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Home , Buddhism in Iceland, Dhanteras, Didgeridoo, Dongzhi (solar term), Dongzhi Festival, History of Chinese dance

2017 Multicultural

australian artistes from 12 cultures around the world

The Diversicare Multicultural Advisory Service is supported by funding from the Australian Government under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme. Visit the Department of Health website (www.health.gov.au) for more information. “Our group is made up of eight members and we have been dancing together for over 10 . Evergreen “We are often asked to perform at festivals and we meet regularly to practice. We enjoy dancing because it helps to keep us fit and to stay connected with our culture.

“We perform many different and have numerous costumes. One of our favourites at the moment is called ‘Moonlight over Lotus Pond’. We perform this dance with fans and it looks really beautiful.

“The history of Chinese dance dates back nearly 5,000 years. As in many other cultures, the dances are often reflective of daily life experiences.

“They symbolise aspects of our culture including martial (demonstrating fighting techniques), ceremonial (praying to the gods), agricultural (celebrating nature and work), and dramatic (historical) events.

“Depending on the dance, we might also use props such as silk banners, silk and feather fans, handkerchiefs, ribbons and swords.”

Sources: Interview with Kesone Eng and www.lotusmusicanddance.org/chinese-dance

Top from left: Janice Chen, Sue Chai, Jianping Li, Shuping Guo and Becky Cheung. Bottom from left: Sun Zhifeng, Kim Ruan and Kesone Eng. Photo by Taryn Quach. JANUARY 2017

New ’s Day New Year’s Day MOON FIRST QTR 1 National 2 3 4 5 6 7 Feast of St Basil (Orthodox Christian) Federation Day() Independence Day (Slovakia/ Ancestors’ Day (Haiti) Armed Forces Day (Iraq) Sudan/Haiti/Cameroon/) Carnival Day (Saint Kitts and Nevis) Atira’s Bday (Dominican Republic) Restoration Day (Czech) Nyinlog/Winter (Bhutan) Independence Day (Myanmar) Armenian Eve (Armenia) 6-7, Epiphany/Theophany/Coptic/ Pioneers’ Day (Liberia) 1-3, Shogatsu/New Year (Japan) Saint Berchtold’s Day (Switzerland) Martyrs Day (DR of Congo) Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s Birthday Genna Christmas (Christian-various) Victory over Genocide Day World Peace Day (Baha’i) Takai Commission Holiday () Revolution Day (Burkina Faso) World Braille Day (Sikh) Pathet Lao Day (Laos) (Cambodia) 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Day of Defenders Eugenio Maria de Hostos of the Motherland (Uzbekistan) Birthday (Puerto Rico) Bday of Swami Vivekananda () Parwa/Maghe () Feast of Epiphany (Colombia) 12-15, New Year Bhogi (India) (Hindu) Mourning Day (Panama) Independence Manifesto Day () Democracy Day (Cape Verde) Orthodox New Year (Christian) Kim Jon-un’s Bday () (Srpska) Majority Rule Day (Bahamas) (Morocco/Western Sahara) Memorial Day (Turkmenistan) Liberation Day (Togo) Revolution & Youth Day (Tunisia) Yinekokratia (Greece) Seijin no Hi/Coming of Age Day (Japan) Vodoun Festival (Benin) Republic Day (Albania) Revolution Day () Maghi- (Sikh) Tamil Thai Day (India/) 15 16 17 18 19 MOON LAST QTR 20 21

16-17, Heroes Day (DR of Congo) Armed Forces Day (Mali) Day (North Korea) Martin Luther King Jr’s Birthday/ Orthodox Epiphany (Georgia) Heroes Day Errol Barrow Day (Barbados) John Chilembwe Day (Malawi) Civil Rights Day (USA) Blessing of the Animals (Hispanic Timkat/Coptic Epiphany (Cape Verde/Guinea-Bissau) Our Lady of Altagracia World Religion Day (Baha’i) Uzhavar Thirunal (Tamil Nadu, India) Catholic Christian) (Eritrea/Ethiopia) Martyrs’ Day (Azerbaijan) (Dominican Republic)

Australia Day NEW MOON 22 23 24 25 National Holiday 26 27 28 International Holocaust Bounty Day (Pitcairn Island) Remembrance Day (UN) Community Manager Duarte’s Birthday Saint Dévote’s Day (Monaco) Chinese/Vietnamese Lunar Appreciation Day (Intl) (Dominican Republic) 27-30, Seollal New Year New Year (Tết Nguyên Đán) Plurinational State Foundation Day Netaji Subhas Chandra Feast of Our Lady of Peace Betico Croes’ Birthday (Aruba) NRM Liberation Day (Uganda) (North Korea/South Korea) National Army Day (Armenia) (Bolivia) Bose Jayanti (India) (Roman Catholic) Revolution/Police Day (Egypt) Republic Day (India) Spring Festival Eve () Traditional Day of (Bhutan) 29 30 31

Losar/Sonam/Tamang New Year (Nepal/Tibet) Martyrs’ Memorial Day (Nepal) Independence Dau (Nauru)

“One may judge a king by the state of dancing during his reign.” – Chinese Proverb Russell Yilamara Brown

Russell’s cultural background is Aboriginal. His art is one of his strongest connections to his culture, as it has allowed him to discover so much about his family and history.

