The event will mark 10 years since the refugees resettled in western Victoria to start a new life and future proof Nhill against an ageing population.

Karen-Burmese refugee and community leader Kaw Doh said the event represented a time to celebrate language and culture, as well as reflect on how far they had come since moving to regional Victoria in 2010. "In December 2009 we organised to look at Nhill. In January we started to relocate," he said.

"When we first came we didn't know anyone. We had to meet people and work out how to go to Centrelink and visit the bank. Most people didn't know English."

Mr Doh said he had just finished a leadership course and would study further at TAFE in Melbourne.

His hope for the New Year was that Karen youth received a good education so they could give back to the community. "I hope the next generation can find education in their life and in the future they can continue to grow the community," Mr Doh said.

He said it was important young people knew their culture. "We have a Karen school for children from five years of age," Mr Doh said. "If children understand multiple languages they can be a translator.

READ MORE: The story of Nhill's Karen success, told by those who helped create it

"This gives them the opportunity to assist their family as a bridge where there are access issues due to language barriers."

Mr Doh said festivities on Saturday at Nhill Memorial Community Centre would include music, Karen Done dancing, singing, speeches, food and sport. "We'll have speeches from (Member for Lowan) Emma Kealy, as well as from an Aboriginal community member," he said.

Mr Doh said following formalities food, including curry, bread and sticky rice, would be available. Attendees were invited to watch a tournament of Sepak takraw known as Caneball, which Mr Doh said was a cross between soccer and volleyball.

"Players may use any part of their bodies, except their hands, to hit a ball over a net," he said.

Karen New Year falls on the first day of the month of Pyathoe, S'gaw Karens call it "Th'lay" and "Htike Kauk Po" for Pwo Karens.

Saturday

Bushfire Relief Benefit Day at Nash Restaurant in Stawell with $25 Indian meals and music performed by Russ Kellett. Entry from midday with all proceeds donated to bushfire relief.

Sunday

Horsham Aquatic Centre hosts Tunes by the Pool with music performed by Hayden Farlow and Emily Fredrickson, as well as giveaways. The event will run from 2pm until 5pm and is free for members with a casual entry cost for non-members.

All week

Horsham Regional Art Gallery hosts National Gallery of Victoria Kids on Tour activities from January 12 until January 19. Events are free and include drawing and sculpture-making. More information at horshamtownhall.com.au/forkids.

OTHER NEWS: Know the risk and have a plan: high grass fire risk in the Wimmera, says CFA

While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox twice weekly from the Wimmera Mail-Times. To make sure you're up-to-date with all the news from across the Wimmera, sign up below.