Three years ago, a simple question sparked something special at Lane Cove Public School:
“What’s the best way to celebrate the multicultural community of LCPS?”
That question was asked by Hajar, a passionate parent of two LCPS students and the school’s volunteer Multicultural Liaison Officer and P&C Treasurer. What followed was the creation of one of the school’s most loved events — the World Food Fair (WFF) — a vibrant celebration of culture, connection, and cuisine.
From Idea to Institution
The concept was first discussed in late 2022, when Hajar gathered a group of class parents, along with the school’s relieving principal and deputy, for a brainstorming session. Among the many great ideas shared, one stood out: a food fair, suggested by fellow parent Emma.
It struck a chord with Hajar, who had fond childhood memories of school food fairs raising funds for those in need. Inspired, she adapted the idea for LCPS, bringing a new multicultural structure to life — and so the World Food Fair was born.
A Community Feast
The first event was held in March 2023 at the school’s Kirkwood Cove space. Hajar admits she didn’t know quite what to expect — but the result was beyond anything she imagined.
Parents, grandparents, and extended families arrived with trays of lovingly prepared dishes from across the globe. They dressed in traditional clothing, decorated their stalls with cultural treasures, and proudly shared their heritage with students, staff, and fellow parents.
The atmosphere was electric. Kids sampled unfamiliar foods with curiosity and excitement, and parents beamed with pride as their children explored the cultures that make up the LCPS community.
Since then, the event has grown even bigger, with more than 100 authentic dishes and drinks presented each year, completely free of charge. Each stall is a labour of love — many families spend hours preparing traditional meals, with some even calling grandparents overseas to ensure cultural accuracy!
More Than a Meal
The WFF is more than just food. Over time, it has expanded to include cultural performances, traditional crafts, music, photo booths and even a ‘passport to the fair’ experience for students.
Behind the scenes, it’s a true community effort. More than 150 families set up and run the stalls, while another 100 parents contribute in other ways — from sourcing raffle prizes to helping with signage, logistics, and photography. Teachers, school staff, and local businesses also get behind the event, making it a real team effort.
For Hajar, who’s too busy running the event to sample much food herself, the magic of the WFF is in seeing the joy and connection it brings to the school.
“It’s heartwarming to hear how this event helps people reconnect with their heritage, meet new friends, and feel truly part of the LCPS family.”
Celebrating Belonging
Hajar’s ongoing dedication — from running Multicultural Society meetings to brainstorming ways to enhance the event each year — has helped cement the World Food Fair as a treasured tradition at LCPS.
While she’s proud of how far the event has come, she believes the key now is preserving the spirit of what’s been built:
“The consistent participation of our families shows that the current structure works. Our goal should be to maintain and support what we’ve created together.”
She also extends her gratitude to the P&C and school staff for embracing the idea from day one:
“LCPS is a highly culturally diverse school, and events like the WFF play a vital role in fostering a sense of belonging and engagement within our school community.”
In the Cove applauds all the volunteers, organisers and families who make the World Food Fair such a meaningful celebration of Lane Cove’s diversity. It’s a beautiful reminder that when a community comes together with open hearts (and full plates), incredible things happen.
