Yarra River Community Welcome Dinner

Celebrate Cultural Diversity Week at the Yarra River Community Welcome Dinner!

Do you love trying foods from different cultures? Are you new to Australia and want to meet more local friends? Do you want to build a welcoming and inclusive community?

Then join us in celebrating Cultural Diversity Week 2018 at a Community Welcome dinner on the Yarra River!

For the first time, the Welcome Dinner Project partners with the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival and the Victorian Multicultural Commission to welcome new residents in this exciting outdoor family event.

The Sandridge Bridge is situated near the old Yarra Falls site - a meeting place for Aboriginal people for thousands of years and just upstream from the landing point of Melbourne’s first white settlers (Enterprize Park). Sandridge Bridge is also where thousands of immigrants first landed in Australia in the 1800s search for a better life and a new home. We'll be dining against the backdrop of artworks that celebrate the origins, growth and diversity of the place we now call Victoria.

A Community Welcome Dinner provides opportunities for new and established Australians, people from all walks of life, to share delicious food and make new connections. Cook your favourite food or bring a dish from your culture and share it with us at a pot luck-style dinner. Be touched and entertained by stories of life, love and change from the people you meet. Find out how much our multicultural and multifaith communities have in common. You will be surprised!

Entry is FREE and everyone is invited. Places are limited, so register now to book your seat!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I sign up?

Register online here. No ticket is required. Sign up every member of a family or group of friends individually in your booking. On event day, we will mark your names and assign you a dinner table number.

How do I get there?

Sandridge Bridge is next to Flinders Street Train and Tram Stations. Paid covered parking in the surrounding buildings and limited free roadside parking are available.

What food shall I bring?

Bring a savoury or sweet dish to share with other guests. Please bring food that does not require heating or assembling at the venue as there will not be cooking facilities available on event day. We will contact you before the event to answer any questions.

I have special dietary requirements. Can I attend?

Yes. All guests will introduce their dishes and the ingredients before dinner starts. If you are unsure of what a dish contains, please ask our facilitators at your dinner table and they will be happy to help you. You may bring something you wish to eat yourself. Some guests may also cater to people with special dietary requirements. We advise you to be aware of your own needs and not risk anything you are not sure of.

Will alcohol be served? Can I bring my own wine or beer?

All Welcome Dinner Project events are alcohol-free. We provide water, soft drinks and juice.

Can I attend if I can’t communicate fluently in English?

Yes. We welcome people from all backgrounds and encourage cross-cultural connections. Our facilitators at your dinner table will be happy to assist you.

Can children attend the event?

Yes. We advise all children be supervised by their parents/guardians at all times. Children must be registered under the bookings of their parents/guardians.

Who do I contact if I have other questions?

We will contact all registered participants by phone and email before the event. You may highlight your concerns to our friendly facilitators before the event or on the day of the dinner.