept everyone’s gaze locked on them.

After the dancing came some music, with the St. Arnaud Norman Simpson Memorial Pipe Band!

Playing the unique sound of the bagpipes, the band showcased an entirely different culture from the previous group, something that truly makes the festival special.

Indian dancers

Once again the audience was transported across the globe, this time with the help of the Ararat Indian Dancers.

The beautiful colours of the dancers’ clothes was a perfect contrast to the grey and dreary weather. Shining a light through for all to see.

Neighbourhood Houses

Shortly thereafter Keir Paterson, Neighbourhood House CEO, came on to discuss an important and relevant topic, Neighbourhood Houses. His speech was about how much they do for the community and how little they have to do it with. He also touched on a campaign that all could assist with, a way for the community to showcase how much events like the multicultural festival matter, and how everyone can ensure events such as these continue in the future. The speech was met with a round of applause, one just as big as any of the performances drew!

African drummers

With the show continuing on, the both rhythmic and engaging Bashiri African Drummers came out with their collection of drums. With seemingly enough drums for all of Donald, they entertained young and old alike in a sort of musical “Simon Says”. Asking the audience to drum along to their beat, and even sing at times!

Filipino dance

The Wimmera Filipino Australian Club followed the drums with their own beautiful dance, and quite the array of dancers! Changing from a group dance into a solo act showcased the hard work and talent that continued to be on display from each of the many performers of the day.

Breaking for lunch, Lisa Woods directed all to enjoy the food brought by many volunteers, giving many a chance to taste food whose place of origin would be many miles away. But for those who wanted something that reminded them a little more of Australia, the Donald Lions were prepared with their barbecue.

In addition to the performances there was also a consistent entertainment for the kids in what was known as the Connected Circus. Face painting and games galore, the kids present were never without something to do!

“Shocktober”

Also present was the Ambulance Australia booth, promoting their “Shocktober”?demonstrations and instruction on how to use a defibrillator were available the whole day.

To everyone’s enjoyment there was a repeat act from the African Drummers, who once again brought the rhythm to the masses in a collective way. Letting all embrace their inner drummer once more before the final act of the day.

Horsham Pipe Band

The act that closed the book on the 2025 Multicultural Festival was the Horsham Pipe Band, bringing all the flare and aplomb one might expect. However, as they marched out with their final song, the day came to a close. Enjoyed by all, and an event that tries to get bigger and better year after year, this year’s festival showcased how every community is built by so many people. People who hail from all over the globe, and is that not the best way to be?

Special thanks

Thanks to all the sponsors: Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal, The Maple-Brown Family Foundation, The Buloke Shire, and The Donald Learning Group. Thanks to all community members, performers and volunteers for making this event possible. Thanks to Ruzel the DG and all community members for their contribution for this event. And last but not least, a thank-you to all performers for their colourful, vibrant and fun performances.

See all the photos in the issue.
This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 31 October 2025.