Festival to unify

Liahona, 5, and festival organisers Tonya Toi, Vicki Kinai and Jone Temo at the Tarneit community garden. (Damjan Janevski) 316227_01

Tonya Toi hopes residents who attend the Nesian Rise Festival on Saturday, January 28 leave the event feeling unified.

As the president of the Pacifika Community of Australia, Ms Toi is optimistic that the festival will give residents an opportunity to learn more about the group’s culture.

“It’s our first celebration following the lockdowns and it celebrates our community and the broader diverse community,” she said.

Ms Toi said the event will officially begin with a traditional indigenous smoking ceremony.

Attendees can also enjoy cultural performances, a live band, food stalls, live panellists, free kids entertainment and participate in a question and answer session and youth open mic.

The festival will take place on the corner of Wickford Road and Penrose Promenade, Tarneit, from 10am-10pm.