Through art he has journeyed to his grandmother’s country, , where his elders have extended his cultural knowledge. In Aboriginal culture all knowledge and stories are passed down through art and Russell is proud to be able to continue this tradition.

‘Yilamara’ is the stem of the orchid that is native to Groote Eylandt, traditionally used as a brush for painting. The name ‘Yilamara’ has been in Russell’s family for thousands of years.

Russell began creating artwork only eight years ago, inspired by many of his family members. Russell’s mother and both of his sisters are painters, and his father carves sculptures such as birds and crocodiles.

His favourite artistic moment was being taught by his grandfather how to make Hook Spears on Groote Eylandt. The most important part of being an artist to Russell is being able to tell stories and express himself and his culture, through his beautiful and expressive artworks.

Source: Interview with Russell Yilamara Brown. Photos courtesy Yilamara. FEBRUARY 2017

1 2 3 MOON FIRST QTR 4 Anniversary of the Tartu Peace Treaty (Estonia) Feast of Candelaria/Candlemas Day of the Virgin of Suyapa Federal Territory Day (Malaysia) (Christian) (Honduras) National Freedom Day (US) Presentation of our Lord in the Martyrs’ Day (Sao Tome/Principe) Independence Day (Sri Lanka) (Hindu) Temple (Orthodox/Anglican Christian) Rissun/Setsubun-Sai (Shinto) Liberation Day (Angola) 5 6 7 8 9 10 FULL MOON 11 Lantern Festival (China) Lateran Treaty Day (Vatican City) Magha Puja or Day (Buddhist) () Meak Bochea/Makha Bucha Day Liberation Day/St Agatha’s Day (Cambodia/) (San Marino) Constitution Day (Mexico) Guru Ravida’s Birthday (India) National Foundation Day(Japan) (Burundi) Waitangi Day (New Zealand) Independence Day (Grenada) Preseren Day (Slovenia) St Maroun’s Day (Lebanon) Islamic Revolution Day (Iran) Tu B’Shvat (Jewish) 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

Independence Day Generalissimo Day (North Korea) (Republic of Kosovo) Darwin Day (Atheist/Humanist) Race Relations Day Liberation Day (Afghanistan) Kim Jon-il’s Birthday (North Korea) Toshigoi (Shinto) Lincoln’s Birthday (USA) (Natl Council of Churches) Day (Buddhist) Restoration of the State Day 17-5 Mar, Sydney Gay & Lesbian Independence Day (Gambia) Union Day (Myanmar) St Valentine’s Day (Christian) Statehood Day (Serbia) (Lithunia) Mardi Gras (Australia) National Democracy Day (Nepal) MOON LAST QTR 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Father Walter Lini Day (Vanuatu) International Mother Language Day (UNESCO) (Hindu) 21-23, King’s Birthday Celebrations (Kuwait) Presidents’ Day (USA) (Bhutan) National Day (Brunei) People Power Anniversary World Day of Social Justice (UN) Language Movement Day (Bangladesh) Independence Day (Saint Lucia) Republic Day (Guyana) Independence Day (Estonia) (Philippines) 26 NEW MOON 27 28

Carnival (Bolivia/Andorra/Argentina) Independence Day Carnival (Angola) (Dominican Republic) Kalevala/Finnish Culture Day (Finland) Liberation Day (Kuwait) Losar (Tibetan New Year) Peace Memorial Day (Taiwan)

“We are all visitors to this time, this place. We are just passing through. Our purpose here is to observe, to learn, to grow, to love…and then we return home.” – Australian Aboriginal saying ‘Tor-Tor’ is a traditional dance from the Batak Tribe in Samosir, Toba Region of North Sumatra, Indonesia. r traditional The dance is usually performed by a group of people dancing to tor-to dance traditional music played by a called Gondang. The dancers wear the ‘Ulos’ traditional cloth hand-woven by the Batak women, which can also be worn as a headband or sarong. The movements demonstrate an interaction between the dancers and the participants of the ceremony. It is performed to welcome a good harvest, by participants at a wedding, or at any festive event or tribal ceremony. The dancers invite members of the audience to dance together. Due to its simplicity, the Tor-Tor is becoming popular as a during cultural events in Australia. During the 2016 Harmony Day celebration in Townsville (below), members of the Indonesian community performed the Tor-Tor dance and members of the audience joined in, including women from Bhutan, Papua New Guinea, and the Philippines, all dressed in their own traditional outfits.

