eNews #7, September 2024
- Theresa Sengaaga Ssali
- Dec 15, 2024
- 20 min read
Updated: Jan 2
New African Women's and Families Network Leadership Team
AWAFN welcomes Abiola (Abi) Akinbiyi as our new Interim Management Committee Chairperson. Abi is a healthcare professional and a community advocate with over two decades of experience in healthcare, business and community leadership.
Abiola Akinbiyi is an award-winning healthcare professional, entrepreneur, speaker, former IT professional and community leader with over 20 years of experience in the health sector and working with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities in Australia. She has chaired numerous community initiatives aimed at improving the lives of migrants and minority groups. She is currently serving on the board of ECCV and NWMPHN.
A passionate advocate for social justice, Abiola mentors African-Australian women through Changepreneurs and has significantly contributed to aged care, nursing, and mental health. Her work in policy advocacy has been instrumental in addressing challenges faced by migrants and the aging population. Abiola, a lifelong learner, a Rotarian and an active community volunteer, has received multiple awards, including the Spirit of Victoria University Alumni Award in 2021 and the Social Justice Award in 2023.
The 2024 African Women's and Families Network Annual General Meeting was held on July 27th. An Interim Committee was formed at the AGM and subsequently conducted a first meeting on August 13th.
Pending the election of a chairperson, this first meeting of the new and interim AWAFN Management Committee was chaired by the AWAFN eNews Editor, Con Pagonis OAM . Our main item of business was to decide who would take-up the four key 'Office Bearer' leadership positions. The outcome was as follows:
Chairperson: Abiola Akinbiyi
Vice-Chairperson: Faduma Musse
Secretary: Sarah Chong
Treasurer: Ross Barnett OAM
AWAFN Founder and Immediate Past-President Theresa Sengaaga Ssali stepped down at the July AGM, but remains on the Management Committee as our most valued 'Ordinary Member'.
On taking up her new position, Abiola stated: "As the newly appointed interim chairperson of AWAFN, my vision is to work with other interim board members to build on the remarkable foundation laid by our past chair, Theresa, whose leadership has left big shoes to fill. We are committed to ensuring that AWAFN becomes Australia's leading organisation for African-Australian families by driving positive change and empowerment. During this transition period, we plan to collaborate closely with stakeholders and the government to leverage our collective strengths and strategically position ourselves for a greater positive impact in the community. Together, we will enhance our programs, expand our reach, and solidify our role as a beacon of support for the African-Australian community."
At the recent AWAFN AGM, others who made themselves available to lead the organisation in this interim period (expected to be 6-12 months), were Dr MICHAEL MULEME , Dr Steve Rametse , Dr Nthati Rametse MIPA AFA and Mr David Marama. We all wish every success to this new leadership team as they move forward with finalising and rolling-out a new Strategic Plan which was workshopped by the former Board over two Saturdays last June.
Empowering the Burundian Community
Belthrand Habiyakare is President of the Australian Burundian Community in Victoria Inc. and a valued and active contributor to AWAFN. He was born in Rwanda, where he completed his primary and secondary education. During the 1994 Rwandan Genocide, Belthrand fled to Tanzania, where he lived for 14 years. In Tanzania, he worked in various fields, including construction for two years and the health sector for 12 years. His roles in the refugee camps included coordinating programs such as chronic disease community care and youth services and providing services in hospital and outpatient settings in Lukore refugee camps.
Upon arriving in Australia in 2007, Belthrand pursued his educational goals, earning a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Biomedical Sciences from Victoria University and a Master’s in Public Health from La Trobe University. He has held various roles in Australia, including interpreting, translating, and social work. He is fluent in Kirundi, Kinyarwanda, Swahili, French and English. He now works with the Department of Education and Training as part of the Victorian African Community Action Plan.
