MELBOURNE, Australia – The Oromo community in Melbourne came together in warmth and splendor to celebrate Irreecha Arfaasaa, the annual thanksgiving festival rooted in Oromo tradition.

The event, held at Dandenong Mountain (Tulluu Dandenong), began with the customary blessing of elders, followed by a vibrant display of cultural pride as attendees adorned themselves in traditional Oromo attire, adding profound beauty and dignity to the occasion.

The community leader, Ob Abdeta Homa, called for a renewed emphasis on:

Damboobummaa – cultural ethics

Naamusa lammummaa – civic dignity

These are core Oromo values that promote honor, mutual respect, and integrity.

The leader further stressed:

“The Oromo liberation movement must ensure that Oromo culture flourishes, that dignity and modesty prevail, and that mutual support and love for one another grow stronger.”

As the Melbourne Oromo community observed Irreecha Arfaasaa with songs, prayer, and reflection, the ultimate message was clear:

Thanksgiving is essential

Protecting the environment is urgent

Upholding cultural values is non-negotiable

Preserving the moral fabric of the people is everyone’s responsibility

The gathering concluded:

“We must strengthen the protection of our community and ensure Oromo culture grows ever stronger.”

Irreecha is traditionally a time of gratitude, renewal, and connection with nature. However, this year’s gathering also carried a deeper, sobering message. Amid the celebrations, community leaders and participants issued a strong call to action—urging Oromo people everywhere to resist growing challenges of theft, hypocrisy, and lawlessness that they say are taking root within society.

‘Our Tradition Is Built on Respect, Not Corruption’ – Obbo Danye Dafarsa

Speaking exclusively to this outlet, Obbo Danye Dafarsa, a respected community elder and cultural advocate, emphasized that Irreecha is more than a ritual—it is a moral compass.

“Irreecha is not only about giving thanks; it is a reminder of who we are as Oromo people. At a time when our liberation struggle is achieving political gains, we must not allow theft, hypocrisy, and lawlessness to become our new tradition. Our culture is built on honesty, mutual respect, and dignity. If we lose that, we lose everything.”

Obbo Danye also warned that corruption within community circles threatens to erode hard-won trust.

“We see some individuals exploiting the name of Oromo struggle for personal gain. This must stop. The elders have a duty to speak, and the youth have a duty to listen. Damboobummaa (cultural ethics) is not an old word—it is a living practice.”

‘We Must Strengthen Namusa Lammummaa’ – Obbo Dhabessa Wakjira

Obbo Dhabessa Wakjira, another prominent community figure, echoed similar concerns and called for urgent action to reinforce naamusa lammummaa (civic dignity).

“Acts of deception, theft, and selfishness are appearing in some circles of our community. If we do not confront them now, they will spread. The Oromo struggle was built on sacrifice and integrity—not on greed. We call upon every Oromo person, both at home and in the diaspora, to strengthen damboobummaa and naamusa lammummaa. Mutual support and love for one another must grow stronger, not weaker.”

Obbo Dhabessa also stressed the role of Irreecha in community accountability.

“This festival brings us together in beauty, but also in truth. We cannot sing songs of gratitude in the morning and commit acts of dishonesty in the afternoon. Our ancestors taught us that a person without naamusa has no place in Oromo society.”

Voices from the Community: ‘Let This Day Be a Turning Point’

Beyond the leaders, ordinary attendees (miseensota hawaasaa) also shared their reflections.

Aliye Geleto a young professional attendee, said:

“Irreechi identity dha. Waan Oromoo adda baasee beeksisuu dha. Waan Oromoon walitti qabuu dha. Waan Oromoon eeguu fi guddisuu qabu.”

Translation:

Irreechaa is identity.

It is what distinguishes and defines the Oromo people.

It is what brings Oromo together.

It is what Oromo must protect and nurture.

The Struggle of Humanity

“Ilmi namaa walamuu dadhabee rakkataa jira. Walamuun connection-tti hidhaa qaba.”

Translation:

Human beings are suffering because they have forgotten how to love one another.

Loving one another is connected to connection.

Three Pillars (The Core Truth)

“Waan sadiitti hidhaa qaba. Tokko, dhugaa dha. Kan biraa, integrity dha. Kan sadaffaa, confidentiality dha.”

Translation:

It is connected to three things:

Truth

Integrity

Confidentiality

“Obbo Aliye Geleto – Words to Live By

These words remind us that Irreechaa is not just a ceremony. It is a way of life built on:

Identity – Knowing and celebrating who we are

Love – Relearning how to care for one another

Truth – Speaking honestly

Integrity – Living with moral wholeness

Confidentiality – Honoring trust and privacy

“When we lose these, we lose ourselves. When we return to these, we return to Irreechaa.”

Ob Oluma Qube, a community leader who has lived in Melbourne for over a decade, added:

“We teach our children about Oromo culture, but if we adults do not live by damboobummaa, our words mean nothing. This year’s Irreecha felt different—more serious. And that is a good thing. Our community needs both celebration and accountability.”

A Call for Environmental Protection and Cultural Growth

As the Melbourne Oromo community observed Irreecha Arfaasaa with songs, prayer, and reflection, the ultimate message was clear: while thanksgiving is essential, protecting the environment, upholding cultural values, and preserving the moral fabric of the people are equally urgent responsibilities.

“We must strengthen the protection of our community and ensure Oromo culture grows ever stronger,” read a consensus message from the gathering.

The event concluded with a unified commitment: that Irreecha would remain not only a day of beauty and gratitude but also a day of truth, renewal, and collective responsibility.