The Women’s Friendship Group has built a strong foundation within the region since it was established nearly three years ago.

A mix of cultures combine for weekly meetings at Northern Integrated Care Services, where English is taught and international skills are shared.

More than 100 people are involved in the group, which includes volunteers from the region. Among them is Jo Dean who said the meetings showcased the reciprocal relationships that can exist between people from different backgrounds.

“We don’t really like to differentiate between volunteers and members of the group, because we are all learning from each other,” she said.

“They are learning English and we are learning different styles of cooking and embroidery.”

The Women’s Friendship Group has an important role in this year’s Tamar Valley Peace Festival, where they form part of the Our Global Village Celebration.

Starting on August 4, the two-day celebration at West Launceston Primary School will feature a range of international stalls.

Free skill-sharing workshops will also be held at the school throughout the weekend of the event. Ms Dean said it was an opportunity for the group to reach more people in the community.

“They will come together and celebrate in Launceston with all the strength they have from their home cultures,” she said.