Belthrand is also a dedicated community leader who is actively involved in the Burundian community in Victoria. He has been a Victorian African Health Action Network member since 2017 and joined the Project Management Institute Melbourne Chapter in 2022. Find out more about the Burundian community in Victoria here.
AWAFN Multicultural Seniors Consultation on September 9th.
Recently, AWAFN has been seeking about 12 to 15 people for a workshop to be held in Dandenong next Monday (9 September) at 12mid-day to 3pm. It will inform the Centre for Cultural Diversity in Ageing’s work to advise the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing what is important to seniors from African communities as they age and access care, such as home care or residential aged care. It is part of a broader consultation exercise across migrant communities more generally. For more information and enquire about participating, please email awafn11@gmail.com by tomorrow, 3 September.
AWAFN is pleased to be collaborating with the Centre for Cultural Diversity in Ageing which is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing under the Partners in Culturally Appropriate Care (PICAC) program and supported by Benetas . The Centre provides expertise in culturally inclusive policy and practices for the aged services sector. They have over 25 years of experience in supporting aged care providers to address the needs of older people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Find out more.
AWAFN's 2024-25 Carers Respite Program
The African Women’s and Families Network is funded by the Victorian Government to deliver a Carers Respite program to support twenty-five volunteer carers from African Australian and new diverse communities living in Victoria. This Program is funded until 30 June 2025.
AWAFN recognises that looking after someone can be a very demanding and sometimes isolating experience. It is sometimes difficult to know what support services are available. The AWAFN Additional Carers Respite Support program is designed to enable carers to take a break, improve their own health and wellbeing, and access other activities of their choice. To find out more about who is eligible, and what sort of support the program provides, email us at awafn11@gmail.com
Other news items of interest to AWAFN stakeholders...
➕ ABC TV's 'Q+A' is coming to Dandenong TONIGHT!
Want to join the live studio audience? Filming will take place tonight - Monday 2 September at The Drum Theatre with audience arrival time at 6.45pm. Take an opportunity to have your question answered and join in to debate the economy, immigration, multiculturalism and the issues that matter most to locals.
🎤 Joining Patricia Karvelas on the panel: Julian Hill | Assistant Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs Zoe McKenzie MP | Liberal MP for Flinders Nyadol Nyuon, OAM | lawyer & human rights advocate Full panel to be confirmed.👉 Here's what to do to join the audience: (1.) Register your details here. (2.) Please write 'SMRC' in the last question (Q15) and tell them a little bit about yourself!
New Australian Government Multicultural Aged Care Unit
AWAFN welcomes the Australian Government decision to create a Multicultural Aged Care Unit within the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing to develop a culturally sensitive aged care sector. This unit will engage with multicultural communities to ensure inclusive and respectful care for all.
This initiative is also welcomed by Partners in Culturally Appropriate Care (PICAC). The PICAC Alliance is a unified national body comprising of each state and territory specific funded organisations. The Alliance aims to be a voice and discussion conduit into information, training and resources to inform aged and community care services of today and tomorrow. See here.
PICAC welcomes this response to the recommendation from the Multicultural Framework Review, which examined Australia’s multicultural society and suggested changes to laws, policies, and institutional settings. See here.
Celebrate Uganda's 62nd Uganda Independence Day Gala Dinner
🎟️TICKETS NOW ON SALE 🖤The 62nd Uganda Independence Day Gala Dinner 💛When: Saturday 12, October 2024 ❤️Where: St Albans Community Centre, 33 Princess Street, St Albans 3021, Victoria, Australia 🤍Time: Doors open 4.00 pm - 10.30 pm 🎫This year tickets will not be sold at the door $100 Adult $80 Student $80 Senior $30 Child 🎫 Go to https://UGANDAat62.eventbrite.com.au (Discounts available for families with 3 or more children).
