The Australian War College (AWC) came alive with colour, music and international cuisine when more than 1000 course members and guests gathered for the annual International Day on May 2.
Course members from 27 nations represented at AWC joined their families, faculty and invited Defence representatives to share food, cultural customs and stories.
AWC Commandant Brigadier Lara Troy said the event strengthened relationships between the partner nations whose representatives studied at the college.
"International Day provides an opportunity for our overseas course members and their families to share their cultures, and highlights how showcasing diversity can strengthen understanding and community," Brigadier Troy said.
"This shared understanding is key to preparing future leaders to operate in a complex and contested world and build relationships that will last long past when the course is completed."
The Sri Lankan stall featured a vibrant display of spices and handcrafted textiles.
Brigadier Ruwan Ehelepola, a Sri Lankan strategic studies student, said the day was an opportunity to celebrate the diversity that strengthened the Defence community.
"It is a privilege to contribute to an event that brings nations together in friendship and understanding," Brigadier Ehelepola said.
'This shared understanding is key to preparing future leaders to operate in a complex and contested world.'
The Indonesian stall showcased traditional batik patterns and served regional favourite dishes.
Major Muhammad Imam Abdillah, an Indonesian officer attending the Australian Command and Staff course, said International Day was a wonderful platform to share his cultural heritage and strengthen the bonds of friendship at the college.
"At the Indonesian stall, we are excited to offer a taste of the archipelago with traditional dishes like beef rendang, alongside displays of our traditional batik textiles," he said.
For Major Alex Hengene, a Papua New Guinean officer on the Australian Command and Staff course, the event brought a strong sense of community spirit, highlighting the deep people-to-people ties that underpin Australia's Pacific partnerships.
"International Day is an opportunity for different countries attending AWC to display our cultures and to promote it to other nations," Major Hengene said.
"It is also an opportunity to build and enhance our networks with AWC staff, other students and their families, as well as dignitaries from the ADF and other countries."
Course members spoke about how cultural literacy enhanced operational effectiveness, and the shared challenges facing the region.
