Modern-day ‘open air’ meeting attracts hundreds in Hurstville
- deansimpson7
- 8 hours ago
- 3 min read
BY BEN WANG*
Hurstville Corps recently hosted its second ‘Many Cultures, One Hope’ event at Hurstville Plaza in southern Sydney, uniting diverse communities in a celebration of music, dance and prayer.
Building on the inaugural event held in 2023, this year’s gathering on Sunday, 12 October, drew participants from Chinese, Nepalese, Ukrainian, African, Filipino, Australian, and other backgrounds, reaffirming the theme of strength through diversity in the name of Jesus.
The event commenced with a lively performance by the Hurstville Corps’ Just Brass band, setting the tone for a day full of cultural showcases as hundreds of people passed through the plaza, many stopping to watch and listen.
Highlights included Chinese dragon dancing, Salvation Army brass band and timbrel routines, and traditional dances from various global communities. Attendees, many dressed in ethnic attire, joined in spontaneous group dances, creating a lively, festive climax.
More than six different cultures were represented at Hurstville Corps’ recent ‘Many Cultures, One Hope’ public event in southern Sydney. Photos: Beth Shao
Information stalls highlighted Salvation Army services, including Moneycare financial counselling, Doorways social support, preschool children’s music programs, after-school activities, Just Brass, and a dedicated prayer tent.
The 2023 event marked a milestone as the first collaboration between a local Salvation Army Corps and the national CaLD (Cultural and Linguistically Diverse) team, with lessons shared nationwide to inspire similar gatherings.
The ‘Many Cultures, One Hope’ concept has expanded nationally under Nuria Gonsalves, The Salvation Army’s CaLD Community Engagement National Lead.
“Today, as we revel in stunning performances from the Just Brass band to the Chinese dragon dancing, and more, we offer a heartfelt thank you to our volunteers, performers, Georges River Council, and the multicultural organising team, whose tireless work echoes the Salvos' commitment to building belonging across Australia,” said Nuria on the day.
The ‘Many Cultures, One Hope’ vision has flourished in Hurstville through Lieutenant Beth Shao’s dedicated implementation, fusing her enthusiasm with deep ties to the Chinese community – evident in vibrant festival celebrations. Under Major Judith Soeters’ steadfast leadership, the 2025 event delivered another memorable day of heart, harmony and hope, with the powerful gospel of Jesus once again proclaimed.
Nuria Gonsalves said that beyond the festivities, ‘Many Cultures, One Hope’ served as an open invitation to the community: “If you’re looking for support, someone to talk to, or practical help, the Salvos are here for you. If you’re looking for a place to serve, to belong, and to make a difference, we welcome you to join us. Together, we can keep building bridges, extending helping hands, and fostering hope for everyone in our community.”
*Councillor Ben Wang, an independent member of Georges River Council and Salvation Army Multicultural Ambassador since 2021, has played a key role in fostering the ‘Many Cultures, One Hope’ vision. Working with Georges River Association (GRA) – a grassroots organisation supporting culturally and linguistically diverse communities – Ben has led efforts including the Red Shield Appeal, Easter fundraising, digital door-knock campaigns, and family days. The Georges River Council has been a steadfast supporter of multiculturalism in the area, providing funding, resources, and promotion for initiatives that celebrate diverse communities, from cultural events to community grants that empower events like the ‘Many Cultures, One Hope’ days.