Let’s celebrate together 🎊 👏🏼 Join us for an unforgettable evening featuring: ★A live band, ★Traditional dances, ★Activities for children and young adults, and ★A three-course buffet with delectable Eastern African dishes. For more information contact the Uganda Independence Gala Organising Committee: Norman Katende, President 0401 800 529 or Micheal Muleme, Secretary - at 0450 230 726
ECCV Welcomes UPAVA as its newest member
Uganda the Pearl of Africa Victoria Association (UPAVA) has joined AWAFN as an ECCV member organisation. Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria - the peak body for our state’s migrant and refugee communities - has welcomed it's newest member!
UPAVA's mission is to support Ugandans and their supporters in Victoria by addressing common interests, aiding settlement, and promoting Ugandan cultural values through social, educational, and charitable activities.
UPAVA is an organisation bringing together individuals who live, work or study in Victoria and who identify with Uganda through birth, descent, marriage or association. If your organisation would also like to become a member of ECCV, find out more and sign-up here.
Back Your Neighbour
The Ethnic Communities' Council of Victoria (ECCV) is proud to stand with more than 100 organisations and local councils from across Australia to endorse the Back Your Neighbour campaign.
Back Your Neighbour is calling on the federal government to provide certainty, stability and support for people seeking asylum. There are more than 80,000 people currently waiting for their asylum application to be processed. Without refugee status, they do not have access to healthcare, income support, public housing or education and cannot legally work. Find out more here and join the call to create a community where we are all respected.
Multicultural Awards for Excellence
Nominations for the 2024 Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence are closing soon! Do you know someone incredible? Nominate them for their outstanding contributions to multiculturalism in 14 categories!
From individuals to organisations, this is your chance to honour champions of diversity. Submissions close this Sunday - 8 September - at midnight. Learn more and nominate here.
Introducing Wellsprings Settlement Services!
Dandenong-based Wellsprings for Women settlement services are designed to support the following eligible beneficiaries to build a fulfilling and independent life in their new community: Those who have arrived in Australia in the past 5 years. Humanitarian and refugee entrants. Family stream migrants with low English proficiency. And other eligible migrants with permanent residency.
Wellsprings Settlement Services include:🏠 Housing Support: Finding and securing a safe place to call home.💼 Employment Services: Assisting with job searches and career development.📚 Education & Training: Providing opportunities to learn new skills and further your education.🏥 Healthcare Navigation: Helping you access and understand healthcare services.💵 Financial Counselling: Guidance on managing your finances effectively.⚖️ Legal Aid: Support with legal issues and understanding your rights.🤝 Community Integration: Group activities and support to help you feel at home.📋 Follow-up & Transition Planning: Ensuring a smooth transition into your new community.🔗 Referrals and Support in Accessing Mainstream Services: Connecting you to healthcare, legal, financial, and family services.🛡️ Family Violence Case Management Services: Providing support and resources for those affected by family violence. Learn more and access referral forms from our website.
Contact Wellsprings by emailing SET@wellspringsforwomen.com
Harmony Alliance launches the Women's Safety Hub!
The national Harmony Alliance: Migrant and Refugee Women for Change have co-designed this resource with input from migrant and refugee women, community organisations, and specialist service providers. This multilingual website is designed to offer crucial information in multiple languages to better support the needs of migrant and refugee women.
Available in Swahili, Arabic and English, as well as Simplified and Traditional Chinese, Punjabi, and Vietnamese, this comprehensive hub addresses topics such as:
domestic and family violence
sexual violence
coercive control
financial abuse
technology-facilitated abuse
psychological abuse
social abuse.
It also provides information about specialist services and support providers dedicated to helping migrant and refugee women. Check out the Women’s Safety Hub.
Supporting women to become economically empowered
SisterWorks Inc. is a non-profit social enterprise that works with migrant, refugee and asylum seeker women to help them become economically empowered. Since 2013 we have helped over 2500 women from 105 countries. We offer a range of programs, entrepreneurship and employment opportunities that help women to develop their skills, confidence, and connections. We also provide support with finding employment, starting their own businesses, and navigating the Australian system. We believe that when women are empowered, they can make a positive difference in their own lives and in the lives of their families and communities. Find out more here.
