‘Spectacular’: Hundreds turn out for Junee’s Multicultural Day

HUNDREDS packed Junee’s Athenium Theatre on Saturday as the town’s inaugural Multicultural Day delivered a spectacular showcase of the cultures that now call Junee home.

Junee’s Kiribati, Samoan, Filipino and Fijian communities took to the stage to share their music, dance and traditions across more than 20 performances before a bumper crowd.

The program stretched well into the evening, with the strong turnout and enthusiastic response prompting immediate calls for the event to become a regular fixture on Junee’s calendar.

Presented by Junee Prime Lamb alongside the Rotary Club of Junee and Junee Ex-Services Memorial Club, the event had been created as an opportunity to celebrate the growing cultural diversity of the Junee community.

Junee Prime Lamb said it was proud to have played a part in an event that brought people together in such a positive way.

“Seeing so many people came together, celebrate different cultures and enjoy the afternoon together is exactly what community is all about,” the organisation said following the event.

Image: Junee Prime Lamb

Organisers reserved special praise for the performers who brought the Athenium stage to life.

“What a show! Your talent, passion, colour and culture filled the stage and made the afternoon so special,” Junee Prime Lamb said.

The organisation also thanked the hosts, volunteers and community groups behind the event, including Junee Rotary and Junee Ex-Services Memorial Club, as well as its own volunteers who worked behind the scenes.

The packed program ultimately ran beyond its scheduled finish, something organisers acknowledged in thanking those who stayed for their patience.

“We also want to apologise that the event ran overtime. We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding,” Junee Prime Lamb said.

“These events are a learning experience, and we’ll certainly take what we’ve learnt this time into planning future events.”

But the extended running time appeared to do little to dampen enthusiasm, with glowing reviews flooding social media after the event.

“The joy and happiness was contagious.”

Local resident Robyn McGregor described the celebration as “spectacular”.

“What a great event. Thank-you for bringing everyone together. Enjoyed by all,” she said.

Diane Tucker said she had “thoroughly enjoyed every minute”, while Leonie Cooper described the event as “a truly wonderful experience”.

Kerryn Burton was among several attendees already calling for the celebration to return.

“Absolutely fantastic afternoon. We can’t wait for the next one. Spectacular!” she said.

Image: Junee Prime Lamb

Heather Cassidy echoed the sentiment, describing it as a “great evening” and saying she too could not wait for another.

For Kylie Nell, the event provided an important opportunity for Junee’s different cultural communities to share their traditions with the wider town.

“What a fantastic showcase of the different cultures that call Junee home,” she said.

“You were all amazing. Thank you for sharing with the people of Junee.”

Local councillor Pam Halliburton similarly praised the performances and those who took part.

“It was a great show. Very well done to the Islanders for sharing their culture with us,” she said.

The strong turnout was particularly significant given the event had received relatively little publicity in the lead-up, with word spreading through community organisations and social media in the final days before Saturday.

By the time the first Multicultural Day was over, however, there appeared to be little doubt about the appetite for another.

Junee Prime Lamb said it was “still buzzing” from the energy of the day and the way the wider community had embraced the celebration.

“Junee, you absolutely showed up!” the organisation said.

“We’re already looking forward to the next one.”