Tor-Tor Dancers Nana Setianingsih Women from diverse cultures join in the Tor-Tor dance at 2016 Harmony Day in Townsville. and Johanna Kodoatie Cahill (front). Source: Johanna Kodoatie Cahill. Photos by Chrissie Ma-amo and Johanna Cahill. MARCH 2017

Ash Wednesday (Christian)1 2 3 4 Independence Movement Day (South Korea) Independence Day (Bosnia & Herzegovina) Republic Day (Switzerland) Liberation Day (Bulgaria) St David’s Day (Wales) 2-20, Nineteen-day Fast (Baha’i) Martyrs’ Day (Malawi) Zero Discrimination Day (UN) Victory at Adwa Day (Ethiopia) World Day of Prayer (Christian)

MOON FIRST QTR Clean Up Australia Day 5 WA Holiday 6 7 8 9 10 11 Foundation Day () King Moshoeshoe I’s Anniversary H. Lavity Stoutt’s Birthday (Lesotho) (British Virgin Islands) Restoration of Independence History & Chamorrow Heritage Day (Lithuania) () Holocaust Remembrance Day World Day of Muslim Culture, Custom Chiefs’ Day (Vanuatu) Independence Day (Ghana) (Bulgaria) Peace, Dialogue & Film (Islam)

FULL MOON 12 Canberra Day ACT 13 14 15 16 17 18 Labour Day VIC Eight Hour Day TAS Adelaide Cup Holiday SA Commonwealth Day () Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s Independence Day (Mauritius) Festival (Hindu) Constitution Day () Birthday (Bangladesh) Marien Ngouabi Day Purim (Jewish) Holla Mahalla (Sikh) Constitution Day (Andorra) Joseph Jenkins Roberts’ Bday (Liberia) St Patrick’s Day (Irish/Christian) (Republic of Congo)

MOON LAST QTR 19 20 Harmony Day 21 22 23 24 25 Benito Juarez Day (Mexico) Harmony Day (Australia) Human Rights Day (South Africa) Independence Day (Namibia) Commonwealth Covenant Day International Day of Nowruz (UN) International Day for Elimination Hungarian-Polish Friendship () Anniversary of the Arengo of (UN) (Poland/Hungary) Truth & Justice Memorial Day (San Marino) St Joseph’s Day (Christian) Independence Day (Tunisia) Naw Ruz Day (Bahai/Iran) Emancipation Day (Puerto Rico) (Pakistan) (Argentina) Independence Day (Greece) 26 27 NEW MOON 28 29 30 31

Culture & Traditions Day () Boganda Day (Central Africa) Freedom Day (Malta) Independence Day (Bangladesh) Hari Raya (Indonesia) Martyrs’ Day (Madagascar) Land Day (Palestine) Transfer Day (US Virgin Islands)

“Indonesia’s diversity is formidable: some thirteen and a half thousand islands, 250 million people, around 360 ethnic groups, and more than 700 languages.” – Pankaj Mishra Belly dancing is a which takes many forms, depending on the country and region. Also a new style has evolved in the West as its popularity has spread globally. Nerissa Panagopoulos is of Greek and Egyptian background. An established belly dancer, she teaches at her own dance academy. She started dancing at 16 Nerissa Panagopoulos years of age, inspired by her two aunties who are belly dancers. She went to Egypt to study professionally, and continues to visit Egypt regularly to develop further. She says, “We are trying to bring the art of Middle Eastern dance and belly dancing to the general public, by teaching authentic styles...and educating students on the different styles and customs of particular regions.” Nerissa’s students come from various backgrounds, including Arab, Indian, Afghan and Australian. She has been invited to teach by many dance schools in Australia and overseas. She has travelled to Hong Kong, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, Germany and Greece. Dance is Nerissa’s passion and she also sees it as a message that Middle Eastern women are not as supressed as some may think. They can be anything if they want to be, and if they have a passion for it.

Source: Interview with Nerissa Panagopoulos.

Photos courtesy Steve Peters, Icon Photos www.stevepetersiconphotos.com APRIL 2017

30 1

Carnival Day (Sint Maarten) Liberation/Reunification Day Greek Cypriot National Day (Cyprus) (Vietnam) Republic Day (Iran) 2 3 MOON FIRST QTR 4 5 6 7 8

Ching/Qing Ming/ Malvinas/Veterans’ Day Tomb Sweeping Festival Act of Self Determination Day (Argentina) (Taiwan/Hong Kong/China) (Cocos Islands) Genocide Memorial Day (Rwanda) Sizdah Be-dar/Nature Day (Iran) Independence Day (Senegal) Chakri Day (Thailand) Sheikh Abeid Amani Karume Day Hana Matsuri/Flower Festival Union Day (Belarus/Russian) Second Republic Day (Guinea) Peace Day (Angola) (Hindu) President Ntaryamira Day (Burundi) (Tanzania) (Japan)