Petronia is a remarkable artisan from Burundi who specialises in crafting exquisite handmade earrings and digital textile prints for purses and coasters. Her vibrant and culturally rich designs reflect her Burundian heritage and her dedication to her craft. Since joining SisterWorks in 2013, Petronia has attended numerous courses, including our intermediate clothing design and sewing class. She’s also the creative force behind several SisterWorks products, including the eco-conscious Bamboo Coffee Cup and our official Mother’s Day Hamper. Petronia's commitment to detail is evident in her work, showcasing an ever-evolving skill set and a passion for expanding her creative horizons. Discover more of Petronia’s incredible work here.
Empowering young Australian Women
Changepreneurs empowers young Australians through outreach, education and mentorship. It is an incorporated organisation providing a platform for mentoring and networking opportunities for African-Australian female youth and CALD women. These changemakers positively impact their communities through their passion, skills, knowledge, and experience.
Changepreneurs are young women passionate about implementing strategies for change within the community. They aim to encourage education, entrepreneurship and mentorship by providing resources and opportunities for young people to thrive.
Congratulations Abiola Akinbiyi and all her team at Changepreneurs on the wonderful Multicultural Leadership Program graduation ceremony delivered in partnership with Maryanne Tadic and her Australian Multicultural Community Services (AMCS) team at Queens Hall, Parliament House on 21 August. Find out more about Changepreneurs Inc.
Be Seen, Be Heard, Be You
Professional Migrant Women (PMW) is a community dedicated to maximise visibility and representation of migrant women in professional Australia. PMW is an organisation that helps migrant women overcome employment obstacles by providing professional development, social participation, career progression, and access to leadership development. We acknowledge diversity, advocate for inclusion and intersectional representation and encourage migrant women to show up, take space, and embrace who they are.
Our aim is to grow migrant women’s visibility and representation across the Australian professional landscape, through meaningful employment, career progression and leadership development. As migrant women ourselves, we know first-hand how challenging the migration experience can be, placing many migrants -especially women- in vulnerable positions. They can encounter a lack of opportunities, discrimination, isolation, mental health issues, and domestic violence amongst other challenges and hardships. Find out more.
Nurturing land, nourishing people.
Food Next Door Co-op Ltd are pleased to welcome Desire, to their team. He will play a pivotal role in establishing a pick-your-own market garden.
Our farm is a shared space for 24 micro-scale growers and the market garden aims to create an additional revenue stream to sustain the community farm. Our mission remains to see new arrivals to Australia thrive in regional Australia. We provide capacity building opportunities for sustainable livelihoods through small scale agriculture. Our Peer-to-peer mentoring breaks language barriers that new arrivals face in their resettlement journeys. Our partnership with Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth) and the Sunraysia Mallee Ethnic Communities Council helps us deliver training to young people in agriculture and fresh produce for our town. Contact us here on LinkedIn or email: hello@foodnextdoor.org.au
Community Hubs Australia
In the first six months of 2024, community hubs have held 3,456 early childhood activities including playgroups, early years activities, and children’s language and literacy classes. Embedding hubs in primary schools supports school readiness and connects parents and children to the Principal and teachers.
When children start school ready to learn, the impact is positive for everyone involved. Our mid-year update shares stories of impact from this year, including ‘Playgroup at the Park’, a collaboration between three hubs in South Australia. To read this story in full, click here.
African youth need more culturally aware support
African youth, most notably those of South Sudanese heritage, are over-represented in the criminal justice system in Victoria. In 2024, African youth account for about 50% of young people in custody in Victoria, up from 4% in 2012.
