Brisbanites gathered at Brisbane’s Commonwealth Friendship Festival to celebrate culture, food, and music, a vivid counterpoint to anti-immigration demonstrations across the nation.

Last Sunday, hundreds of Brisbanites flocked to the inaugural Festival of Commonwealth Friendship to enjoy international flavours, live performances, market stalls, and cultural demonstrations.

Throughout the day, performers from nations across the Commonwealth danced and played music in traditional wear before an audience that included the Governor of Queensland.

Among the festival’s youngest performers was 14-year-old Poonita Agalwal, who blew calming tunes with a traditional North Indian flute.

The flute, Poonita explained, holds special significance in Hindustani culture, where Lord Krishna is often depicted in traditional stories and texts playing the instrument.

“My favourite part about playing is getting lost in the music, it’s very peaceful and soothing,” she said.

“I love how diverse Australia is. When I used to live in India obviously the culture is very amazing, but when I’m here it doesn’t feel like anything’s lost. I still feel like I’m back in India and everything is very inclusive.”

A few kilometres away, however, a different gathering took place.

As the city celebrated its multicultural community, thousands rallied at Roma St parklands as part of a nationwide ‘March for Australia’ against what they described as a government policy of ‘mass migration.’

Promotional flyers in the lead-up to the marches claimed, “Mass migration has torn at the bonds that held our communities together,” and that “This is a transformation that we never sought, nor consented to.”

Though the government condemned the demonstrations ahead of the day, reiterating that such protests do not represent the values of most Australians, Queensland police estimated about 6,000 people marched from the parklands to the city botanic gardens.

Protestors waved the Australian flag and chanted Aussie Aussie Aussie as they blocked incoming traffic and gathered at King George Square. Several clashes occurred between them and counter-protestors which were monitored by a heavy police presence.

Away from the chants and anti-immigration banners, the multicultural festival pressed on undisturbed.

At a stall lined with handmade jewellery crafted back home, Richi Isu shared the vibrant culture of the Solomon Islands.

Mr Isu, a committee member for the Solomon Islands Brisbane Community, moved to Brisbane five years ago for work. He said what he loved most about the Solomon Islands is its diversity.

“We come from different provinces, but we have cultures that stands out,” he said.

“With what you see now here, it’s peaceful and people are celebrating the rich culture from different nations. We are not different people here. We might be coming from different countries, different backgrounds, but we are human, we should love each other.

“Wherever you come from, it’s unique. It’s good to display and help others to know where you come from.”

Last Sunday, two different versions of Brisbane emerged, telling a story about Australia’s ongoing struggle over who belongs and how belonging is celebrated.

In one, flags and banners rejected diversity and change; in the other, music, food and colour embraced it.

As the events of the day ended, one message was evident: in a city of many stories such as Brisbane, the spirit of celebration and unity will always outshine any attempt to divide.