FULL MOON Easter Saturday 9 10 11 12 13 National Holiday 14 National Holiday 15 except WA, TAS Day of Valor (Philippines) Martyrs’ Day (Tunisia) Bangla New Year Day (Bangladesh) National Unity Day (Georgia) Juan Santamaria Day (Costa Rica) Maundy Thursday (Christian) Fast and Prayer Day (Liberia) Palm Sunday 11-14, New Year (Buddhist) 13-15, New Year Water Khmer New Year’s Day (Cambodia) Songkran New Year Water Festival (Eastern/Western Christian) 10-18, Passover/Pesach (Jewish) World Parkinson’s Day Festival (Thailand) /Baisakhi (Sikh and Hindu) (Thailand)

Easter Sunday Easter Monday Easter Tuesday TAS MOON LAST QTR 16 National Holiday 17 18 19 20 21 22

Easter Monday (Christian) Easter Sunday (Christian) FAO Day (Iraq) Birthday of Guru Angad Dev (Sikh) Tiradentes Day (Brazil) Independence Day (Syria) Sham el-Nessin/Spring Festival (Egypt) Independence Day (Zimbabwe) Independence Day (Venezuela) 21-29, Festival of Ridvan (Baha’i) Earth Day

ANZAC Day NEW MOON 23 24 National Holiday 25 26 27 28 29

Freedom Day (South Africa) Armenian Martyrs’ Day (Armenia) Freedom Day (Portugal) Independence Day Democracy Day (Nepal) Liberation Day (Italy) (Sierra Leone/Togo) (Hindu) English Language Day (UN) Lailat al Miraj (Islam) Radonitsa (Belarus) King’s Day (Aruba/Netherlands) Mujahideen St George’s Day (Christian) Yom Hashoah (Jewish) Sinai Liberation Day (Egypt) Union Day (Tanzania) Resistance Day (Slovenia) (Afghanistan) Showa Day (Japan)

“Music does not need language of words for it has movements of dance to do its translation.” – Shah Asad Rizvi Wisdom, Afropacific Enterprise

Wisdom came to Australia from his birth country, Ghana, in 2009. He decided to start a business of importing beautifully crafted baskets and handicrafts from his homeland to support local artisan enterprises.

His business provides Ghanian artisans with sustainable income, and showcases their work to the broader market. Wisdom goes to Ghana several times a year and takes part in the production process. He personally hand picks each item and pays a fair price for it.

Bolga baskets are made by the people of Bolgatanga and surrounding villages in Ghana, from sundried elephant grass. The skilful techniques of the weavers, passed from generation to generation, make these as strong as they are beautiful.

Most of the grass is hand-dyed using traditional natural dyes made from plants and minerals, as well as non- toxic fabric dyes to achieve contemporary colours. The natural grass is boiled in the dyes in cast iron or aluminium vats before being sundried.

Elephant grass is a species of grass native to the tropical grasslands of Africa. It is a tall perennial plant, growing to 2–4.5 metres high, and has the wonderful properties of being strong, durable, light and flexible.

Source: interview with Wisdom Gbidi. Photos by Bushra Amam & Wisdom Gbidi. MAY 2017

Labour Day QLD MOON FIRST QTR NT 1 2 3 4 5 6 African World Heritage Day Convocation of the Buddha’s Birthday (UNESCO) Constitutional Assembly (Latvia) (Buddhist - East Asia) Remembrance Day Cinco de Mayo (Mexico) Constitution Day (Marshall Islands) Constitution Day (Poland) (Netherlands/Afghanistan) Constitution Day () International Workers Constitution Memorial Day (Japan) Restoration of Independence Day Coronation Day (Thailand) Day/May Day (Global) Yom Ha’Atzmaut/Independence Taue Matsuri (Shinto) (Latvia) Liberation Day (Netherlands) People’s Solidarity Day (Kazakhstan) Day () World Press Freedom Day (UN) Natl Day of Prayer (USA-Interfaith) Tango-no-Sekku (Shinto) St George’s/Army Day (Bulgaria) 7 8 9 10 FULL MOON 11 12 13

General Prayer Day (Denmark) Europe/Schuman Day (EU) Buddha Day//Visakha Puja Muhammad al-Mahdi’s Birthday Liberation Day (Jersey) (Buddhist) (Islam) Rotuma Day (Fiji) Victory Day Constitution Day (Micronesia) Human Rights Day (Vietnam) Royal Ploughing Ceremony 13-15, Kin Norodom Shiamoni’s World Red Cross & Crescent Day (former Soviet Republics) Independence Day (Romania) Laylat al-Bara’ah (Islam) (Thailand) Birthday (Cambodia) Mothers’ Day 14 15 16 17 18 MOON LAST QTR 19 20 14-15, Independence Day Constitution Day (Nauru/Norway) (Paraguay) International Day Against Homo/ Culture Freedom Day Kamuzu Day (Malawi) Trans/Biphobia (International) Lag B’omer (Jewish) Liberation Day (Congo) Independence Restoration Day National Unification Day (Liberia) Discovery Day (Cayman Islands) World Telecommunication & Revival, Unity and Magtymguly (East Timor) Royal Ploughing Ceremony (Cambodia) International Day of Families (UN) SPLA Day (South Sudan) Information Society Day (UN) Poetry Day (Turkmenistan) Ho Chi Minh’s Birthday (Vietnam) National Day (Cameroon)

