Cultural experiences and a movie to celebrate Multicultural Month

Multicultural Month is here and it's time to celebrate the rich diversity that defines the Cairns’ community.

With cultures from across the globe that bring a unique blend of traditions and perspectives, Cairns has truly become a vibrant and multicultural place to call home.

The community is invited to celebrate the region’s rich diversity at a free family event on Friday 18 August at Harald Falge Park, as part of Council’s Moving Picture Nights.

Cains Mayor Bob Manning said Multicultural Month was a wonderful opportunity to recognise and celebrate the positive impact different cultures have on our community.

“More than 37,200 people, just over 22% of the community, were born overseas, bringing valuable new traditions and perspectives to Cairns,” he said.

“This month is another way Council can support and promote the region as a place where everyone feels like they belong.”

Harald Falge Park will become a hive of activity on Friday, starting at 5pm with AFL Queensland hosting a range of children's activities, while local African, Ukrainian, and Fijian community groups will be selling traditional finger food alongside a free sausage sizzle.

Families can lay out their picnic blankets and watch talented artists from different backgrounds perform captivating cultural dances from 5.30pm.

Following the cultural dancers, an acoustic live performance from local emerging musician, Chris Whitchurch, will entertain the audience.

The free screening of the animated family movie Vivo will start from 7pm.

The movie follows Vivo, a musically talented kinkajou (a tropical mammal that looks like a monkey-cat hybrid) busks the streets of Havana, Cuba, with his owner Andrés.

But after a tragedy, Vivo must journey to Florida to deliver a love song to his owner’s former musical partner and long-lost love, the famous Marta Sandoval.

Council’s Animal Management team will also be on hand to answer pet related questions and unveil a new mural in the park designed by students at the nearby Cairns West Primary School.

Division 7 Councillor Max O’Halloran said Council provided support to cultural associations, community service providers, and organisations through the Community Partnership Grant program.

“These grants play a crucial role in nurturing and preserving the diverse heritage that forms the heart of our city,” he said.

“Council is committed to building and enabling inclusive and cohesive communities and we take great pleasure in supporting community events such as this.

“I am proud to be part of a community that embraces the virtues of acceptance, inclusiveness, and respect for each other.

“And what better place to celebrate these qualities, than at Harald Falge Park, located in one of the most culturally diverse areas of Cairns.”

Harald Falge Park celebrations:

• 5pm: Children’s activities and free sausage sizzle
• 5.30pm: Cultural performances and a performance by Chris Whitchurch
• 7pm: Movie starts, Vivo