Cultures collide at Riverview

Anu and Sandeep Nanjappa prepare for the Riverview Neighbourhood Centre multicultural festival.

AN EXTRAVAGANZA of multicultural delights will be celebrated at the Riverview Neighbourhood House this Sunday.

A ferris wheel, mini motorbikes, hydraulic space shuttle, kids chair-o-plane and the two-up g-force ride will star as the main attractions for kids.

More than 20 stalls will showcase a variety of goods, satisfying the interests of old and young alike.

Thai handcrafts, African hair beading, fresh produce, ceramics and crafts, books and homemade goodies will be available for purchase at some of the stalls.

Entertainment from an eclectic collection of artists will feature Macedonian and Bollywood dancers, a Chinese lion dance, the Memphis Movers, Cheerio the Clown and the Phoenix Fire Tribe stilt walkers.

For the hungry festival-goers, Samoan, Japanese, Indian, English, African, Thai, Sudanese and Aussie food will be available.

Riverview Neighbourhood House manager Juelle Colley said the event was an opportunity to give something back to the community.

“We don't really see it as a fundraiser,” Ms Colley said.

“It's more about celebrating the diversity of the variety of cultural groups in our area.

“We have quite a number of different nationalities in Ipswich and this event aims to showcase the traditions of each of these.

“We have entertainment all day, great rides for kids, a huge selection of food and stalls selling something for everyone.”

Now in its ninth year, the Riverview Multicultural Festival is an annual event that also educates locals on the work of the centre.

The program supplies services to people in the Riverview and Dinmore communities and beyond.

Services include emergency financial relief, training programs, The Hippy Group (a home interaction program for parents and youngsters), the Spiritus respite services and playgroup.

The Goodna Youth Service also operates out of the centre.

“Last year we had 2000 through the gates, and this year we hope to have more,” Ms Colley said.

Entry is free and the celebration kicks off at 10am.

The event will be held at 138 Old Ipswich Road, Riverview. Phone 3816 2111.