NEW MOON Afro-Colombian 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 Day (Colombia) Day of Culture and Art Workers Bermuda Day Africa Day/ (Kazakhstan) Commonwealth Day (Belize) (Zimbabwe/Zambia/Ghana/UNESCO) Independence Day (Montenegro) Culture and Literacy Day (Bulgaria) Ascension Day (Western Christian) 27-25 Jun, Ramadan (Islam) Intl AIDS Candlelight Memorial Republic Day (Sri Lanka) Independence Day (Eritrea) Independence Day (Jordan) 27-3 Jun, Reconciliation Week World Day for Cultural Diversity Unity/Independence Day (Yemen) Declaration of the Bab (Baha’i) Yom Yerushalaim/Jerusalem Day National Day (Argentina) Independence Day (Guyana/Georgia) (Australia) for Dialogue & Development (UN) Victory Day (Canada) Labour Day (Jamaica) (Israel) Savitri Puja (Hindu) (Australia) 27-9 Jun, Sr TT Race (Isle of Man) 28 29 30 31

Ascension of Baha’u’llah (Baha’i) Boat Festival Republic Day (Armenia/Azerbaijan) Democracy Day (Nigeria) (China/Hong Kong/ MacauTaiwan) Republic Day (Nepal) Memorial Day (USA) 30-1 Jun, Shavuot (Jewish)

“I’ve got to where I am in life not because of something I brought to the world but through something I found – the wealth of African culture.” – Hugh Masekela (African musician) “I’ve been doing Filipino folk dancing since I was 7 years old.

“Even now at 61 I’m still dancing. It helps in keeping me fit and I also like sharing my Filipino culture through participation at multicultural festivals here in Brisbane.

Elena Longland “There are many types of folk dances but the most popular dance is the Tinikling. This dance is usually performed at festivals and important events in the Philippines and here in Australia within the Filipino community. To the left is a picture of me, wearing the costume we would wear when performing this dance.

“The dance is named after what the locals call the Tikling bird. It involves some people beating, tapping, and sliding poles on the ground, whilst others dance between the poles. The movements of the dancers imitate the movement of the Tikling birds as they walk between grass stems, run over tree branches, or dodge bamboo traps set by rice farmers.

“This dance is also often referred to as the Philippines’ national dance. Elderly people in particular love watching this dance being performed.”

Photos above and below by Chrissie Ma-amo of Source: interview with Elena Longland. Mackay Filipino Australian Inc. Dancers at 2016 Filipino Festival at Riverway Arts Centre, Townsville. Photo of Elena (left) by Taryn Quach. JUNE 2017

MOON FIRST QTR 1 2 3

Birthday of the King (Malaysia) Independence Day () Randol Fawkes Labour Day Mabo Day (Australia) Madaraka/National Day () (Bahamas) Martyrs’ Day (Uganda) President’s Day () Republic Day (Italy) Reconciliation Week (Australia)

Western Australia FULL MOON 4 Day - WA Holiday 5 6 7 8 9 10 Constitution Day(Denmark) Khordad Movement Anniversary (Iran) Liberation Day(Seychelles) Anniversary of the Ascension of President’s Day (Equatorial Guinea) King Abdullah II (Jordan) Portugal Day Anniversary of Khomeini’s Death Queen’s Birthday Autonomy Day (Aland Islands) Queen’s Official Birthday (Iran) (NZ/Niue/) Memorial Day (South Korea) Full Moon Day (/UK) Pentecost or Whit Sunday (Christian) World Environment Day (UN) National Day (Sweden) Sette Giugno (Malta) Bounty Day (Norfolk Island) (Sri Lanka) Reconciliation Day (Congo)

Volunteers Day SA MOON LAST QTR 11 Queen’s Birthday 12 13 14 15 16 17 Holiday (except QLD, WA) Corpus Christi (Christian) Chaco Armistice Day (Paraguay) Independence Day (Philippines) Day of Valdemar & Reunion Day Loving Day (USA) (Denmark) Commemoration of General All Saints Day Nuzul Al-Quran (Brunei) Anthony of Padua Feast Day National Salvation Day(Azerbaijan) Martyrdom of Don Martin Miguel de Guemes (Eastern/Orhodox Christian) Russia Day (Russia) International Albinism (Portugal/Spain/Brazil) World Elder Abuse Awareness Guru Arjan Dev Sahib (Sikh) (Argentina) Trinity Sunday (Western Christian) Valentine’s Day (Brazil) Awareness Day (UN) Liberation Day (Falkland Islands) Day (UN) Martyrdom of Imam Ali (Iran) Independence Day (Iceland) 18 19 20 21 22 23 NEW MOON 24

