Deloraine is set to host a vibrant cultural celebration this month, with the return of the Pasifika and Timor Leste Cultural Showcase. Organised by the Rotary Club of Deloraine in partnership with the Meander Valley Council, the event aims to bring together community members and seasonal agricultural workers through music, dance, and tradition.
Scheduled for Saturday, 7 February, from 4pm to 8pm, the showcase will be held on the grassy area in front of the Rotary Function Centre on Alveston Drive. Entry is free, and all members of the public are welcome.
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The festival will feature traditional music, dance, and dress from Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, and Timor Leste. Organisers describe it as “a rare opportunity to experience the rich diversity of languages and traditions” in Deloraine.
Many of the performers and participants are workers employed through the Federal Government’s Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme. The program brings workers from Pacific Island nations and Timor Leste to Australia for periods of up to a year, supporting the local agricultural industry in areas such as berry farming.
You may have seen the seasonal agricultural workers when you are out and about in Deloraine and surrounds. These hardworking individuals are part of the Federal Government’s PALM scheme, which helps farmers and producers fill vital roles in the agricultural sector.
The contributions of PALM workers extend beyond the fields. Earnings from their time in Australia are often sent home to support family and community initiatives, including education and housing.
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Beyond celebration, the event also aims to build connections between PALM workers and the local community. Attendees are encouraged to enjoy cultural performances, meet workers, and participate in a community sausage sizzle.
Enjoy cultural performances, meet the workers who help sustain our local farms, and share in a community sausage sizzle.
No bookings are required, and the event is designed to be accessible for all. While limited seating will be available, attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs or picnic blankets. Parking is available.
The event underscores a broader commitment to inclusion and community engagement, as the Meander Valley community continues to welcome and celebrate the people who contribute to its local economy and culturally diverse fabric.
