The city's multicultural group is calling on those from countries across the globe to act as flag bearers in the official opening of the annual South West Multicultural Festival.
Now in its 14th year, the free festival attracts more than 5,000 people each year and celebrates the cultural diversity of the Greater Bunbury region.
Although plans for the festival are well underway, Bunbury Multicultural Group Inc chairperson Shamara Williams said the committee, made up entirely of volunteers, was still urgently looking for flag bearers to participate in the opening parade.
With 40 flags to be featured in the parade, Ms Williams said the committee had only managed to secure about half of the flag bearers required and encouraged people to give it a go.
"Ideally, we're looking for people from that country or cultural group," she said.
"This year, we'll be coming out of the Bricknell Music Shell and we actually come down Victoria Street to generate a bit of interest and get people involved.
"We need people to wear traditional costume, where possible, and at the end of the flag parade to say hello to the audience in their mother tongue.
"We do it because we truly believe that it builds bridges and gives people an opportunity to find out about other cultural groups across the South West.
"People that have walked in the parade before have said that it's given them a real rush, a sense of pride.
"It's quite joyous, there's a real feel-good feeling."
The flag parade is set to begin from 5pm on February 22, but Ms Williams said participants would need to be available a little earlier to ensure they have collected their flag and are lined up.
To participate, or to find out more about the festival, contact the group at admin@bunburymulticulturalgroup.com.au