After introducing a 1,000-page Youth Justice Bill into parliament in June, Victoria was set to become the first state in Australia to raise the age of criminal responsibility to 12 (2024), and then 14 (2027). However, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has retreated from an earlier commitment to raise the age to 14. Victoria Police are backing the premier’s decision. The government will keep its promise to raise the age of criminal responsibility to 12. Read the full article in The Conversation.
Refugee men in Australia suffer high depression rates
Refugee men in Australia have a higher likelihood of depression and mental distress compared to other men who are also at risk of chronic conditions. Some 77 per cent those of African descent in the survey said gender stereotypes of masculinity affected their decisions of not being attentive to their health.
Western Bulldogs AFL player Buku Khamis came to Australia from Sudan as a refugee in 2006. He understands how heavy the psychological burden of seeing people killed in the protracted civil war in Sudan and growing up in refugee camps affects young men in his South Sudanese community. "In my experience, many men in migrant and refugee communities hesitate to seek help for mental health issues - that's certainly true for some of my mates and family," he said. "There's often a stigma around discussing mental health openly, and it's just not something we are used to sharing culturally."
He is breaking the cycle by volunteering with Sons of the West, a mental health and fitness program targeting migrant and refugee men in Melbourne run by the club and Movember. Full report in The Standard.
Western Bulldogs AFL player Buku Khamis came to Australia from Sudan as a refugee in 2006.
Free Mental Health Seminar and Panel Discussion
You are invited to the 5th Stress Management Revolutions Summit & Awards! This year's summit promises to be an even more exciting and informative event, with an emphasis on recognizing and managing stress and preventing its negative impact on mental and physical health.
Presented by GLOBAL YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS (GYMHA) INCORPORATED and partner organisations, the forum will be held over two evenings on Friday 20th & Saturday 21st of September 2024 via Zoom. Find details of the program here. Book your FREE tickets now.
A forgotten war and the hidden struggles of African Australians
After almost a year and a half of fierce conflict in Sudan, the Sudanese-Australian community still fears for the lives of their loved ones as the humanitarian disaster worsens. Community leaders have also expressed a frustration at the lack of media coverage of the issue, arguing that it has slipped under the radar with wars in Ukraine and Gaza taking priority. With tens of thousands estimated killed and over 10 million people displaced by the violence, the war has left deep scars on civilians in Sudan and their concerned families in Australia.
Founder and Chair of the African Australian Advocacy Centre, Noël Zihabamwe, attributes part of this lack of coverage to the way some parts of Australian media have proliferated negative images of African-Australians: "African issues often struggle to gain sustained attention in Australian media. So, this can be attributed to several factors or reasons including, for example, limited Africa diaspora influence here in Australia, a perceived lack of audience interest, but last but not least, when it comes to reporting, especially big media here, they tend to show the negative image. And once we start demonstrating the positive change for African Australians - the contributions we're making here - that image of Africans, not only Africans here, but also Africans in Africa will change."
Listen to the podcast or read the transcript at SBS News.
Creating Workplaces Free From Discrimination
The Victorian Government and the Victorian Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Commission recently launched the Race discrimination in the workplace guideline, to ensure Victoria remains an inclusive state where everyone can fully participate in all aspects of Victorian life.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt launched the guidelines last week, which will assist employers to build racial literacy and better understand their legal obligations to prevent and respond to race discrimination under the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. It will help identify and address racism in workplaces and support First Peoples and multicultural Victorians to fully participate in the workforce and to understand their rights. Read the media release here.
Local council elections: free voter education sessions
With the upcoming local council elections, the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) offers free voter education sessions to CALD communities. Our Democracy Ambassadors can deliver free voter education sessions anytime until Friday 25 October 2024. Our ‘Be Heard’ voter education sessions cover:
who can vote
checking your enrolment details and how to update your details
how to fill out your ballot paper
where to get help, if you need it.
