The City of Greater Bendigo and the Karen Organisation of Bendigo are launching a new video called We Are Karen to increase understanding and acceptance of the Karen community in Greater Bendigo.
The We Are Karen video highlights the history and background of the Karen community and the wonderful contribution the 2,500 strong Karen community members make to the liveability of Greater Bendigo.
The video will be launched by Greater Bendigo Deputy Mayor Cr Rod Fyffe at 10am on Saturday 14 September 2019 at the Bendigo Library. The launch will feature a showing of the video, as well as a light morning tea of Karen treats and refreshments.
Karen Organisation of Bendigo Manager Se Sei Mu Thein said the creation of the video for the wider non-Karen community promotes a broader understanding of the Karen people and their journey to be here.
"The first Karen family arrived over ten years ago and we have progressed to now have one of the largest Karen communities in Australia," Ms Thein said.
"With the theme We Are Karen, we are working to increase the understanding between the Karen and non-Karen in the community in order to celebrate our culture, promote social cohesion and say what we love about life in Greater Bendigo.
"Our Karen community love the peaceful lifestyle here and they aspire to contribute to making Bendigo the best City to live, play, work and study."
City of Greater Bendigo Community Partnerships Acting Manager Fiona Jemmett said the video supports the City's goal of creating a welcoming city for all.
"The video is linked to actions in the City's Cultural Diversity and Inclusion Plan, our work as a Refugee Welcome Zone and our work towards becoming an accredited Welcoming City," Ms Jemmett said.
"With so many amazing Karen people making Bendigo their home, attending school, work and community events it's important to support their strong connections to this City and teach the broader community about where this wonderful group have journeyed from."
The video was funded by the Victorian Government Department of Premier and Cabinet and will be available after the launch through the City's website and on social media.
