Around 300 people gathered in Huonville on Saturday evening for a heartwarming celebration welcoming Pacific workers to the Huon Valley for the harvest season.
The PALM Community Welcome brought together local residents and approximately 200 workers participating in the Australian Government’s Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Program for an evening of cultural exchange, music, food and connection.
The celebration began at the Huonville PCYC carpark with an Acknowledgement of Country and welcome speech from Acting Mayor Toby Thorpe, followed by a moving Ava ceremony led by the Samoan community. Acting Mayor Thorpe participated first, followed by community members eager to take part in the traditional practice.
Taua Ritiata, Regional Coordinator for the PALM Scheme in Tasmania, spoke about his role and the workers’ contribution to the region. The Cygnet Song Circle and Little Boat Choir then performed together before Savali from the Samoan community introduced the umu and explained how the traditional feast had been prepared.
When heavy rain arrived around 6pm, community spirit truly shone as everyone worked together to move the celebration indoors. The program continued seamlessly after Pastor Isaac from the Redeemer Christian Church said grace.
As guests enjoyed their meal, performances showcased the rich cultural diversity of the Pacific communities. The Kita Maori group sang, danced and performed a powerful haka. The Kiribati community presented traditional dance with one performer in traditional clothing, followed by group singing and dancing. The Ni‑Vanuatu and Samoan communities also performed, with the Samoan group featuring dancers in traditional dress.
The event was 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, with support from Hansen Orchards, Bendigo Bank, Huonville Banjos, and Pilgrim Hill.