Book a ‘Be Heard’ vote education session today:
online booking form Book a free information session | Victorian Electoral Commission (vec.vic.gov.au)
call us: 131 832
other languages Information in your language | Victorian Electoral Commission (vec.vic.gov.au)
If you are deaf, hard of hearing or need communication support, contact us on 133 677 through the National Relay Service, then ask for (03) 8620 1100.
VEC rely on community networks to help ensure that more people are actively participating in their democracy. VEC appreciate any assistance we all can provide to increase community participation in the October local council elections. Find out more here.
Three Local Councils Team-up to Support Anti-Racism Measures
Melbourne's Southeast Anti-racism Support Network's steering committee met in April to plan the future of supporting the Network members based on the valuable recommendations outlined in the anti-racism report - the 'roadmap' and its recommendations can be found here.
We are grateful to have passionate members who are actively working towards improved anti-racism reporting pathways to make a safe and inclusive society. The Network provides member organisations with:🔸️an opportunity to be part of a Community of Practice🔸️a series of free capacity building sessions🔸️a directory of anti-racism support services, and🔸️a platform for information sharing. This partnership of City of Casey, City of Greater Dandenong, Cardinia Shire Council and Victoria University - and in-kind contributions of In-Translation Consultating & Advisory - are committed to supporting our local community.
Academic project lead Associate Professor Mario Peucker recently reflected: "We can actually make a change when we all listen to and learn from each other. It's been such a joy and privilege to work with all of you on such a meaningful initiative... who would have thought a couple of years ago". The report can be viewed on Victoria University’s website. For more background to this initiative, click here.
Our Experiences. Our Future.
Join us at the FECCA (Federation of Ethnic Communities' Councils of Australia) 2024 Conference in Brisbane, a pivotal gathering that celebrates and explores the vibrant mosaic of Australia’s culturally and linguistically diverse communities. Hosted in collaboration with the Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland , this event is set to inspire, enrich, and connect.
For details of the 2024 FECCA Conference, and to register, click here.
Arts & Culture Round-Up
The NGO International Film Festival, Melbourne, 14-18 Oct. 2024
The NGO International Film Festival is a unique global event that harnesses the power of cinema to address some of the world's most pressing challenges. By bringing together development stakeholders, the festival serves as a dynamic platform for sharing and shopping for sustainable solutions, all while promoting the global goals through the medium of film. This year's festival program will include Melbourne lawyer, community advocate, writer, and accomplished public speaker Nyadol Nyuon, OAM, plus Kumi Naidoo from South Africa, Kirstie Kwarteng, PhD from Ghana, and Victor Ochen from Uganda. Find out more.
THE NGO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL TAKES PLACE IN MELBOURNE OVER 14 - 18 OCT 2024! Go to the website here.
Michael Palin In Nigeria
Michael Palin embarks on a 2000km journey across Nigeria. Known as the Giant of Africa, within 50 years, Nigeria will be the third most populated country in the world after India and China.
In the first leg of his 2000km journey across Nigeria, Michael lands at Lagos International Airport at dawn and is immediately thrown into the crowded chaos that is life in the biggest city in Africa. Watch Episode One on SBS OnDemand.
NGV Africa Fashion: Past, Present & Future
National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) is celebrating the exhibition Africa Fashion, with intergenerational storytellers across spoken word, music and art until 6 October 2024. On 21 September there is an afternoon of free activities, performances and talks for all ages curated by African-led organisations Next In Colour and Yo CiTY.
The series, titled Africa Fashion: Past, Present & Future, shares the influence of the past, pull of the present and hopes for the future of diasporan communities, acknowledging that each generation cannot exist without what came before and what is yet to come.
On a Saturday 21 September, musicians, spoken word performers and artists will come together at NGV for a free celebration of African culture and creativity. Come down and celebrate 'Africa Fashion: Past, Present & Future', 12–3pm, at NGV International - details here.
