Carlton public housing residents get to know their academic neighbour in community day
Media Release, Friday 27 February 2009
Residents of Carlton public housing will have a chance to get to know one of their closest neighbours, the University of Melbourne, when the University hosts its first Carlton Community Day this Sunday, 1 March, between 10am-2pm.
The Community Day will include tours of the campus, and a swap-meet for crafts, books and educational toys - all at low cost. There will be free barbecues and food from the Sorghum Sisters who work out of the Carlton Primary School; face painting; football, soccer and netball clinics; an art competition and seminars on health, finance and education.
Picture opportunities and highlights of the day’s activities include:
- A welcome by Melbourne Aboriginal singer/songwriter Kutcha Edwards followed by singing and storytelling, from 10-10.45am.
- A colourful and energising African drumming session, with kids’ drumming/dance workshop at 10.45am.
- Tips for soccer success to up-and-coming players provided by a coach from the Football Federation of Victoria, from 11.30am onward.
There will be free show bags for the first hundred children, containing balloons, drink bottles, stationery, and books donated by the Melbourne University Bookshop.
The Carlton Community Day has been organised by staff of the University’s Office of Knowledge Transfer, with input from Melbourne City Council, residents of Carlton public housing, and University of Melbourne student volunteers.
Director of Knowledge Transfer for the University, Ms Helen Hayes, says it is not accidental that this event co-incides with national Harmony Day.
“A large number of the residents of Carlton’s public housing have settled in Australia after leaving their homelands in difficult circumstances, especially those who have fled political unrest in northern Africa.”
“By opening the University up to these newer members of our community, we want to establish the basis for a harmonious and productive relationship, and hope they will continue to feel welcome to visit us on campus,” she says.
Media are welcome to attend. On-campus parking can be arranged.
Contact: Katherine Smith (0402 460 147).
Carlton Community Day: Sunday 1 March 2009, 10am-2pm, North Court, University of Melbourne
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