BOOM, Casey hits big on culture
City of Casey and Wilson Botanic Park took a massive stride to embrace cultural differences within our local community last Sunday with their first of many to come, “Cultures in Casey ” festivals.
Friends and families take a taste of other worlds from a few of the food vendors.
Food
International cuisine stalls adorned the outer edges of the amphitheatre. Tasty Paella from Spanish caravan catering, succulent skewers from Brazilian Bites, delicious sweets from Al-Eman Muslim Womens Support Group, were among the few my family and I tasted, washed down with a fresh coffee or chai tea. Unfortunately I did not get a chance to try the Mutter Krause sausages, Dosa Diner, or the other vendors…something for next time!
Tasty Paella!- Photographer Vanessa Watson
Entertainment
The late afternoon/ evening event kicked off last Sunday at 4pm and went through till around 8ish. The amphitheatre at Wilson Botanic Park is a perfect venue to host such an event. Plenty of seating on the bluestones and plenty of grass to stand, run and play. The amphitheatre itself, of course, sets the stage for a number of fantastic traditional acts.
Stories and songs from Shu-Cheen Yu
Shu-Cheen Yu, a soprano singer by nature has also played Lady Thiang for Opera Australia’s The king and I.
Captivated with stories from Shu-Cheen Yu
Dancing dragons of Jow Ga Kuen
The thunderous and bright fireworks and exotic dancing dragons display form the Jow Ga Kuen Kung Fu school, was a fabulous delight for the kids as the dragons weaved their way among the crowd.
JOW GA KUEN Dragons
JOW GA KUEN Dragons
Drummers kept the thrum going as the dragons did their dance.
JOW GA KUEN Drummers
JOW GA KUEN Drummers
JOW GA KUEN Dragons
JOW GA KUEN Dragons
JOW GA KUEN Dragons
The dragons lead a merry chase up into the amphitheatre seating, to the squeals, giggles and laughter of the kids.
The dragon seeks its food. No not kids..Lettuce and mandarins? What strange beasts
JOW GA KUEN Dragons
The kids were kept safely off the main stage area as the dragons search ended in an explosive kiss and firecrackers sparked to life.
Crackers!! oh and one of those mandarins I was talking about.
JOW GA KUEN Dragons
JOW GA KUEN Dragons
JOW GA KUEN Dragons
The dragons now relaxed and posed for photos.
Deputy Mayor Cr Mick Morland JOW GA KUEN Dragons
JOW GA KUEN Dragons
JOW GA KUEN Dragons. With the wonderful lakeside backdrop
Afro Evolution drum workshop
A warm and kid friendly joyous drumming workshop followed with the African drums of Afro Evolution.
Nii and Kofi teach the youngsters some traditional beats.
Fun drum
fun drum
Bright and full of life these two taught 20 kids at a time, to play the djembe and entertained all who looked on.
Drum Workshop
Drum Workshop
Nii
Kofi and Nii
Nii gave us an african dance spectacular
Nii in full swing
Nii gave us an African dance spectacular
Kofi
Kofi
Kofi-Photographer Sandy Morgan
Navaratna Arts
We were also party to a mesmerising traditional Indian Temple Dance performed by an amazing nine year old student of Navaratna Arts named Varsha.
Varsha Kantharajah
Varsha Kantharajah
Varsha Kantharajah
Varsha Kantharajah
Varsha Kantharajah
Varsha Kantharajah
Those I missed
Due to other duties on the day I personally missed out on the Berwick Highland Dancers, The Tama Tatua men gave us a taste of Samoan dance and the Shakyamuni Sambuddha Vihara childrens choir sang the song “One People” written by Andrew Williams, who if you recall, played for us at the Saturday Night Live music in the park a few weeks back. However many thanks to photographers Sandy Morgan and Vanessa Watson who chipped in with some great shots…thanks ladies.
Tama Tatua
Photographer Sandy Morgan
Photographer Vanessa Watson
Great joy filled fellas the Tama Tatau shared some of their traditional Samoan dance moves, backed by superb power drumming.
~Photographer Sandy Morgan
~Photographer Sandy Morgan
Shakyamuni Sambuddha Vihara children’s choir
The Sri Lankan Theravada Buddhist temple in Berwick provides a school for over 400 children, from kinder to age 9. They teach the Sinhala language and the culture and teachings of Buddha and Sri Lanka.
Childrens choir trained by Mrs Anula Gamage, introduced here by Cr Wayne Smith.
Children’s choir and Berwick Pipers pose for a shot. ~Photographer Sandy Morgan.
Berwick Pipers
Wandering the area at various times were the Berwick Pipers, a group of bagpipers in full traditional getup providing an awesome atmosphere.
The Berwick Pipers.
Round up
Other things were on show at various points. You could try your paper bending skills over at the origami table.
Origami
Deputy Major Cr Mick Morland
Deputy Major Cr Mick Morland gave us an opening speech.
Keeping the show flowing
Thanks must be given to all those who helped make this event come to fruition.
Setup and take down and clean up a burden but much appreciated.
To the setup and take down crews , we thankyou.
Yes that be you Scott, I believe sweeping up the many fireworks and acts litter. Thanks mate.
Hope they don’t roll into the lake!
African Drums, in the setting sun, under Australian skies.
Many thanks to the volunteers, sponsors, food vendors, participants and of course the community for showing your support for what was a fantastic event sharing the many diverse cultures we have the privilege of residency in our community of Casey.
A little more rugged up than usual, as autumn descends 
12 piece band that actually had 14 members 🙂 
That big band swing sound. 
Band setting up in the beautiful rich bluestone amphitheatre. 
Cheese ready, wine ready, Mr music we can start! Photo courtesy of Jacqui 
To the end of the line. 
some walk some run 
Walking on air, oh how we wish we could 
Jogging 
In costume 
National Anthem singer 
Haka 
Amazing colour and dance 
Jumping castles, for young and old 
99 purple balloons… 
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