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‘Transport yourself into someone’s culture’: Converge on the Goulburn bringing the community together

Hanging out: Ann and Angel Bijoy and Albatool Abdulamir enjoying the weekend out Photos: Megan Fisher Photo by Megan Fisher

Thousands of people attended Converge on the Goulburn at the Victoria Park Lake on Saturday, March 19.

The multicultural festival brought the community together to celebrate diverse cultures through food, dance and music.

“You step out of the place that you’re living and transport yourself into someone else's culture through whatever; like performances, food, or even talking to someone,” master of ceremonies Neha Samar said.

It was Ms Samar’s first time as MC for the festival, which she was nervous about, but she said she wanted to do it to better represent women of colour.

“You can’t be what you can’t see; when I see any woman taking on powerful roles you might not expect, I feel empowered, and when I see brown women it just knocks it out of the park,” she said.

“Maybe if they look at me, they can come towards the stage and see what's going on.”

Shepparton Festival creative director Jamie Lea said the event was a great way to promote positive parts of the town and connect with the community.

“People come to give, they perform to give, they cook to give, and to connect,” she said.

Time with the young ones: Ifte Hossain and Zahi Iftekhar at the festival. Photo by Megan Fisher
Horsing around: There were some impressive outfits. Photo by Megan Fisher
Dancing the day away: There were diverse performances at Converge on the Goulburn. Photo by Megan Fisher
Packed: The festival drew thousands of people. Photo by Megan Fisher
Dancing presence: Dancers keep the audience wanting more Photo by Megan Fisher
Cooling off: Eliza and Elliot Seccull having some ice cream. Photo by Megan Fisher
Boogie time: Sean Silun shows off his dance moves. Photo by Megan Fisher
Family moments: Fiona Kennan, Luke Lewis, Hektor Rose, Bonnie Weidenbach, Milo Rose, Siân Lewis, Errol Rose and John Lewis enjoying their day. Photo by Megan Fisher
Performances all around: One of the many culturally diverse dances throughout the evening. Photo by Megan Fisher
Country pride: Wanala Nicholls enjoys celebrating her culture Photo by Megan Fisher