Birthday of Jose Artigas & Never Again Day (Uruguay) Aymara New Year Day (Bolivia) Constitution Day (Seychelles) King Jong-il’s entry to the WPK Layla al-Qadr (Islam) National Day (Luxembourg) Battle of Carabobo Day Queen Mother’s Birthday (North Korea) Martyrs’ Day (Eritrea) National Day (Greenland) Sacred Heart of Jesus (Catholic) (Venezuela) (Cambodia) Labour Day (Trinidad/Tobago) World Refugee Day (UN) Saka Dawa (Tibetan Buddha Day) Victory Day (Estonia) St John’s Day (Catholic Christian) 25 26 27 28 29 30 Eid al Fitr (Islam) Hari Raya Puasa General Prayer Day (Singapore/Indonesia) Independence Day (Madagascar) (Central African Republic) Independence Day (Mozambique) International Day in Support of Independence Day (Congo) Puri Rath Yatra (Hindu) Victims of Torture (UN) Independence Day (Seychelles) Oharai/Grand Purification Festival Statehood Day (Croatia/Slovenia) Korite (Benin) National Day (Djibouti) Constitution Day (Ukraine) Saints Peter & Paul (Christian) (Shinto)

“I have observed that the prosperity or misery of each people is in direct proportion to its liberties or its prejudices and, accordingly, to the sacrifices or the selfishness of its forefathers.” – José Rizal En Colombia se baila asi! In Colombia we dance like this! Cumbia originated in Colombia’s Caribbean coastal region and Panama, from the musical and cultural fusion of Native Colombians and slaves Ritmos de Mi Tierra brought from Africa, and the Spanish influence (The Rhythms of My Land) during colonial times. During the 17th and 18th centuries, African slave populations of Colombia’s Caribbean coastal towns lived, worked and died under exploitation by the Colonial power of Spain. Cumbia emerged as a social and courtship rite practised among the African population on special occasions. The slaves danced this rhythm to release the stress from being slaves and from working too hard. They could only do one step at a time as they had heavy chains on their feet. Cumbia as a slave courtship ritual, was traditionally performed with music played by pairs of men and women and with male and female dancers. Women playfully waved their long skirts while holding a candle, and men danced behind the women with one hand behind their back and the other hand holding a hat or red handkerchief. Until the mid-20th century, Cumbia was considered to be an inappropriate dance performed primarily by the lower social classes. Today Cumbia has spread across the borders and become very popular in Latin America and beyond.

Source & photos: ‘Ritmos de Mi Tierra’ dance group. JULY 2017

MOON FIRST QTR MOON FIRST QTR 30 31 Canada Day 1 Emancipation Day (Suriname) Independence Day (Somalia/Rwanda/Burundi) Republic Day (Ghana) Sir Seretse Khama Day (Botswana) Independence Day (Vanuatu) Special Administration Region International Day of Friendship (UN) 31-1 Aug, Tisha B’av (Jewish) (SAR) (Hong Kong) 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Constitution Day (Armenia) Independence Day Capital City Day (Kazakhstan) Independence Day Birthday of Guru (Bhutan) Birthday of King Tupou VI (Tonga) (Cape Verde/Algeria/Venezuela) Independence Day (Solomon Islands) CARICOM Day (Guyana) Independence Day (USA) St Cyril & Methodius Day (Malawi/Comoros) Ra o te Ui Ariki (Cook Islands) Constitution Day (Cayman Islands) Liberation Day (Rwanda) (Slovakia/Czech) Jan Hus Day (Czech) Saba Saba Day (Tanzania) 2-9, NAIDOC Week (Australia) Independence Day (Belarus) Unity Day (Zambia) Tynwald Day (Isle of Man) Statehood Day (Lithuania) Tanabata Festival (Japan)

FULL MOON 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Asahna Bucha// Day (Buddhist) Constitution Day (Palau) Guru (Hindu) Fast of Tammuz (Jewish) Bastille Day Independence Day Independence Day (Bahamas) 11-13, Naadam Festival (Mongolia) (France/French Guiana) HM The Sultan’s Birthday (Brunei) (South Sudan/Argentina) 10-16, Kaustinen Folk Festival St Benedict Day Independence Day National Culture Day () St Vladimir the Great Day Martydom of the Bab (Baha’i) (Finland) (Catholic Christian) (Saoi Tome and Principe/Kiribati) Statehood Day (Montenegro) Republic Day (Iraq) (Orthodox Christian) 16 MOON LAST QTR 17 18 19 20 21 22

Constitution Day (South Korea) Constitution Day (Uruguay) Independence Day (Belgium) Galla Bayramy (Turkmenistan) King’s Birthday (Lesotho) Nelson Mandela Sandinista Revolution Day Liberation Day (Guam) Birthday of King Sobhuza II Our Lady of Mt Carmel (Chile) President’s Day (Botswana) International Day (UN) (Nicaragua) Independence Day (Colombia) Racial Harmony Day (Singapore) (Swaziland) NEW MOON 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

