COFFS Harbour’s much-loved multicultural Christmas lunch will take on a festive twist, featuring traditional dance performances from both the Coffs Harbour and Grafton Indonesian women’s groups.
The community is invited to attend the event on Sunday 21 December, starting from 11.30am at the Jetty meeting place on Jordan Esplanade – opposite the train station.
The Coffs Harbour Indonesian women’s dance group, who will perform the Nusa Tenggara Timur dance, have become familiar faces at local cultural events.
The group has performed at the International Food and Dance event at Cavanbah Hall, Harmony Day celebrations at TAFE and the Botanic Garden, and most recently at All One Under the Sun at Brelsford Park.
They will be joined by the Grafton Indonesian women’s dance group, led by Penny Saraswati, who also plays music for the ensemble.
The group has danced at community festivals including the Jacaranda Festival, All One Under the Sun and the Indonesian Festival at Scotts Head.
Both groups are excited to bring their vibrant cultural traditions to the multicultural Christmas lunch.
Lunch organiser Sien Tedjo has been running these monthly multicultural lunches in Coffs Harbour for many years, quietly helping around 100 newcomers settle into the community.
The gatherings, which began as a support network for Indonesian arrivals, have now grown into a broad and lively multicultural hub.
“Our multicultural group lunches are open for everyone to join and have fun together,” Sien said.
“But this time is a special one for Christmas so we can celebrate together.”
The event will include a visit from Santa, who will hand out presents to children.
Families wishing for their child to receive a gift are asked to bring a wrapped present with the child’s name on it.
Attendees are also asked to bring a plate to share, wear a Christmas outfit or hat or, if they wish, come dressed in their own cultural attire.
“I want everyone from anywhere to join with us – to eat, connect, and get to know other people in their community so they are not alone,” Sien said.
For more information call Sien on 0403 406 663 or visit the “Coffs Harbour Multicultural” Facebook page.
By Leigh WATSON
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