Multicultural

The City of Marion celebrates its culturally, linguistically and religiously diverse communities.

Marion supports and works in partnership with culturally diverse people and organisations to deliver community cultural development projects, programs and events.

Marion is home to two significant cultural landmarks including the Shri Ganesha Hindu Temple in Oaklands Park and the Islamic Mosque in Park Holme.

Culturally and religiously diverse communities are encouraged to view the grants programs and speak to the Community Grants Officer about applying.

Staff participate in relevant networks to support understanding of issues facing new arrivals and other multicultural communities.

Citizenship candidates take the pledge of allegiance to Australia and are officially pronounced Australian Citizens. The City of Marion hosts approximately five ceremonies per year.

Our libraries offers languages other than the English collection including books, newspapers, DVD's and CD's. It also offers online languages courses with over 80 languages to select from.

Neighbourhood Centres offer English Language classes, New Arrival programs and Adult Community Education Courses for migrants.

Home and Community Care have translated information and use of interpreters.

The Living in Harmony initiative is designed to challenge all Australians to take a stand against racism, prejudice and intolerance. Harmony Day is about practising justice, equality, fairness and developing friendship.

It coincides with International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on 21 March each year.

Multicultural Music & Dance Spectacular!

Harmony 2023 was celebrated with a multicultural music and dance spectacular for all ages!

The audience experienced the colour and diversity of contemporary and traditional cultural performances with 40 performers including a Welcome to Country with didgeridoo, ancient Chinese zither and drum dance, percussive foot sounds of Irish dance, the passion and beauty of Flamenco, and the excitement of Bollywood.

Saturday 25 March, 7pm – 8:30pm at the Marion Cultural Centre – Domain Theatre.

Marion Mosque Community Open Day

The Marion Mosque is a unique cultural and religious landmark in the City of Marion.

In the spirit of cultural and religious harmony, the Islamic Society of SA invited people to step inside and learn about the history, functions and Islamic faith in this special community event.

Guests enjoyed Arabic coffee with sweets, a tour of the Mosque, prayer observation and Q & A with volunteers and community members.

This free family event encouragesdinterfaith dialogue and cross cultural understanding. All were welcome to attend.

Saturday 18 March, 1pm – 2:30pm at the Marion Mosque, 658 Marion Road, Park Holme.

Marion in Harmony is a photographic portraiture exhibition highlighting twenty individuals from culturally diverse backgrounds to celebrate cultural harmony, and to explore their connection to Marion's community.

The exhibition was launched in the Chambers Gallery, and can now be viewed at Glandore and Trott Park Community Centre's.

The exhibition provides an insight into how and why people connect to their community through unique photographic portraits and personal statements by each participant. A booklet was produced in conjunction with the exhibition capturing personal stories and experiences about themes which are important for contributing meaning and a sense of belonging to their lives.

Participant feedback

"It was an amazing experience to be part of this project which promotes cultural diversity and creates connection beyond language and culture. It was nice to see community members from various backgrounds standing as one to celebrate various different cultures who come together to celebrate multiculturalism. I would like to thank City of Marion to take this initiative and to staff for organising it. It was an overwhelming experience watching all the beautiful cultures together and sharing their knowledge and experience of being part of the community."

Community Connections is a guide which was developed by seven Councils, including the City of Marion, and the Australian Refugee Association in 2007.

It aims to assist new arrivals and people who are unfamiliar with written English to understand the role of Councils and the services Councils provide.

The booklet is also a useful tool for students and residents to get a good overview about the role of Local Government.

On the 26 August 2003, Marion Council declared the City of Marion a Refugee Friendly City, supported and endorsed by the Refugee Council of Australia.

This Declaration is a commitment in spirit to welcoming refugees into our community, upholding the human rights of refugees, demonstrating compassion for refugees and enhancing cultural and religious diversity in our community.

The City of Marion supports the Australian Refugee Association's Scholarship Program. The program supports refugees to participate in education programs.

For more information visit the Australian Refugee Association South Australia website.

For further information about the most recent 2021 Census Demographics on cultural diversity in Marion.

Cultural Development Officer

For urgent matters that require after-hours service, please phone 8375 6666.