Baha’i Day on Jamaica (Jamaica) National Remembrance Day Simon Bolivar Day (Venezuela/ Constitution Day (Puerto Rico) Day of the Natl Rebellion () Nag Panchami Festival (Hindu) (Papua New Guinea) Ecuador/ Colombia/Bolivia) Guanacaste Day (Costa Rica) Independence Day (Liberia) The First Sermon of Lord Buddha Anniversary of the Fall of Fascism Renaissance Day () The Restoration of Democracy Republic Day (Tunisia) Qaumee Dhuvas/ (Buddhist/Bhutan) (San Marino) Vardavar (Armenia) (Greece) St James the Great (Christian) Independence Day (Maldives) Victory Day (North Korea) Independence Day (Peru) Territory Day (Wallis & Futuna)

“It’s no coincidence that magic realism happens in Latin America, because for us dreams and aspirations are part of life.” – Jorge Ramos The Bhutanese Orchestra is a unique cultural orchestra that plays traditional Himalayan instrumental music in Cairns, North Queensland. They play traditional folk music that reflect the lifestyle of the people of Southern Bhutan, Assam, and Nepal. They play music for peace and harmony and share their culture through it. The Bhutanese Orchestra recently performed Kirtan, a musical style involving call and response singing of simple melodies to ancient formulas () that harmonise, align and heal the illusion of separation between us. The tradition of Kirtan began 2,500 years ago in India as a way for the yogis to commune with the Divine. Rather than simply a musical performance, chanting brings participants together as one united voice. Participating in a group kirtan is a powerful experience, building a field of joyous, uplifting, peaceful energy to be shared by all.

Source & photo: Bhutanese Orchestra. AUGUST 2017

1 2 3 4 5

Our Lady of the Angels Day Independence Day (Benin) (Costa Rica) Constitution Day (Cook Islands) National Day (Switzerland) Republic/Ilinden Day (Macedonia) Independence Day (Niger) Varalakshmi Vratham (Hindu) Independence Day (Burkina Faso)

Bank Holiday NSW FULL MOON 6 Picnic Day NT 7 8 9 10 11 12

Civic Day (Canada) Commerce Day (Iceland) International Day of the World’s Independence Day Independence Day (Ivory Coast) Augsburg Peace Festival Indigenous People (UN) Constitution Day (Anguilla) (Jamaica/Bolivia) Raksha-Bandhan (Hindu) (Germany) National Day (Singapore) Independence Day (Ecuador) Independence Day (Chad) HM Queen’s Birthday (Thailand)

MOON LAST QTR Royal Show Day 13 14 15 QLD - Brisbane 16 17 18 19 Assumption of Mary (Christian) Carnival Tuesday (Grenada) Constitution Day (Equatorial Guinea) Independence Day Anniversary Day Founding of Asuncion (Paraguay) (Central African Republic) (Tristan da Cunha) Independence Day (India) Independence/National Day 13-15, Obon Festival (Buddhist/ Independence Day (Pakistan) or Jayanti (Hindu) (Afghanistan) Japan) (Morocco) Liberation Day (North/South Korea) (Gabon) (Indonesia) (UN) Oued Ed-Dahab Day Obon Festival (Buddhism/Japan) 16-17, National Day Independence Day World Humanitarian Day 20 21 NEW MOON 22 23 24 25 26

Independence Restoration Day (Estonia) King & People’s Revolution (Hindu) Day (Morocco) Ninoy Aquino Day (Philippines) Independence Day (Ukraine) Independence Day (Uruguay) Repentance Day St Stephen’s Day (Hungary) San Martin Day (Argentina) Festival (Hindu/Nepal) Songun (North Korea) (Papua New Guinea) 27 28 MOON FIRST QTR 29 30 31 Arafat Day (Islam) Hari Merdeka National Day (Malaysia) Independence Day (Kyrgyzstan/ Trinidad/Tobago) Constitution Day (Kazakhstan) National Language Day (Moldova) Independence Day (Moldova) St Rose of Lima Day (Peru) Umhlanga/Reed Dance (Swaziland)

“If the Government can not create happiness (‘dekid’) for its people, there is no purpose for the Government to exist.” – Bhutanese Legal Code, 1729 Chiho Kagawa & Phil Foord

Chiho Kagawa, originally from Japan, started playing the when she was four years old. As a young adult, her interest changed to healing and tribal music after diagnosis of an illness. She started exploring different types of music with a focus on healing through music and sound. Chiho began her world travels at 21, visiting 35 countries. Chiho now sings and plays many instruments including the Chinese violin known as Erhu, the Sanshin (a 3-stringed instrument), Indian flute, piano, Lyre and the Crystal Armonica which was invented by Benjamin Franklin in the 18th century. The Crystal Armonica has 30 pure quartz crystal bowls which create extremely soothing high frequency sounds (1000-4000Hz) that activate the pineal gland. Temple Gong, Didgeridoo, and Crystal Bowls, flutes and other hypnotic instruments also help to take the listener into a deep healing journey. In 2005, Chiho met her partner, musician Phil Foord. He now accompanies Chiho in their sound healing playing Didj, Temple gong, Samadhi bowls and mayan flute. Chiho and Phil moved from Western Australia to Sunshine Coast in 2015. They hold regular events in yoga studios and festivals on the Sunshine Coast and surrounds.

