The autumn market at the Italian Cultural Centre in Forrest is going multicultural in celebration of Harmony Day, the Chair of the Canberra Multicultural Community Forum, Sam Wong, said today. “The market is held quarterly to correspond with the seasons and is a long-standing fixture at the centre. In the past it has had a predominantly Italian flavour,” Mr Wong said

“But when organisers saw that the autumn market on Sunday, March 21 was going to coincide with Harmony Day they thought it would be an excellent opportunity to open it up to other ethnic groups.

CMCF fully supports this venture and encourages other communities to come forward with food and information stalls, dance and musical performances as well as art and cultural displays. Mr Wong said that if the venture is a success, it could become a regular event.

“The Forum has always been a major supporter of Harmony day and in the past has run a number of events to support it,” he said. “It is a national festival which celebrates the cohesive and inclusive nature of our nation as well as promoting the benefits of cultural diversity.”

Expressions of interest from interested groups should be submitted by close of business on February 12. An application form can be downloaded from the website at http://www.culturalcentrecanberra.com.au/events/2010/harmonyDayFestival.html