Cultures on the table at tropical feast
A FIJIAN-style hangi, Korean cuisine, and Papua New Guinean banana pudding with coconut cream are just some of the dishes on offer at tomorrow’s Tropical Wave multicultural festival.
Co-ordinator Olive Tua Davis said food played an integral role in how migrants expressed their culture.
“Around food, people gather, around food, stories are shared, around food, new ideas come about, and with food, there are no barriers,” she said.
“The whole aim (of the festival) is to showcase the diverse cultures of this region through cultural and contemporary entertainment.”
The event, which last year attracted about 10,000 people, will also include arts and crafts, kids’ activities and live music such as local bands Zennith and Souljah. Originally from Papua New Guinea, Ms Davis has run the festival with the help of many volunteers for 11 years.
This festival will be her last as an organiser, as she moves on to other projects. But she’s not leaving on a sad note.
“I’m very happy that the festival is getting bigger but it also needs young people to bring new ideas and take it further,” she said.
“I want to end it on a high note. I’m happy there are others who are enthusiastic about taking on the job, improving it and expanding it.”
She said the festival helped showcase what migrants brought to the Cairns community. “As a migrant you want to make Australia your home, and you want to add your cultural heritage and practices,” Ms Davis said.
“The diversity in this region is amazing, inspiring. Because I’ve done this for so long I now feel comfortable I can pass it on for younger people who are willing to take it on.”
After this year’s festival, Ms Davis said she plans on pursuing the opportunities for a multicultural food market along the Esplanade. Tropical Wave Festival is on at Fogarty Park, tomorrow from 10.30am to 10pm.
CO- ORDINATOR OLIVE
TUA DAVIS