Warwick home for friendship group

The launch of the Multicultural Friendship Group and their first project, ‘Welcome to Warwick’ brochure, was held recently.
The day featured activities such as a native American Indian smudging ceremony and matriarchal dance by Dawn Jess of the Iroquois Tribe, traditional dance from India by Sunny Singh, Tinikling by the Filipino dance group, Irish music by Bill Allen and his Irish Pipe Band, Haka by Kimba from New Caledonia, Somalian songs by Fatun Isse Mire and family and an Ethiopian dance by Mohammad,
Warwick’s Town Crier Bob Townsend was also in attendance.
The Multicultural Friendship Group is an unincorporated organisation composed of dedicated members of the community who wish to welcome and assist in the settlement of newcomers and visitors to the Southern Downs.
The members of the group are made up of business people, skilled and unskilled workers, senior citizens, employed and unemployed.
They have various skills, experiences and backgrounds and are willing to share these with newcomers to Warwick.
Some have relocated to Warwick, some have had first-hand experience in assisting newcomers settle in the Rose City and some are migrants now residing in Warwick.
Many know how it feels to arrive at a new place not knowing how to go about finding basic necessities because they have a limited social network.
An added problem for many is having to learn the English language.
There are bi-lingual committee members who could assist in translations, some could help in the interpretation of various customs and traditions, in the conversion of culinary requirements or equivalents, in finding accommodation, employment, advocacy and support.