Bundaberg celebrates Australian South Sea Islanders

Bundaberg and the surrounding region will continue their commemoration of the 150^th anniversary of the arrival of the first South Sea Islanders to Queensland, at a re-enactment of their arrival in Bundaberg as part of the city’s Multicultural Festival today.

Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Multicultural Affairs Glen Elmes said the event is part of ‘Olgeta Blackbirding Blong Bundaberg 1863-2013’ - a six-month program that has been supported by the Queensland Government with funding of $8,500.

“The re-enactment of the landing of South Sea Islanders on the shore of the Burnett River is an especially important event for Bundaberg’s Australian South Sea Islander community,” Mr Elmes said.

“It is the culmination of Olgeta (meaning ‘all together’) Blackbirding Blong Bundaberg 1863-2013 that has delivered an arts and cultural program for the Bundaberg region.

“This event is part of our overarching statewide commemorative year acknowledging the 150^th anniversary of the arrival of the first South Sea Islanders in Queensland.

“This is a unique opportunity for locals and festival goers to revisit the region’s history and learn more about the significant contributions, culture and heritage of the Australian South Sea Islander community.”

Mr Elmes said the state was also gearing up to celebrate Queensland Multicultural Week, which runs from 31 August to 8 September.

“The week will showcase a program of events and activities where all Queenslanders can support, acknowledge and celebrate our cultural diversity together,” he said.

For more information visit www.datsima.qld.gov.au/qld-multicultural-week.

[ENDS] 18 August 2013

Media Contact:          Peter McCarthy (0408) 835 548