General News
19 April, 2025
Multicultural tribute lights up steampunk
In a breathtaking display of colour, rhythm and unity, more than 50 multicultural performers from across the region came together for a show-stopping grand finale at the Wimmera Steampunk Festival in Dimboola last weekend.
Dancers and other performers from Horsham, Nhill, Stawell and nearby towns formed the Unity Parade, a vibrant, high-energy routine choreographed to 'I Thank You' by Adeva.
The energetic performance was a heartfelt tribute to the region’s emergency service heroes –
CFA, SES and all the volunteers and staff – who stood strong during the recent Little Desert
bushfire.
After months of rehearsals, costume making and community collaboration, performers from the Filipino, Karen, Timor-Leste, Indian, Cambodian and Chinese communities wowed the festival
crowd.
Leading the parade in true steampunk style was Wanda Queen of the Little Desert, flanked by a towering steampunk bicycle and a whimsical mobile carousel.
“This performance was a beautiful moment of appreciation and solidarity,” Wimmera Southern Mallee Development (WSMD) settlement and migration program manager Sara Barron said.
“It’s so important that our region’s cultural diversity is represented in events like the steampunk festival.
"At WSMD we're proud of the strong relationship we’ve built with the steampunk committee and organisers over the years.”
Locally designed and handmade costumes – themed around fire – were brought to life by the
talented Harmony Sewing Group, supported by WSMD’s settlement services team.
“A huge shoutout goes to Maria Janeth Rebarbas, vice-president of the Wimmera Filipino
Australian Club, who choreographed the entire performance and led our amazing group on the
night,” Ms Barron said.
The Unity Parade was proudly supported by Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council (BRMC).
WSMD settlement services will continue working with BRMC, local councils and emergency
response teams in the months ahead to ensure the voices and needs of multicultural
communities are front and centre in regional emergency planning.
