On Saturday Feb 23 around 100 people attended for a treat of cultural experience.
The Baptist Church of Port Macquarie and the Mid North Coast Refugee Support Group hosted a Tamil Feast and Dance, to demonstrate welcome to Tamil refugees who have settled in the Hastings. The MNCRSG provides welcome with practical and social support as they make every effort to be fully functioning in freedom. Members have been eager to assist with professional assistance in seeking work, as there are no Settlement Services available locally.
Classically trained for 20 years in Traditional Indian Dance, Nick then provided a moving performance of his art.
Annie from Laurieton described the day as wonderful.
“It was lovely to see a big interest. The food was delicious and the dance was very emotional. The most important thing to me was increasing awareness of how we can help refugees locally.”
Local dance teacher Galena introduced Nick’s performance:
“The dance is in the style of Indian classical Bharathanatya. He learned the divine art from an early age to an advanced level over 20 years. Nick has won awards for his dancing and is also a poet, writer and a journalist, born in Jaffna Sri Lanka. He has a degree in Psychology. He hopes to share his skills with Bollywood dance classes to be introduced soon."
Janette Jones, President of the Mid North Coast Refugee Support Group, declared the day a success, which highlighted the skills of the newcomers and gave them a welcome they deserve.
Kathryn Parle
Publicity Officer
Mid North Coast Refugee Support Group
Kathryn Parle
Publicity Officer
Mid North Coast Refugee Support Group