Category Archives: VMC
“A Generation Like This Is Hope for Oromo! A Promise for Oromia!”
By Dhabessa Wakjira
There is a saying among the Oromo people that captures something profound about the relationship between a community and its youth: “Dhaloota akkanaatu, Oromoof abdiidha! Oromiyaaf wabiidha!” — “A generation like this is hope for Oromo! A promise for Oromia!”
It is more than a slogan. It is a declaration of faith in the future, spoken by elders who have witnessed both the pain of suppression and the resilience of a people who refused to disappear. It is a recognition that the young people rising today — educated, conscious, connected, and proud — carry within them the seeds of everything the Oromo struggle has long been working toward.
The Weight of History, The Light of Tomorrow
The Oromo people have endured centuries of marginalization, land dispossession, cultural suppression, and political exclusion. Through the imperial era, the Derg regime, and subsequent administrations, the flame of Oromummaa was kept alive in the hearts of the people — in the songs sung at Irreechaa, in the wisdom passed down through the Gadaa system, in the quiet defiance of families who spoke their language at home when the world outside forbade it.
That flame did not survive by accident. It survived because generation after generation refused to let it die.
Today, a new generation stands at the threshold. They are the children and grandchildren of those who carried the flame. But they are also something new: they are the first generation in modern Oromo history with broad access to education, to global networks, to digital platforms that amplify their voices beyond any border. They are the generation that can look back at history with clear eyes and forward to the future with determined hearts.
When elders say “Dhaloota akkanaatu, Oromoof abdii dha,” they are acknowledging this. They are saying: We endured so that you could rise. And you are rising.
What Makes This Generation Different?
Every generation believes it is special. But there are concrete reasons why this moment in Oromo history feels different — why the phrase “Oromiyaaf wabiidha” carries such weight.
They are educated. Oromo youth are pursuing higher education in unprecedented numbers — in Ethiopia and across the diaspora. They are becoming doctors, engineers, lawyers, teachers, social workers, journalists, and leaders. Knowledge, once denied to their ancestors, is now their weapon and their tool.
They are connected. Social media has given Oromo youth a global platform. They organize, they inform, they advocate, and they build solidarity across continents. A student in Melbourne can exchange ideas with a student in Addis Ababa in real time. The isolation that once silenced Oromo voices has been shattered.
They are proud. Unlike previous generations who were sometimes forced to hide their identity to survive, this generation wears Oromummaa openly. They sing in Afaan Oromoo. They celebrate Irreechaa with millions. They carry the yellow daisies not as a secret symbol but as a public declaration of who they are.
They are global and local at once. They understand the world beyond Oromia — human rights, international law, digital advocacy, multiculturalism — while remaining deeply rooted in Oromo values of community, respect for elders, and connection to land and Waaqa.
They are bridge-builders. This generation navigates multiple worlds: tradition and modernity, Oromia and the diaspora, local struggles and global movements. They are learning to carry their heritage into new contexts without losing its essence.
Hope Is Not Passive
It is important to be clear: “Dhaloota akkanaatu, Oromoof abdii dha” is not a statement of complacency. It is not a declaration that the future will simply take care of itself because the youth are impressive.
Hope, in the Oromo understanding, is active. It is the hope of the farmer who plants seeds and tends them. It is the hope of the marcher who walks toward the water carrying fresh grass. It is the hope that requires discipline, sacrifice, and unity.
For this generation to truly be the hope of Oromo, it must:
- Learn — from elders, from history, from education, and from one another.
- Preserve — the language, the traditions, the Gadaa wisdom, the sacred rituals of Irreechaa.
- Build — institutions, networks, and platforms that serve the community.
- Unite — across regions, across diaspora communities, across generations.
- Stay rooted — in Oromo values of respect, community, and connection to Waaqa and the land.
A Promise to Oromia
“Oromiyaaf wabiidha” — a promise for Oromia.
