Based on the success of the inaugural Tyakuwala Cultural Festival at the weekend, Mayor Peta Betts has hinted more cultural events could be on the agenda in the future.
Calling the festival “fabulous”, Cr Betts said it’s only a taste of what the community could deliver with more time to plan.
Featuring workshops, dancer performances and more of the indigenous, Filipino and African members of our community, the event was put together in the space of four months.
It was a collaborative effort of the Wamba Wamba Perrepa Perrepa Peoples and Edward River Council.
“It well exceeded all of our expectations”, Cr Betts said.
“It was such a testament to our indigenous friends, welcoming us and everybody coming together to celebrate the different cultures that are all within our wonderful community.
“The success of this cultural festival will encourage further participation from more cultures in future events that may branch out from this.”
The premise of the Tyakuwala Cultural Festival - described by some as a “dream come true” event - was to celebrate the local multiculturalism and grow relationships within the community.
Locals and visitors alike braved the almost 40ºC heat to explore the wonderful and diverse cultures that are part of our community.
The initiative from Edward River Council and the Wamba Wamba Perrpa Perrpa Peoples was a long time coming said Mayor Peta Betts.
“This has been in the works since last August,” she said.
“The New South Wales Government, in particular Deputy Premier Paul Toole, allocated funds that were to be utilised as community projects.
“The cultural festival grew from there.
“We (council and the First Nations community members) had regular meetings and it was something that both Aunty Jeanette Crew and myself were very very passionate about.”
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