Junee set to celebrate cultures at inaugural Multicultural Day

JUNEE will come alive with the sights, sounds and traditions of the Pacific this Saturday as the community comes together for a special celebration of culture and diversity.

The free, family-friendly Multicultural Day will be held at Junee’s historic Athenium Theatre from 3pm on Saturday, September 12, bringing the town’s Kiribati, Samoan, Filipino and Fijian communities together for an afternoon of traditional music, dance, food and celebration.

Presented by Junee Prime Lamb with the support of the Rotary Club of Junee and Junee Ex-Services Memorial Club, the event has been organised to celebrate the increasingly diverse community that now calls Junee home.

More than 20 performances are scheduled throughout the afternoon, showcasing the traditions of four cultures through everything from ceremonial songs and folk music to traditional dances.

The opening ceremony will begin at 3.15pm, followed by speeches from representatives of Junee Prime Lamb, Rotary, Junee Shire Council and Junee Ex-Services Memorial Club before performances get underway.

Kiribati will open the entertainment with the welcome dance and song E Na Reitia, while the program also includes Samoan cultural and religious dances, Filipino folk songs and dances, and a range of traditional Fijian performances.

Among the highlights will be Fiji’s traditional war dance The Cibi, Samoa’s men’s slap dance S’a S’a, Kiribati Pacific dance and traditional performances, and Filipino cultural dances.

The program will culminate with Samoa’s celebratory Taualuga before the closing ceremony.

Organisers say the event is about much more than entertainment, providing an opportunity for people from across Junee to come together and recognise the cultures, backgrounds and traditions that form part of the local community.

It is also hoped the afternoon will foster greater understanding, inclusion and appreciation between different sections of the community.

Following the performances, attendees are invited to stay for a free community barbecue, with food and drinks provided.

Gold coin donations will be accepted throughout the afternoon, with proceeds supporting the Rotary Club of Junee and its work across the local community.

The event is strictly alcohol-free and organisers are encouraging people of all ages and backgrounds to attend.

Junee Community Multicultural Day will be held at the Junee Athenium Theatre on Saturday, September 12, from 3pm, with performances beginning from 4pm. Entry is open to everyone.