A promise is not a guarantee. It is a commitment. It is a covenant between a generation and the land that birthed it. It says: We will not forget where we came from. We will not squander what our ancestors sacrificed for. We will not let the flame go out.
This generation carries the dreams of every Oromo who came before — the farmer who lost his land, the mother who sang lullabies in a language she was told to abandon, the student who was punished for speaking the truth, the elder who kept the traditions alive in secret.
They also carry the hopes of every Oromo yet to be born — children who will one day ask, What did you do when it was your turn?
The answer being written today, by this generation, is this: We rose. We learned. We built. We stayed united. We honored those who came before us, and we prepared the way for those who will come after.
The Question That Remains
When elders look at the youth of today and say “Dhaloota akkanaatu, Oromoof abdiidha! Oromiyaaf wabiidha!”, they are offering both a blessing and a challenge.
The blessing is this: You are enough. You are capable. You are the ones we have been waiting for.
The challenge is this: Now prove it. Not with words alone, but with action. Not for a moment, but for a lifetime.
Every generation is given a choice. This generation — educated, connected, conscious, and proud — has been given the opportunity to be the generation that turns centuries of struggle into a future of dignity, justice, and flourishing for all Oromo people.
That is the hope.
That is the promise.
Dhaloota akkanaatu, Oromoof abdii dha! Oromiyaaf wabii dha!
How to celebrate Irreechaa in Australia?
Celebrating Irreechaa in Australia means participating in a vibrant, adapted version of the traditional Oromo thanksgiving festival. While the core spiritual intent remains the same—giving thanks to Waaqa (God) for blessings and renewal—the setting and specific activities are tailored to the Australian environment and the needs of the diaspora community.
The celebrations are primarily organized by community associations and the non-profit Irrecha Australia, with major events held in cities like Melbourne.
📍 Where and When to Celebrate in Australia
The location is chosen to reflect the traditional importance of nature and water in Irreechaa. In Australia, this often means gathering at parks with lakes, rivers, or scenic natural settings.
- Common Locations: In Melbourne, past celebrations have been held at Wilson Botanic Park in Berwick, Dandenong Mountain (Tulluu Dandenong), and Footscray Park.
- Timing: The festival is typically celebrated in September or October for Irreechaa Malkaa (the main thanksgiving at the water’s edge), and sometimes in April for Irreechaa Arfaasaa (a spring celebration).
🌿 How to Participate: Key Activities and Rituals
Participating in Irreechaa in Australia involves engaging in both traditional rituals and communal cultural activities.
- Wear Traditional Attire: Attendees are strongly encouraged to wear traditional Oromo clothing. The vibrant colors and styles are a visual statement of cultural pride and identity, especially for younger generations.
- Join the Blessing and Prayer: The event typically begins with blessings and prayers led by community elders. These blessings focus on peace, prosperity, and remembering those who sustained the tradition.
- Participate in Symbolic Rituals: Follow the tradition of carrying and dipping fresh green grass and yellow flowers into water (if available at the venue) as a symbol of gratitude, purification, and renewal.
- Enjoy Cultural Performances and Food: The celebration features traditional Oromo music, songs, and dances (such as the Siiqqee and Gumii dances). It is also a time to share communal meals with traditional Oromo food.
- Connect with Community: Irreechaa in Australia is a vital social event. It is a time for the diaspora to unite, strengthen bonds, and for younger generations to learn about their heritage from elders.
🤝 A Note on Inclusivity
While Irreechaa has deep spiritual roots in Waaqeffannaa (the traditional Oromo faith), the celebrations in Australia are also cultural festivals that welcome everyone. Organizers often invite local government officials, multicultural organizations, and curious residents to foster mutual respect and intercultural exchange. As one attendee noted, it is a unifying cultural practice that transcends religious boundaries.
💡 Practical Tips for Attendees
- Check for Event Details: Look for announcements from Irrecha Australia or local Oromo community associations on social media for the exact date, time, and location of the next event in your city.
- Respect the Environment: Organizers emphasize the importance of respecting the natural surroundings and leaving no waste behind, reflecting the core Oromo value of caring for nature.
