A True Community Event Encapsulating the very essence of our nation – diversity, dynamism and colorfulness, and above all else cooperation, community inter-connectedness, creativity and the promotion of our humanity – Pako Festa sends a strong message in these troubled times in which we live: our preparedness to interact with, work with and treat each other with dignity and respect demolishes the walls of division and conflicts; bringing everyone together in a spirit of understanding, acceptance and celebration of life itself.

Pako Festa has always been an opportunity for communities to come together and show their support of each other and after 30 years, we thank members of the following communities who haven’t missed a year of the fun - Croatia, Holland, the Philippines, Greece, Germany, Scotland, Poland, Lithuania, China, Italy, Spain, Macedonia, Slovenia, Serbia, Wales and Ukraine.

In 2012 30 communities will be represented in the parade and on stage:

Afghan Bosnian Bulgarian Chinese Congolese Croatian Dutch Filipino French Greek Hungarian Indonesian

Indian Iranian Italian Karen Karenni Liberian Lithuanian Macedonian Malay Maori Mexican Polish

Russian Scottish Serbian Slovenian Spanish Sudanese Thai Ukrainian Welsh Zimbabwean

Additionally 20 communities will have a food stalls selling their cultural cuisine. The Filipino, Indonesian, Irish, Italian, Malay, Polish, Ukrainian, Welsh, Spanish, Chinese Scottish, Macedonian, Iranian, Croatian, Indian, Greek, Maori, Slovak and Serbian communities will tantalise your tastebuds with food from far and wide.

Pako Festa is pleased to be an “access-friendly” event. Working in conjunction with the Geelong Region’s Inclusive Events Planning Group, we provide activities and services for people of all abilities, and from every part of our community. Our thanks go to all who work so hard to make this day possible.

Pako Festa would like to thank the following community members whom without, Pako Festa would not be what it is today.

Jordan Mavros - former CEO Claire Nontapan - former Staff Anne Ekkel - former Staff Anne Patterson - former Pako Festa Coordinator Margaret Lewis - former Battle of the Bands organizer Frank De Stefano - past President Mardi Janetzki - former Staff Ana Vrantsis - former Staff

Sofia Saba - former Migrant Resource Centre Coordinator Toni Siketa - Staff David O’Brien - former president, secretary and treasurer of Geelong West Traders Association Strecko Kontelj - past President George Ballas - past President Maryanne Burstow - former Migrant Resource Centre Coordinator

 

For more information contact:
Luisa La Fornara, Arts & Events Manager, Diversitat Ph: 5221 6044
Email: luisa.lafornara@diversitat.org.au