The Multicultural Council will mark Harmony Day, Saturday, 21st March, with sharing of traditional foods and entertainment with the local community.

Keep on eye on our Facebook page for update as the day approaches.

Remembering that Harmony Day is not a large event, but rather, something that anyone can participate in at their own level. It is all about sharing and connecting.

Since 1999, more than 80,000 Harmony Week events have been held in childcare centres, schools, community groups, churches and businesses.

On behalf of the Multicultural Council of Griffith I attended the Attracting and Retaining Newcomers in Regional Towns workshop. It's an ongoing issue for the region.

Migration of any kind has been part of the world since ancient times and will continue into the future.

For a region and the economy to grow and prosper requires people and skills. For farming, trades, technical and in a plethora of other areas.

Therefore, attracting and retaining people in the regional areas has always been a challenging task.

The reasons why people move on, can be attributed to many things, housing, transport, education, health care, community connection, services, faith centres ... the list goes on.

However, my take on this is that it requires sustained leadership and vision. Let's see where it leads and what strategies evolve to enable our region to become stronger both in community and economy.

- Carmel La Rocca