- Bring What’s Needed: Some event notices suggest bringing water, flowers (for the ritual), and a spirit of gratitude.
In essence, celebrating Irreechaa in Australia is about actively participating in a living tradition that adapts to a new home while staying true to its core values of gratitude, community, and cultural pride.
A New Chapter for Multicultural Victoria: VMC Bids Farewell as MMV Begins
Melbourne, Victoria — After four decades of championing inclusion, belonging, and community voice, the Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) has issued its final Community Update, marking the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for multicultural and multifaith Victoria.
As of 1 October 2026, Multicultural and Multifaith Victoria (MMV) will formally commence, taking over the VMC’s legacy of community engagement, advocacy, and partnership with government.
A Legacy Built on People, Not Policies
In her farewell message, VMC Chairperson Louise Perry reflected not on programs or policies, but on the people who made the Commission’s work possible.
“The community leaders, volunteers, faith representatives, young people, elders, advocates and families who have shared their stories, welcomed us into their communities and worked alongside us,” she wrote. “It is neither the programs nor the policies that come to mind, but the people.”
That people-centered reflection captures the essence of the VMC’s four-decade journey. Since its establishment, the Commission has worked through moments of both celebration and challenge, championing inclusion and belonging, responding to crises, and ensuring that community voices are heard in the decisions that shape Victoria.
Standing Together in Times of Crisis
The VMC’s work during the COVID-19 pandemic stands as a defining example of what can be achieved when government and communities work together. At a time of great uncertainty, multicultural and multifaith organisations, community leaders, and volunteers played a vital role in sharing trusted information, supporting vulnerable people, and helping keep communities connected.
That same spirit of community was evident recently when Louise Perry joined Victoria’s Nepalese community to celebrate Hartalika Teej, a significant Hindu festival observed by women. The VMC also expressed solidarity with the Nepalese community following the devastating monsoon floods in Nepal — a reminder that the bonds between Victoria’s communities and their homelands remain strong and deeply felt.
A Legacy of Trust and Candour
As the VMC closes this chapter, Louise Perry extended her gratitude to former commissioners, staff, partners, and countless community leaders who contributed to the Commission’s legacy.
“Most importantly, I thank the communities who placed their trust in the VMC and who, to this day, continue to engage with us with candour and generosity,” she said.
That trust, built over forty years, represents the true measure of the VMC’s success. It is a legacy not of institutions, but of relationships — of communities that felt seen, heard, and valued.
Looking Ahead: MMV and the Future
Multicultural and Multifaith Victoria now represents an opportunity to deepen engagement with communities, strengthen partnership with government, and ensure that community voices continue to help shape Victoria’s future.
“I am excited for what lies ahead,” Perry said. “The story of multicultural and multifaith Victoria continues to evolve in our neighbourhoods, places of worship, businesses, community organisations and homes.”
The transition from VMC to MMV is not an ending but a renewal — a recognition that the work of building an inclusive, harmonious, and vibrant multicultural society is never complete. Each generation must take up the task anew, adapting to changing circumstances while holding fast to the values of respect, belonging, and shared humanity.
A Story That Continues
As Multicultural and Multifaith Victoria begins its work, it inherits not only the structures and responsibilities of the VMC but also its spirit — a spirit of partnership, trust, and unwavering commitment to the communities it serves.
The story of multicultural and multifaith Victoria is a story still being written — in the neighbourhoods where neighbours of different backgrounds share meals, in the places of worship where faiths coexist in mutual respect, in the businesses that bridge cultures, and in the homes where traditions are passed to the next generation.
It is a story that belongs to all Victorians. And it is a story that continues.
Source: Victorian Multicultural Commission
Victorian Multicultural Commission Acknowledges Yom Kippur, Extends Best Wishes to Jewish Community
The Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) has acknowledged Yom Kippur, Judaism’s holiest day, extending its best wishes to all those observing the sacred occasion across Victoria and beyond.