NGV Friday Nights - Music in Exile curates: Ajak Kwai
Ajak Kwai is well known to the airwaves, stage, and broader Australian music community for her powerful performances and strong messages that call for inclusion and celebration of the diversity found throughout Australian society. Hailing from the small town of Bor in what is now South Sudan, her music draws upon traditional elements of South Sudanese funk and blues, and combines them with contemporary gestures that give a voice to the local African community so that they can tell their stories through music and spoken word.
See Ajak perform at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) on Friday 20 September, 6pm–10pm; book tickets here.
Hear Ajak every Monday 1-3pm on Melbourne Community Radio PBS 106.7FM . Listen to her show - 'Come Together' - live or later here.
The Boîte presents Iaki Vallejo Quartet
Iaki Vallejo is singer-songwriter of African descendant from Colombia. Iali is also a performer, choir director, visual artist, music producer, video producer and director; she is now based in Melbourne.
A glorious singer and songwriter, Iaki Vallejo is steeped in Cumbia, the rhythm of her homeland, Colombia. She brings a superb ensemble of local musicians to a concert at the Box Hill Community Arts Centre (470 Station St, Box Hill); starting 7:30pm on Friday 13 September. Her original songs express her Indigenous, African and Spanish heritage in a feast of melody and rhythm that will lift you to your feet. Book tickets here.
SEUN KUTI AND EGYPT 80
Join us for an evening with Seun Kuti and his renowned band, Egypt 80, as they bring their exhilarating and powerful Afrobeat sound to the Northcote Theatre. Seun Kuti, the youngest son of legendary musician Fela Kuti, has carried on his father's revolutionary legacy with a modern twist. Since taking over as the leader of Egypt 80 in 1997, Seun has become a prominent voice in contemporary African music, blending traditional Afrobeat rhythms with contemporary influences to create a sound that is both timeless and refreshingly new.
Egypt 80, composed of some of the finest musicians in the genre, provides the perfect backdrop for Seun's explosive performances. Known for their intricate polyrhythms, powerful brass sections, and driving percussions, the band creates an immersive musical experience that is both deeply rooted in tradition and innovatively forward-looking. Get tickets here.
Cirque Africa is now touring Australia
Cirque Africa features the very best talent from across Africa. Audiences will be fully immersed in traditional African culture while witnessing a hand-picked world-renowned African troupe. Ranging from acrobats to dancers, musicians to contortionists masterfully performing in this energetic two-hour spectacle.
Cirque Africa artists have performed to over 2 million people worldwide and are guaranteed to captivate audiences young and old by combining the best of contortion, acrobatics, traditional dance, live music, pan spinning, hand balancing and so much more.
They will be performing at 17 locations across Victoria from mid-October to early November. Catch a show near you. Book now!
Celebrating diversity and harmony in the heart of Melbourne
The African Music and Cultural Festival (AMCF) is a three-day celebration of the very best of African culture; it is a spring highlight and the only place where you will see over 35 African countries and community organisations represented through music, food, fashion, film, dance, art, and culture – right in the heart of Melbourne.
With the rhythms, sounds, and tastes of Africa spread throughout Federation Square, the atmosphere is electric and guaranteed to make you feel good. With so much happening throughout the three-day festival, it can be hard to know where to start! We recommend grabbing breakfast, lunch or dinner on the River Terrace at one of our African street food stalls and then immersing yourself in the incredible main stage live performances and shopping at the many market stalls. The essence of AMCF lies in embracing the theme of “Celebrating Diversity and Harmony,” through cross-cultural awareness, mutual respect, education, understanding, and unity, while providing locals and visitors with a unique opportunity to experience and celebrate Africa’s diversity. Check it out here.
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Disclaimer: The AWAFN eNews publishes content as it’s contributed or sourced with minimal editing. Material included does not necessarily reflect the views of the editor nor the AWAFN Board, nor should its inclusion be seen to necessarily constitute an endorsement.
For further information or enquiries, email AWAFN at: awafn11@gmail.com
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