THE Welcome Experience, in partnership with Moree Plains Shire Council and Tourism Moree, will present Harmony on the Plains, a vibrant community celebration of culture, connection and inclusiveness.

Moree Plains Shire mayor, Susannah Pearse, said Harmony on the Plains, to be held Friday, March 20 at Moree Public School, is a community celebration.

“Harmony on the Plains is a celebration of who we are as a community – diverse, connected and proud,” Cr Pearse said.

“We invite everyone to come along, participate and enjoy an evening that reflects the many cultures and stories that make the Moree Plains such a unique place to live.”

Harmony Day is recognised across Australia as a time to honour the nation’s rich cultural diversity, and the Moree Plains is no exception.

With residents representing a broad range of cultural backgrounds, the event highlights Council’s ongoing commitment to fostering a welcoming and inclusive community for all.

Harmony on the Plains will bring together local families, schools, performers and cultural groups for an evening of music, dance, art and shared experiences.

Community members are invited to bring a picnic rug or chair and enjoy a family‑friendly program suitable for all ages.

A stand-out feature will be the Lichi Percussion and Chili Drums ensemble, who will bring 30 djembes – African drums – and a selection of percussion instruments to deliver an immersive drumming experience.

The performance will showcase the history and meaning of traditional West African rhythms and is inclusive of audience participation.

The ensemble features Lichi Ambrosino, an accomplished percussionist and musician who has performed extensively at international festivals and cultural events, and Mohamed Bangoura, an internationally renowned performer from a family of Griots, traditional West African storytellers and cultural historians.

Mohamed Bangoura has toured globally for more than 40 years.

The workshop is limited to the first 40 participants, with tickets available through Tourism Moree.

Local food vendors will also be on-site, offering a diverse range of flavours from across the community.

Activities include Henna‑style body art and cultural face painting, flag‑making station, a large communal art canvas with contributions from local schools, an origami station, children’s cultural art display with a djembe drumming, featuring a ‘have-a-turn’ station.

The night will be filled with entertainment, featuring cultural dress presentations, performances by Moree East Public School and Moree West Public School, highland dancing, local dance groups and musicians, as well as African drumming and dance with audience participation. Following the evening event, Lichi Percussion and Chili Drums will deliver an exclusive workshop at the Bank Art Museum Moree on Saturday, March 21.

Harmony On The Plains

When: Friday, March 20

Where: Moree Public School

Time: 6pm-8.30pm, with gates opening at 5.30pm

About The Welcome Experience

The Welcome Experience, delivered by Moree Plains Shire Council, is a free concierge-style service to support essential workers and their families to feel more at home in their new community through personalised support, local information and connections.

A two-year program, fully funded by the NSW Government, the Welcome Experience is now provided in 55 Local Government Areas in regional New South Wales.

To find out more, go to The Welcome Experience.