In a statement shared with the community, the Commission described Yom Kippur as “a sacred day of reflection, repentance and renewal.”
A Time for Introspection and Renewal
For those observing, Yom Kippur is a time for introspection, prayer, and seeking forgiveness. The day, which follows a 25-hour period of fasting and intensive prayer, is dedicated to atonement and reconciliation — both with God and with fellow human beings.
The Commission acknowledged the profound spiritual significance of the day, recognising it as a period when Jewish communities around the world come together in solemn reflection and heartfelt prayer.
Celebrating Faith and Diversity
The Victorian Multicultural Commission extended its best wishes to all those marking this significant day, noting the importance of faith, understanding, and respect in our diverse community.
The statement reflects the Commission’s ongoing commitment to fostering interfaith harmony and celebrating the rich tapestry of cultures and religions that make up Victoria’s multicultural society.
A Message of Respect
In a gesture of solidarity and respect, the Commission concluded its message with the traditional Hebrew greeting:
“G’mar Chatimah Tovah”
This phrase, which translates to “May you be sealed for a good [year] in the Book of Life,” is a customary greeting exchanged during Yom Kippur, expressing hope for a blessed and prosperous year ahead.
About Yom Kippur
Yom Kippur, also known as the Day of Atonement, is the most solemn and holy day in the Jewish calendar. It concludes the Ten Days of Repentance that begin with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.
Observant Jews spend the day in synagogue, engaging in prayer and reflection, and abstaining from food, drink, and other physical comforts. The day is dedicated to seeking forgiveness for sins committed against God and fellow human beings, and to making resolutions for the year ahead.
A Community United in Respect
The Victorian Multicultural Commission’s acknowledgment of Yom Kippur serves as a reminder of the importance of recognising and respecting the diverse faith traditions that enrich our community. In a world often divided by differences, such gestures of understanding and goodwill help build bridges of mutual respect and appreciation.
To all those observing Yom Kippur, the Commission extends its warmest wishes for a meaningful and peaceful day.
G’mar Chatimah Tovah.
Multicultural and Multifaith Victoria: A New Independent Voice for Diverse Communities
Victoria’s multicultural groups and communities have welcomed the creation of Multicultural and Multifaith Victoria, a new agency aimed at giving diverse communities a stronger voice in government, according to AMES Australia.
The government says the new agency will ensure diverse communities have an independent voice in government to influence policies and programs. Multicultural and Multifaith Victoria will support and advise government departments and agencies, including health and emergency services, and it will commence operations on 1 October 2026.
A Significant Step for Multicultural Victoria
The establishment of Multicultural and Multifaith Victoria marks a major development in how the Victorian Government engages with its diverse communities. For decades, multicultural communities have sought greater representation and a more direct channel to influence the decisions that affect their lives. This new agency is designed to be that channel.
The agency will serve as an independent body, providing advice and support to government departments and agencies across a range of portfolios. Its mandate includes ensuring that the needs and perspectives of multicultural and multifaith communities are considered in the development and delivery of policies and programs — particularly in critical areas such as health and emergency services.
What the Agency Will Do
Multicultural and Multifaith Victoria is expected to play a central role in:
- Advising government on policies and programs affecting diverse communities
- Ensuring independent representation for multicultural and multifaith voices within government
- Supporting government departments and agencies, including health and emergency services, to better serve diverse communities
- Strengthening community engagement and participation in civic life
By embedding these functions within a dedicated agency, the government aims to move beyond consultation toward genuine partnership with the communities it serves.
Commencing 1 October 2026
The agency will officially commence operations on 1 October 2026, a date that marks the beginning of a new chapter in Victoria’s approach to multicultural affairs. Communities and stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed as the agency takes shape and begins its work.
A Welcome Development
The creation of Multicultural and Multifaith Victoria has been welcomed by Victoria’s multicultural groups and communities, who see it as a positive step toward greater inclusion and representation. AMES Australia, a longstanding advocate for multicultural communities, has highlighted the significance of this development.
