Central Coast Council will celebrate the cultural diversity across the Central Coast with Flavours by the Sea as part of Harmony Day celebrations on Saturday 24 March.

The message of Harmony Day is ‘everyone belongs’, and aims to engage people to participate in their community, respect cultural and religious diversity and foster a sense of belonging.

Council’s Unit Manager Community Partnerships, Glenn Cannard, said the day is a chance to celebrate the many cultures that make up Australia and the Central Coast and it is a great time to reflect on the importance of inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone.

“Our diversity makes Australia a great place to live,” Mr Cannard said.

“To celebrate we are hosting an event called Flavours by the Sea - a chance for everyone to come together and celebrate the region’s diversity with a taste of the world food, music and art.

“Our annual event has been revamped and will see local acts mixing with some of the country’s best entertainers as well as giving people the opportunity to taste their way around the world at our amazing food stalls.

“I encourage everyone to come along and celebrate the different cultures this event has to offer in recognition of how diverse our community is becoming.”

Council Mayor Jane Smith said as the population on the Central Coast grows, so does the diversity.

“One of my favourite roles as Mayor is to conduct citizenship ceremonies which highlight how diversity and multiculturalism is thriving on the Central Coast,” Mayor Smith said.

“Already this year we have seen more than 150 residents become Australia Citizens with a special ceremony on Australia Day.

“There will be another five ceremonies this year – which means we will see more than 400 people who have decided to make Australia, and the Central Coast, their home.

“Australia is such a vibrant and multicultural country, it’s great to see it being embraced on the Central Coast.”

Council has secured national artists, Harry James Angus (of The Cat Empire) and King Tide, to headline the entertainment at Flavours by the Sea.

The popular Harmonic Forest is back - an installation of illuminated prefabricated trees narrating live visual stories.

Festival goers will be invited to participate in a free workshop to create designs and images that will be projected as part of the ‘Harmonic Forest’.

Flavours by the Sea will be held at Memorial Park, The Entrance on Saturday 24 March from 3.30-8.30pm.

Find out more details at: centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/events