The Celebration Stage kicks off with a powerful Welcome to Country, setting the tone for a day of immersive cultural experiences. The program will offer a rich tapestry of music and dance, with a focus on four special showcase programs – South-East Asian, Persian, Dabke Arabic and finally Latin American with Fiesta Latina.
Try something new, taste global flavours, soak up live music, and kick back on a deck chair. Whether you're dancing, dining, or just taking it all in, it's the perfect spot for cultural discovery and relaxed family fun.
| Time | Program | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 11 - 11.30am | Welcome Ceremony * | Welcome to Country: Aunty Sharralyn Robinson Cultural Dance: Kugang Djarmbi Smoking Ceremony: Uncle Peter Button. |
| 11.30 - 11.35am | Opening Speech * | Lord Mayor Cr Tania Brown will give an opening speech. |
| 11.35 - 11.38am | Speech * | The Hon. Paul Scully MP, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and Member for Wollongong will speak. |
| 11.40am - 12.40pm | South-East Asian Showcase | |
| 11.40 - 11.45am | Putri Ayu Indonesia Dance Group | Traditional Jaipongan dance called Ronggeng Nyentrik - a traditional dance from West Java, performed by mother and daughter's ensemble. |
| 11.55am - 12.15pm | Traditional Vietnamese Wedding performance | The Vietnamese Aged Group share a performance of a traditional cultural wedding ceremony, blending ancient customs and modern influences. |
| 12.20 - 12.40pm | Chin Zomi Traditional Dance Performance | Young people share traditional Chin Zomi dance. |
| 12.45 - 1pm | Lion Dance: Australian Yau Kung Mun Association | Traditional Lion dance performance. |
| 1 - 1.40pm | Persian Showcase | Traditional Persian dance by Mitra Dance Group with live music by the East Band with audience participation invited. |
| 1.45 - 2pm | Macedonian Women’s Group Healthy Illawarra | Traditional Macedonian Oro dance celebrating cultural unity, connecting generations and expressing stories of belonging. |
| 2.05 - 2.20pm | Serbia - St John the Baptist Serbian Orthodox Folkloric ensemble | Folkloric dancing from the central Serbian plains. |
| 2.25 - 2.40pm | East African Dancers | Umushayayo traditional dance performance representing Rwandan and Burundian culture. |
| 2.45 - 3.35pm | Dabke - Arabic Showcase | Immerse yourself in sounds and energy of captivating music from the Middle East, featuring live drumming performances and more. |
| 3.45 - 4pm | Bateria 61 | Join the Brazilian carnival rhythms of Bateria 61 on the Arts Precinct green. |
| 4 - 6pm | Fiesta Latina | SALCO presents two hours of high-energy Latin American Fiesta, featuring traditional Colombian sounds from Mi Hermano Yo and beats by Latin Power. |
Thank you to our MC Malika Reese.
Culture Mix is an accessible event.
* Auslan Interpreted
^ For vision impaired community