For communities that have long called for a stronger voice in government, the new agency represents both recognition and opportunity — a chance to shape the policies and programs that impact their daily lives.
Looking Ahead
As Victoria continues to grow as one of the world’s most diverse societies, the establishment of Multicultural and Multifaith Victoria signals a commitment to ensuring that diversity is not only celebrated but actively represented in the corridors of power.
The agency’s success will ultimately be measured by how well it amplifies community voices, influences meaningful change, and helps build a Victoria where every community feels seen, heard, and valued.
To read more about Multicultural and Multifaith Victoria, visit the link shared by AMES Australia.
#AMES #AMESAustralia #Victoria #MMV #VictorianGovernment
A Rare Convergence: Ethiopian, Jewish, and Coptic New Year Festivals Coincide in Australia
AMES Australia highlights an extraordinary moment of cultural and religious convergence as three major festivals—Enkutatash, Rosh Hashanah, and Nayrouz—fall on the same day, offering a powerful reflection of Australia’s shared humanity.
In a remarkable alignment of faith and culture, today marks the celebration of three significant festivals from three distinct traditions: Enkutatash, the Ethiopian New Year; Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year; and Nayrouz, a festival of the Coptic Orthodox Church.
AMES Australia, a leading provider of settlement services and multicultural advocacy, has drawn attention to this rare coincidence, noting that the three events are governed by different calendars—making their convergence an extraordinary occurrence.
Three Festivals, Three Traditions
Enkutatash — the Ethiopian New Year — falls at the end of the rainy season and is celebrated with family gatherings, the blooming of the yellow adey abeba flower, and wishes of peace and prosperity. Melkam Addis Amet!
Rosh Hashanah — the Jewish New Year — is a time of reflection, renewal, and hope. Families gather to hear the shofar, dip apples in honey, and pray for a sweet year ahead. Shana Tova U’Metuka!
Nayrouz — a festival of the Coptic Orthodox Church — marks the beginning of the Coptic New Year and is a time of spiritual renewal and remembrance of the faithful. Nayrouz Mubarak!
A Season of Many Celebrations
Around this same period, millions of people around the world are also observing Mawlid al-Nabi, the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad, and the Christian festival of the Holy Cross — further enriching this season of diverse religious and cultural observance.
The convergence of so many significant dates speaks to the profound diversity of faith and culture that exists in Australia and around the world.
Australia: An Experiment in Cultural Convergence
AMES Australia reflected on the deeper meaning of this moment:
“Just like the conjunction of these cultural and religious celebrations, Australia is an experiment in cultural convergence; a nation that has welcomed people from different cultures while valuing its first peoples and fostering exchanges of ideas.”
This observation captures the essence of Australia’s multicultural identity — a nation built on migration, shaped by diversity, and strengthened by the exchange of traditions, beliefs, and ideas.
Valuing First Peoples and Fostering Exchange
AMES Australia’s statement also acknowledges the importance of honouring Australia’s First Peoples while embracing the contributions of all communities. True multiculturalism is not merely about coexistence—it is about active exchange, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to building a harmonious society.
The rare alignment of these festivals serves as a reminder that while our calendars, languages, and traditions may differ, our hopes for peace, renewal, and a better year ahead are profoundly shared.
A Shared Humanity
At a time when divisions can seem deep, the coincidence of these celebrations offers a powerful counter-narrative—one of unity, mutual recognition, and shared humanity.
Whether lighting candles for Rosh Hashanah, gathering with family for Enkutatash, or observing Nayrouz, millions of people today are united by a common desire: to welcome a new year with hope, gratitude, and peace.
Warm Wishes to All
To all those celebrating today:
Melkam Addis Amet! — Happy Ethiopian New Year!
Shana Tova U’Metuka! — Have a good and sweet year!
Nayrouz Mubarak! — Blessed Nayrouz!
May this rare convergence of faith and culture inspire all Australians to celebrate our diversity and strengthen the bonds that unite us.
