Gallery | Lantern Night lights up hall

By Djembe Archibald

Jun 1, 2023

All smiles: Shepparton English Language Centre student Hassan Bakeer, 5. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

The hall was full of lanterns, light, families, fun and friendship as the Community Hub of St George’s Rd Primary School and the Shepparton English Language Centre hosted its first Lantern Night.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

Students and members of Arthur Mawson Children’s Centre, St George’s Rd Primary School, Shepparton English Language Centre, the community hub and families of all of those groups came together on Thursday, May 25.

The event was held in support of National Family Week and a common wish of peace in the world.

Over the past five weeks, students of all ages made lanterns both in class and with their families.

Lanterns of all shapes, sizes and materials were crafted before the night and more than 600 lanterns were brought to life, with more than 400 people in attendance.

The night included singing, a meal, family activities and community involvement.

Community Hub of St George’s Rd Primary School and the Shepparton English Language Centre leader Liz Arcus said the motivation behind the night was unity.

“It was to bring that unity together,” Ms Arcus said.

“We all [the hub, SELC, the childcare centre and primary school] are on the same campus but don’t get the opportunity to get together that often.

“We live in a very diverse community, and peace means different things to everybody.

“The lanterns represent the lightness of peace. Even the process of making the lanterns was really special.”

After the success of the first Lantern Night, organisers hope to recreate the magical evening each year.

“The night was a lovely way to bring the families together,” Ms Arcus said.

“We really hope to be able to make it an annual event.”

News photographer Rechelle Zammit went along to the night to capture the evening, here’s what she took.