Celebrating Culture in Cockburn

International cuisine, multicultural performances, live music and children’s cultural activities transformed the CRC Cockburn into a cultural hub on Sunday 1 November at the Celebrating Culture in Cockburn event.

Families from across Cockburn took in sights, sounds and tastes from around the globe as they basked in the Cockburn community spirit and celebrated the many cultures that make up the vibrant Cockburn community.

The event was opened with a smoking ceremony and welcome to country by Marie Taylor. Whilst people feasted on international delicacies colourful community performances brought people together through the joy of dance and music.

There were performances from the Cockburn Chinese Association, Empowered Avenue Scottish Highland Dancers, Dara Thai Dancing School, Okinawan Dance and Drumming group, Chinese Cultural Dance Group as well as Persian and Indian performances from local community members.  The performances culminated with a show-stopping performance from Ngaru Pou Inc who had over 30 children perform four cultural songs and dances, including the Haka.

“This event enabled local community groups and children to showcase their cultural heritage.” said Jane Miller Partnership Director at Connecting Community for Kids. “It was amazing to get the community together and help them form bonds and friendships, especially due to the social isolation many are feeling during 2020, with families unable to travel.”

Community members brought a dish that has special meaning to them. Dishes included fried mi fen, cabbage rolls, Indian samosas, pork crackling bread, sticky rice cake, steam buns, pork dumplings, beef stew, spinach and chicken paneer and lots more!

Creative Sarah Zamanzade put together a multicultural art piece where everyone was invited to write hello in their language as well as draw anything that reminded them of their country. Yangebup Family Centre volunteer Shilpa Siby drew henna designs on the children. Kaya Time mum Jasmin supervised the kids  Aboriginal themed arts and crafts.

This event was supported by the City of Cockburn and part-funded by the Australian Government’s Fostering Integration Grants program.