Read more from AMES Australia:
Convergence of religious and cultural festivals reflect our shared humanity
#AMES #AMESAustralia #Enkutatash #RoshHashanah #Neyrouz #NewYear #Holidays #MulticulturalAustralia #SharedHumanity
Rosh Hashanah: Victorian Multicultural Commission Extends Warm Wishes to Jewish Community
As Jewish families across Victoria prepare to gather tonight, the Victorian Multicultural Commission has extended its warmest wishes to the community, recognising Rosh Hashanah as a time of reflection, renewal, and hope for the year ahead.
The Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) has issued a heartfelt message to Jewish communities across the state as they prepare to welcome Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.
In its statement, the Commission acknowledged the sacred significance of the occasion while celebrating the enduring contributions the Jewish community has made—and continues to make—to the cultural, social, and economic life of Victoria.
A Time of Reflection, Renewal, and Hope
Rosh Hashanah, which begins at sunset tonight, marks the start of the Jewish year 5787. It is a period of deep spiritual significance—a time when Jewish families come together to reflect on the past year, seek forgiveness, and look forward with hope and renewed commitment to their faith and community.
The traditions of Rosh Hashanah are rich with meaning. The sounding of the shofar—a ram’s horn—calls worshippers to awaken their souls. Apples dipped in honey symbolize the wish for a sweet year ahead. Family meals, prayers, and acts of charity mark the ten days of repentance that follow, culminating in Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.
Recognising an Enduring Contribution
The Victorian Multicultural Commission’s statement also highlighted the profound and lasting impact of the Jewish community on Victoria:
“We recognise and celebrate the enduring contribution that the Jewish community makes to Victoria.”
From the arts and education to business, medicine, philanthropy, and public service, Jewish Victorians have helped shape the state’s identity for generations. Their resilience, creativity, and commitment to community have enriched Victorian society in countless ways.
A Message of Warmth and Solidarity
The Commission’s message reflects the spirit of inclusivity and respect that defines Victoria’s multicultural ethos:
“We extend our warm wishes at this special time.”
As Jewish families gather tonight—around dinner tables, in synagogues, and in community centres across the state—they do so knowing that their traditions, faith, and contributions are recognised and valued by the broader Victorian community.
Shana Tova U’Metuka
The Commission concluded its message with the traditional Hebrew greeting:
“Shana Tova U’Metuka! Have a good and sweet year.”
These simple words carry profound meaning—a wish for sweetness, blessing, and peace in the year ahead.
A Celebration of Victoria’s Diversity
Rosh Hashanah is not only a time for the Jewish community to reflect and celebrate; it is also an opportunity for all Victorians to appreciate the richness of the state’s cultural and religious diversity.
The Victorian Multicultural Commission’s statement serves as a reminder that Victoria’s strength lies in its diversity—and that by honouring one another’s traditions, we build a more inclusive, harmonious, and united society.
Warm Wishes to All Celebrating
To all Jewish families and individuals across Victoria welcoming the new year:
Shana Tova U’Metuka!
May the year ahead be filled with health, happiness, and peace. May it be a year of sweet moments, meaningful connections, and abundant blessings.
A Rare Calendar Alignment: Victoria’s Jewish and Ethiopian Communities Welcome the New Year Together
In a remarkable moment of cultural convergence, two of Victoria’s vibrant communities are celebrating their respective new years on the same day—a rare calendar alignment that speaks to the rich tapestry of faith and culture that defines the state.
The Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria (ECCV) has marked the occasion with a message of unity and celebration, extending warm wishes to Jewish communities observing Rosh Hashanah and Ethiopian communities celebrating Enkutatash.
The alignment of these two significant cultural and religious milestones is a rare occurrence—one that offers a powerful reminder of the diversity that makes Victoria one of the most multicultural places in the world.
Rosh Hashanah: A Time of Reflection and Renewal
For Jewish communities, Rosh Hashanah—the Jewish New Year—began at sunset and is a sacred time of reflection, repentance, and hope. Families gather to hear the sounding of the shofar, share festive meals, and dip apples in honey to symbolize the wish for a sweet year ahead.
