Little Painter Workshop

Report on the Little Painter Workshop

Organised by the Australian Iraqi Forum

Sunday, 21 December 2025
Highlander Community Centre, 141 Highlander Drive, Craigieburn

Introduction

The Australian Iraqi Forum successfully organised the Little Painter Workshop on Sunday, 21 December 2025, at the Highlander Community Centre in Craigieburn, as part of its ongoing commitment to community engagement, cultural development, and youth empowerment. The workshop was designed as an inclusive creative initiative aimed at nurturing children’s artistic talents while promoting the values of peace, harmony, and social cohesion.

Sponsorship

The workshop was generously sponsored by North Star Health Care, whose support played a significant role in the successful delivery of the program.

Participation and Audience

The workshop witnessed strong community participation, with approximately 120 children aged between 5 and 13 years, accompanied by their parents. The event attracted families from diverse and social backgrounds within the local Iraqi community with participation of children from other communities reflecting the multicultural fabric of the local community. Notably, the program ensured inclusivity through the active participation of children with special needs, reinforcing the Forum’s commitment to equal access and social inclusion.

Objectives of the Workshop

The primary aims of the Little Painter Workshop were to:

• Encourage creativity and self-expression among young children through visual arts
• Promote the universal values of peace and harmony
• Provide a safe, supportive, and inspiring environment for artistic exploration
• Foster interaction and mutual understanding among children from diverse backgrounds.

Official Opening

The workshop was officially opened by Dr Faleh Francis, Vice President of the Australian Iraqi Forum. In his introductory remarks, Dr Francis highlighted the importance of creative activities in enhancing children’s imagination, confidence, and emotional expression. He emphasised that art plays a vital role in shaping positive values and nurturing a sense of belonging and harmony from an early age.

Distinguished Attendance

The event was honoured by the attendance of Mr Basem Abdo, Federal Member for Calwell, whose presence reflected strong support for community-led initiatives that focus on youth development, cultural expression, and social harmony. Mr Abdo addressed the audience, highlighting the important role that the Australian Iraqi Forum plays in community development and in promoting social inclusion, particularly through programs that empower young people and strengthen multicultural engagement.

Community Support

The workshop also received support from Tawasul whose President Joseph Youhana gave a brief speech emphasising the value of the little painter workshop in encouraging creativity and inclusion among children, while recognising the role of the Australian Iraqi Forum in promoting the Iraqi cultural within the Australian society.

Program Highlights

The program featured a rich and engaging range of activities, including:

• Supervised Painting Session:
  An interactive painting workshop led by experienced professional artists, where approximately 120 children actively participated. Children were encouraged to express their understanding of peace and harmony through colours, symbols, and imaginative artwork.
• Youth Recognition:
  A special moment in the program was the presentation of an award to Mr Nawar Saadi, the recently elected 13-year-old member of the Youth Council within the City of Hume. This recognition celebrated youth leadership and civic engagement at an early age.
• Musical Performance:
  The event included a musical performance by Yoliana Shamiss, which added a joyful and festive atmosphere and further enriched the cultural experience of the day.
• Hospitality and Festive Celebrations:
  Refreshments were provided for children and families throughout the program, contributing to a welcoming and family-friendly environment. In the spirit of the season, children also received Christmas gifts distributed by Santa Claus, creating moments of excitement and happiness for participants and families alike.

Conclusion and Awards

The workshop concluded with the presentation of awards and certificates to participating children, acknowledging their enthusiasm, creativity, and contributions. This closing segment reinforced positive encouragement and left children with a strong sense of achievement and pride.

Overall Impact

The Little Painter Workshop was a resounding success, achieving its objectives of fostering creativity, inclusion, and community harmony. The event strengthened connections between families, celebrated diversity, and demonstrated the Australian Iraqi Forum’s vital role in promoting cultural enrichment and youth development within the broader Australian community.