Multicultural feast a first in overcoming language barrier

By RUTH FLUHR A HEFTY dollop of goodwill accompanied the food and stories shared by a group of over 60 women who picnicked on Seven Creeks Park on Thursday, 8 May with a handful of lively children in tow. The brisk but sunny morning added to the unique nature of the gathering in that it represented 14 different ethnic backgrounds, with representatives hailing from Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Kuwait, South Sudan, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, China, Greece, Indonesia, Malaysia, Scotland, England, and Australia. It was a truly heartwarming celebration of connection, intercultural exchange, language development, delighting in Euroa’s beautiful autumn colours, mutual respect, and delicious food. The visitors sure knew how to picnic and it was great to meet so many cheerful, strong women with limited English being no barrier to making connections. The enthusiasm and delightful company matched the Syrian tea and Sudanese coffee (ginger and honey added) which were quite 'next level'. The picnic was a project conceived during the COVID pandemic and was a collaboration between the Community Hub of Shepparton's St Georges Road Primary School, the Shepparton English Language Centre, and Rural Australians for Refugees - Strathbogie Shire. Hub leader Liz Arcus said the language-learning benefits of such an event were key to its success. “English language learning – a shared goal of all the participating immigrant women – is best achieved through real-life interaction," Ms Arcus said. "And the day sparked new vocabulary, story-telling, and confidence.” She said that this learning has continued in class through reflection, photo stories, writing, and discussion. It was obvious how much the Shepparton visitors and their hosts enjoyed the peacefulness of Seven Creeks Park, among many other delights such as the crisp autumn air, feeding ducks by the water, time to relax, run, and play beneath the trees, face painting and bubble blowing for the children, and seeing the iconic and centuries-old Swaggy Tree. A special attraction for children and adults alike was the possum puppet, worked skillfully by Violet Town artist Helena Beeching; many people were sure her puppets were real - even up close! The organisers were pleased to meet the shire's community development officer Jean McKinnon who visited, and were very appreciative of the generosity of members of Euroa’s Historical Museum in opening up for the visitors. The women spoke warmly of the guides and the interesting exhibits, such as spinning wheels, wedding dresses, cooking pots, and farm machinery, some of which reminded them of rural life in their countries of origin. They also expressed how much they would like to bring their families to Euroa again to picnic beneath the trees on what all hope was the first of many more such enjoyable days.

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