“Shana Tova U’Metuka” — Have a good and sweet year — is the traditional greeting exchanged among Jewish families and friends during this holy period.
Enkutatash: A Celebration of Renewal and Hope
For Ethiopian communities, today marks Enkutatash, the Ethiopian New Year. Falling at the end of the rainy season, Enkutatash—which means “gift of jewels”—is a time of joy, family gatherings, and the vibrant blooming of the yellow daisy, adey abeba, which carpets the Ethiopian highlands.
“Melkam Addis Amet” — Happy New Year — is the greeting shared among Ethiopian families as they welcome a new year with hope, unity, and celebration.
A Victoria of Many Cultures and Faiths
The ECCV’s statement captures the spirit of the moment:
“We are proud to live in a Victoria that is home to so many diverse cultures and faiths, and wish everyone celebrating a happy, healthy and peaceful new year.”
This rare calendar alignment is a testament to the strength of Victoria’s multicultural society—a place where diverse communities not only coexist but celebrate together, enriching one another’s lives and the life of the state as a whole.
Celebrating Together
As Jewish and Ethiopian families across Victoria gather with loved ones tonight, they do so not only as separate communities but as part of a shared Victorian story—one of migration, resilience, faith, and the enduring power of culture.
The ECCV’s message serves as a reminder that in celebrating our differences, we strengthen our common bonds. In honouring each other’s traditions, we build a more inclusive and harmonious society.
Warm Wishes to All
To all those celebrating today:
Shana Tova U’Metuka — May your year be good and sweet.
Melkam Addis Amet — May your new year be filled with joy and peace.
May this rare moment of alignment bring blessings to all Victorians, regardless of faith or background. And may the year ahead be one of health, happiness, and harmony for everyone.
Rosh Hashanah: Victorian Jewish Families Gather to Welcome a Sweet New Year
As the sun sets this evening, Jewish families across Victoria will gather around their tables to celebrate Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year—a sacred time of reflection, renewal, and hope for the year ahead.
The sounding of the shofar, the dipping of apples in honey, and the sharing of festive meals will mark the beginning of the Jewish year 5787, a period of deep spiritual significance for Jewish communities in Victoria and around the world.
Rosh Hashanah, which literally means “head of the year,” is a time when Jewish families come together to reflect on the past year, seek forgiveness, and commit to renewal in the year to come. It is a celebration that blends joy with introspection—a moment to consider one’s actions, strengthen bonds with community and faith, and look forward with hope.
A Time of Reflection and Renewal
The traditions of Rosh Hashanah are rich with symbolism. The shofar—a ram’s horn—is blown in synagogues, its haunting sound calling worshippers to awaken their souls and return to what matters most. Sweet foods, particularly apples dipped in honey and round challah bread, symbolize the wish for a sweet and complete year ahead. The pomegranate, with its many seeds, represents the hope for a year filled with good deeds and blessings.
For Jewish families in Victoria, this is also a time of community—a moment to gather with loved ones, welcome guests, and reaffirm the values that have sustained the Jewish people for millennia.
Celebrating the Jewish Community’s Enduring Contribution
Victoria has long been enriched by the presence and contributions of its Jewish community. From business and the arts to education, medicine, philanthropy, and public service, Jewish Victorians have helped shape the state’s cultural, economic, and social fabric for generations.
Their enduring contributions—built on a foundation of faith, resilience, and a deep commitment to community—deserve recognition and celebration, not only during Rosh Hashanah but throughout the year.
Wishing the Community a Sweet New Year
As Jewish families across Victoria prepare to usher in the new year, we extend our warmest wishes to the entire Jewish community.
May this Rosh Hashanah be a time of peace, health, and joy. May the year ahead bring blessings, success, and sweet moments shared with family and friends.
Shana Tova U’Metuka! — Have a good and sweet year!
