A free community celebration will be held for the Community to welcome and celebrate the arrival of around 200 workers who will soon be living and working across the Valley for the harvest season.
They will be participating in the Australian Government’s Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Program and this evening will be a chance for residents and PALM workers to come together through a cultural exchange of music, food, and traditions.
Acting Mayor Toby Thorpe said “There’s real strength in diversity. Every person who comes to live and work in the Huon Valley contributes something unique — new skills, traditions and perspectives — and together we create a more vibrant, resilient community.”
“Arriving in a new place can be challenging, but events like this help bridge the gap and create understanding between cultures,” the Regional Co-ordinator for Community Connections Tasmania, Mr Taua Ritiata, said. “The evening would play an important role in helping PALM workers settle in’.
The Samoan Cultural Exchange group will prepare a traditional umu (earth oven) and invite the community to watch and learn about this important tradition. The evening will also feature an Ava Ceremony by the Samoan community, music and performances from both PALM workers and local residents, shared food, and opportunities to connect. If you would like to contribute you are welcome to bring a dessert to share.
PALM Community Welcome
📅 Saturday, 6 December
🕔 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
📍 Huonville PCYC carpark
➡️ Stop by from 12pm midday to view the preparation of the umu feast.
Free event. Please RSVP for catering – https://events.humanitix.com/community-welcome-for-pacific-islander-workers
This event is delivered in partnership by Huon Uniting Church, Huonville Community Church, Pacific Australia Labour Mobility – AEs, Huon Valley PCYC, Lions Club of Huon, MADEC, Redeemer Christian Church, and Huon Valley Council. Supported by Hansen Orchards, Bendigo Bank, Huonville Banjos, and Pilgrim Hill.
Welcome to Country by South East Tasmanian Aboriginal Corporation (SETAC). Performances by the Pacific Islander communities and local choirs Little Boat Choir and Cygnet Song Circle.