The Joy of Many Colours Multicultural Festival

In an era of increasing interconnectedness, food, fashion and culture serve as bridges, uniting individuals from diverse backgrounds and enriching our community.

Every year, the Connected Women program of Australian Red Cross hosts an annual multicultural experience, the Joy of Many Colours Fashion & Cultural Show and Cultural Food Expo.

The Joy of Many Colours festival is an opportunity for people living in Australia to come together to immerse themselves in the vibrant tapestry of cultures that collectively shape our communities. Held in partnership with local communities and with support from the Northern Territory Government and local town councils, the Joy of Many Colours is now in its sixth year.

This year’s events took place in Katherine on Sunday 26 May and in Darwin on Sunday 30 June.

Fashion has a remarkable ability to unite people from different cultures and backgrounds. It serves as a universal language of self-expression, creativity and identity, allowing individuals to showcase their unique personalities while also connecting with others on a deeper level.

Guests at our both 2024 Joy of Many Colours events enjoyed fashion shows featuring contributions from more than 180 talented women from migrant and Indigenous backgrounds, who graced the runway, showcasing their resilience and creativity through pieces crafted, upcycled and repurposed by community members. This dazzling display highlighted the myriad cultures that contribute to NT’s vibrancy, featuring skills and creations developed in fashion design, hair and makeup workshops.

Adding to the cultural tapestry, the Joy of Many Colours also included captivating performances curated by migrants, First Nations peoples and the wider Australian community.

Emphasising unity in diversity, the 2024 events featured a total of 34 mesmerising productions, including soulful singing and vibrant dancing, interactive cultural games and engaging activities, representing distinct cultural communities.

Food is always an important part of the Joy of Many Colours. In every corner of the globe, cuisine is a central part of cultural identity and social life, allowing people to share experiences, traditions and memories. Whether it's through a communal meal, a festive celebration or the simple act of sharing a favourite dish, food fosters connections and creates a sense of belonging.

The 2024 Joy of Many Colours multicultural food expos tantalised taste buds with rich arrays of flavours and culinary traditions, showcasing 330 cultural dishes from 34 countries in both Darwin and Katherine. Attendees had the opportunity to savour these culinary delights free of charge while immersing themselves in the cultural heritage of each country, guided by knowledgeable cultural representatives.

The Joy of Many Colours is always one of the highlights in the Australian Red Cross calendar. This year’s events welcomed almost 3,000 people from the local Darwin and Katherine communities, including the Administrator of the Northern Territory, His Honour Hugh Heggie, Northern Territory Chief Minister Eva Lawler, Minister Ngaree Ah Kit, Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro and Shadow Minister Marie-Clare Boothby, who came together to celebrate diversity and foster connections.

These vibrant and inclusive events display the boundless spirit of our multicultural society. We thank our Connected Women Group, including more than 140 volunteers, who made it all happen – and we can’t wait to do it all again in 2025.

For more information on the Connected Women program, watch the video below or visit our web page.

The Migration Support Programs of Australian Red Cross proudly oversees Connected Women NT, a renowned initiative that has dedicated many years to supporting migrants and Indigenous women facing vulnerability. The initiative, operating in Darwin and Katherine, empowers women by enhancing their capacity, skills, and knowledge, helping them overcome barriers to economic and social participation, and reducing social isolation through active community engagement.

Recognised for its exceptional contributions, Connected Women NT received the Fitzgeralds’ Diversity Award at the NT Human Rights Awards 2022 and the INPEX Community Volunteer Organisation/Team of the Year Award from Volunteering NT in 2023.