Northam Heritage and Multicultural Festival 2024
Northam Heritage and Multicultural Festival 2024​
What a beautiful celebration of culture and community the Northam Heritage & Multicultural Festival turned out to be this year! Held on Sunday 27 October 2024 from 10 am to 3 pm at Bernard Park Northam, the event delivered on its promise of colour, connection and fun for all ages.
A Vibrant Gathering
Walking into Bernard Park that Sunday morning, the air was already buzzing with goodwill families, friends, newcomers and locals all mingling beneath canopies of market stalls and the performance stage. The festival, organised by the Northam Army Camp Heritage Association (NACHA), aimed to honour the deep and varied cultural heritage of the region, including the legacy of the Army Camp and the Displaced Persons’ families who once called it home.
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The line-up was rich, live music, dance groups representing Indonesian, Filipino, Japanese, Polish, Ukrainian, Scottish and many more traditions. Kids drumming, folk dance, spinning skirts, the joyous hum of voices it all brought the park to life.
Northam Heritage and Multicultural Festival Food, Fun & Family
One of the standout elements was the Kids Zone, part of the festival in partnership with the Meerilinga Young Children’s Foundation and supported by Water Corporation. There were face-painting, craft activities, fresh fruit for the little ones and a showbag including bottled water. The aim was inclusion children from all cultural backgrounds playing, laughing and learning together.
And of course, the food trucks and international food stalls were doing a roaring trade. There’s something deeply satisfying about sampling a wide range of flavours while under a shady tree, listening to song and dance from another part of the world.
Heritage Stories at the Heart
Beyond the music and fun, the festival reminded everyone of Northam’s layered past. The Northam Army Camp once served as a military base (1933–41, 1951–22), a POW camp (1942–46) and a home for Displaced Persons after WWII (1947–51).
For many of those attending, especially second or third generation families, the festival offered connection to those historical threads.
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Even more meaningful was the children’s writing competition youngsters were invited to write about migrant family stories (from Mauritius, South Africa, New Zealand, Croatia, etc.). It’s this weaving of lived history into celebration that lifts an event from fun to meaningful.
Why It Matters
In an age where our cultural world can feel fractured separated by languages, traditions, and geography this festival is a reminder of what happens when we intentionally bring diversity into an open, communal space. As NACHA puts it “When we listen and celebrate what is both common and different, we become a wiser, more inclusive community.”
Our Photos From The 2024 Festival
Attending the Multicultural Festival is always an exciting experience. It’s a chance to immerse yourself in a world of vibrant energy, music, and dancing.
People of all ages and backgrounds gathered to enjoy the festivities making for a fantastic day. My favourite part is watching all the amazing dancing and colourful cultural garments.
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Author - Jodie Lowen
Jodie Lowen is the owner of Wheatbelt Kids and a mother of two. She lives in the Wheatbelt region of Western Australia and has worked in education for many years. Jodie is passionate about social media marketing and using online platforms to build community connections.
