Harmony 8s provides cultural experience

Running for the past eight years, the concept of Harmony 8s aimed to create a better understanding of different cultures, particularly of Indigenous Australians.

“Any schools with a Koori population are asked if they would like to enter the carnival,” Cricket Victoria Gippsland Regional Cricket Manager Rob Wood said.

“Teams are then formed with girls and boys choosing a non-Koori mate, forming teams of eight.

“We play the MILO T20 Blast format, which allows each team to play three round-robin games on the day.

This year, carnivals were held at Newborough on March 19, Bairnsdale on March 23 and most recently, Wonthaggi on April 15.

The Wonthaggi Harmony 8s carnival saw 200 kids participate with 16 Wonthaggi Secondary College students umpiring and coaching while five SEDA students and three Cricket Victoria staff members assisted.

Cowes Primary School, Newhaven Primary School, San Remo Primary School, Wonthaggi Primary School and Wonthaggi North Primary School all took part.

Support from Deadly Sports’ (GippSport) David Roberts, Karina Crutch and Gene Parini saw cultural activities, transport and food (BBQ + fruit) provided on the day.

The carnival not only had a cricket focus but also a cultural one with Steve Parker and his dance group producing cultural activities, dancing and a smoking ceremony.

Parker explained the significance of the local plants used in the smoking and the meaning of the different dances with all attending encouraged to join in a group dance.

Rob Wood also thanked Koori Engagement and Support For Department of Education and Training’s John Murray, Ramahyuck District Aboriginal Corporation and Warreeny Sports Committee’s Sonia Weston and Bass Coast Shire Council’s Julia Lomas for also helping.

Click here to view photos.