KIDS SPOILT FOR CHOICE AT QUEENSLAND MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL

Children’s entertainment is firmly on the agenda at the Queensland Multicultural Festival next week, Minister for Multiculturalism Lindy Nelson-Carr said today.

Ms Nelson-Carr said the festival, to be held at the Roma Street Parkland on Sunday 15 October, will have a range of activities for people of all ages but children would have extra special activities.

“The festival was about celebrating the mix of people and customs in Queensland and this is a family friendly event that’s interactive and educational, and most importantly highlights the diversity of cultures that exist within our state.

“I encourage people to embrace multicultural Queensland and enjoy the fusion of cultures that this festival signifies.”

Ms Nelson-Carr said children would enjoy a collection of activities including arts and crafts, puppet and mime shows and live stage performances.

“The craft activities in particular will provide an opportunity for parents and children to share creative activities with a strong traditional theme – including Torres StraitIsland hat weaving, Polish wycinanki paper cutting and design, Japanese origami and calligraphy, cane sculpture, and Nigerian fan and shaker percussion making.

“Stage performances will include stories of the Dreamtime, Ethiopian dance, Brazilian percussion, African-style hip-hop dancing, Bollywood dance, Bolivian mask dance and an engaging and hilarious family mime show from the colourful characters of Planet Atmo,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.

Activities for children will run from 10am.

Ms Nelson-Carr said children in years 5 to 9 will also be able to take part in ‘Diversity Rocks’, an education program for students on Monday 16 October.

“Diversity Rocks is a free multicultural education experience linking curriculum activities in arts, music, studies of society in other cultures as well as in the Australian context.

“Among the line up for students will be a Tibetan Mandala workshop, a literary workshop by Brisbane author Nick Earls and performances by Maori dancers and Japanese percussionists.”

The Queensland Multicultural Festival was developed by the Beattie Government to promote the importance of cultural diversity in the SmartState, and to provide Queenslanders with an annual celebratory event focused on multiculturalism.

For more program information visit www.multiculturalfestival.qld.gov.au

Media contact: Karla Steen 3336 8004 or Andie Gatti 3336 8002