It started with a handful of bleary eyes, turning up the heat of the BBQ on a chilly Saturday at 5am. Some had been up late the night before, chopping, slicing, dicing and prepping, ready to cook for the event.
Kiribati celebrated their 46th year of independence in 2022, and this year, the 54-member community in Naracoorte in the Limestone Coast celebrated the event for the first time.
The Migrant Resource Centre worked with community leaders to source materials and resources for the celebration, and assisted in the planning. Unfortunately for the Kiri community, the chilly July weather couldn’t be helped, however the rain did hold off.
The morning was busy with teams in the kitchen, on the BBQ, on decorations and another larger team on the volleyball court, enjoying their Saturday.
Adelaide based, Kiribati community leader Tikoba Potter opened the event and welcomed everyone, starting with the national anthem sung with pride and passion by all Kiribati. She talked briefly about the history of independence and the significance of the flag. Naracoorte MRC Manager Ms Frances Kirby then talked about the importance of connecting new residents to the local community, and in particular, to the Naracoorte Lions Club. Naracoorte has a large and diverse multicultural community, who many call ‘home’.
The guests were dazzled with traditional dancers from Kiribati, and entertainers from Samoa, who are not shy at getting up on stage. State MP Nick McBride and Federal MP Tony Pasin were in attendance, and equally agreed that a multicultural South Australia is the direction of the future. The local food was prepared in traditional style, with the menu including seafood of prawns, barramundi and oysters, beef from local meat producer TEYS and salads prepared by Lions club.’
The Migrant Resource Centre works with migrants and refugees living in South Australia including those on skilled visas, from Pacific nations. We are proud to be a cornerstone of the local community.
Read additional article by Neave Moore in the Naracoorte Herald here.