THE RAINS HAVE CEASED, THE FLOWERS BLOOM: CELEBRATING IRREECHAA, THE OROMO THANKSGIVING
By Dhabessa Wakjira
In the highlands of Ethiopia, where the skies weep for months on end and the earth turns to mud, there comes a sacred morning when the clouds finally part. The sun, a golden orb of promise, kisses the damp grass, and a new season is born. This is the moment of Birraa—the spring—and for the Oromo people, it is a time to pause, breathe, and pour out their hearts in gratitude.
This is the spirit of Irreechaa, a festival that transcends mere celebration. It is the Oromo Thanksgiving, a profound spiritual and cultural touchstone that marks the end of the punishing rainy season and the beginning of a season of renewal, peace, and hope.
Held annually at the end of September or the beginning of October, Irreechaa is not a quiet affair of private reflection. It is a magnificent, vibrant explosion of life. Thousands, dressed in dazzling traditional attire, converge on sacred rivers, lakes, and hilltops. The air hums with the rhythm of drums, the melodic chants of elders, and the joyous ululations of the crowd. In their hands, they hold the symbols of the season: lush green grass and delicate yellow daisies, emblems of fertility, flourishing life, and the promise of a bountiful year.
The Heart of the Festival: Giving Thanks to Waaqa
At its core, Irreechaa is a dialogue with the divine. The Oromo people lift their prayers to Waaqa (God), offering thanks not for material wealth alone, but for the bedrock of their existence: a good harvest that fills the granaries, the health of their precious livestock, and the most precious gift of all—peace. It is a recognition that survival through the harsh, dark months was not by human effort alone, but by divine mercy.
“We come to the water to wash away our sorrows and our grudges,” explains an elder during a recent ceremony at Lake Hora Arsadi, near Addis Ababa. “The rain has stopped. Now, we cleanse our hearts and start anew.”
A Living Testament to the Gadaa System
Irreechaa is more than a religious observance; it is the vibrant pulse of the Gadaa System, the ancient, indigenous democratic governance structure of the Oromo people. Inscribed by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the Gadaa System organizes society into generations, guiding leadership, law, and morality. Irreechaa serves as a unifying moment for this system, reinforcing the social contracts and spiritual values that hold the community together.
Reconciliation and Unity
In a world often fractured by division, Irreechaa stands as a powerful advocate for unity. The festival is a designated time for reconciliation. It is a communal balm where feuds are set aside, misunderstandings are forgiven, and the bonds of kinship are strengthened. The shared experience of prayer and dance melts away social barriers, weaving a tapestry of harmony that includes not just the Oromo, but neighboring communities as well.
A Cultural Showcase
To witness Irreechaa is to witness the soul of Oromo culture. The hills become a runway of breathtaking fashion, with men and women adorned in intricately woven garments and vibrant beadwork. The music is hypnotic, with traditional songs that speak of heroism, love, and history. The dances are energetic, a physical manifestation of joy and liberation.
As the sun sets on the celebration, the green grass is often placed upon the heads of participants as a blessing, a final act of connection to the earth and the creator. The festival concludes, but its spirit lingers—a reminder that every ending is a new beginning, and that gratitude is the foundation upon which communities are built.
Irreechaa is not just a festival. It is a declaration: We have survived. We are thankful. We are one.
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Key Aspects of Irreechaa at a Glance:
· Thanksgiving: Central purpose is to thank Waaqa (God) for blessings over the past year.
· End of Winter: Celebrates the conclusion of the rainy season and the dawn of spring (Birraa).
· Sacred Sites: Observed at rivers (Malkaa), lakes, and hilltops (Tulu).
· Symbols of Life: Participants carry wet grass and daisy flowers to represent fertility and flourishing.
· Cultural Expression: A vibrant display of traditional costumes, music, chants, and dances.
· Unity & Peace: A time for community bonding, spiritual reflection, and reconciliation.
· Gadaa System: An integral ritual within the traditional Oromo governance and social structure.