Photos by Thana Roysmith (front) and Barry Alsop,Eyes Wide Open Images (sides). SEPTEMBER 2017

1 2

Constitution Day (Slovakia) Hari Raya Haji (Singapore) Eid Al-Adha (Islam) Independence Day (Uzbekistan) National Day (Vietnam) 3 4 5 FULL MOON 6 7 8 9

Republic Day (San Marino) Ullambana/Ghost Festival Independence Day (Swaziland) Constitution Day (Fiji) Independence Day (Macedonia) Independence Day (Tajikistan) Tokehaga Day (Tokilau) Labour Day (USA/Canada) (Buddhist) Unification Day (Bulgaria) Independence Day (Brazil) National Day (Andorra) National Day (North Korea) 10 11 12 MOON LAST QTR 13 14 15 16

Independence Day (Costa Rica/El Salvador/ Independence Day (Mexico/PNG) National Day (Belize) Guatemala/Honduras/Nicaragua) Malaysia Day National Day (Gibraltar) Enkutatash (Ethiopian New Year) Intl Day of Democracy (UN) Start of Oktoberfest (Germany) 17 18 19 NEW MOON 20 21 22 23

Independence Day Birthday of Crown Prince Independence Day (Armenia/Belize/Malta) Tupouto a Ulukalala (Tonga) (St Kitts & Nevis) Nativity of Theotokos Constitution & Citizenship Day (USA) Independence Day (Chile) Mahalaya (Hindu) Constitution Day (Nepal) (Orthodox Christian) Independence Day (Bulgaria/Mali) National Day (Saudi Arabia) Vishwakarma Puja (Hindu) Respect for the Aged Day (Japan) Prince’s Day (Netherlands) 20-22, Rosh Hashanah (Jewish) (Hindu) New Year (Islam) Shabbat Shuva (Jewish)

Queen’s Birthday MOON FIRST QTR 24 Holiday WA 25 26 27 28 29 30 Constitution Day (Cambodia) Family & Community Day ACT Fast of Gedaliah (Jewish) National Day (Guinea-Bissau) Birthday Ashura/New Year (Islam) Day (China/Hong Kong) Botswana Day Our Lady of Mercy Day Manit/Culture Day Dassera or (Hindu) (Dominican Republic) Start of Dashain Festival- (Marshall Islands) Thimphu (Bhutan) Republic Day (Trinidad & Tobago) European Day of Languages Phoolpati/Phulpat (Nepal) St Wenceslas/Statehood Day (Czech) 29-30, Yom Kippur (Jewish) Yom Kippur (Jewish)

“It is impossible to remain indifferent to Japanese culture...It is a great intellectual challenge and a gorgeous sensual experience.” – Alain Ducasse Divya Anoop came to Australia two years ago with her husband and young son from Kerala in Divya Anoop South India. She started learning classical dancing at the age of four. In India, classical dance and music are part of the school curriculum. At first Divya learned to dance Bharatanatyam and then progressed to learn Mohiniyattam.

Bharatanatyam is the oldest classical dance form of India. It is believed to have originated in the Hindu temples of Tamil Nadu and neighbouring regions of South India in the 2nd Century CE. Traditionally, it was a performed exclusively by women but now it is performed by men as well as in groups.

Mohiniyattam which is a semi-classical dance form, originated in Kerala. It is closely related to Bharatanatyam and is performed by women. The word ‘mohini’ means a maiden who steals the heart of the onlooker. There are about 40 basic movements to this dance form and it is believed to have originated in the 16th Century CE.

Bharatanatyam and Mohiniyattam are among eight or more dance forms originating from different parts of India. Both the dance forms involve graceful body movements and facial expressions. Usually these movements convey Hindu religious and spiritual themes. To master these dances, dancers would have to train for many years.

Divya has been training and performing for a long time and is now ready to teach the classical dance forms to others.

Left: Divya’s Mohiniyattam poses. Source: interview with Divya Anoop. Below: Bharatanatyam dancers S.Vanitha, Photos by Thana Roysmith. Saranya Vijaya Kumar, Miroshini Kannathasan. OCTOBER 2017

NEW MOON FULL MOON 1 Queen’s Birthday 2 3 4 5 6 7 Holiday QLD Independence Day (Lesotho) Ashura/New Year (Islam) Labour Day NSW, SA, ACT Moon Festival Constitution Day (Vanuatu) Independence Day Botswana Holiday (Botswana) Day of German Unity (Germany) (Taiwan/China/Vietnam) End of Buddhist Lent/Thadingyut (Cyprus/Nigeria/Tuvalu/Palau) End of Dashain Festival- Dwadashi (Nepal) 3-5, /Chuseok Peace & National Reconciliation Full Moon (Myanmar) (UN) Independence Day (Guinea) (South Korea) (Mozambique) (Nepal) Int’l Day of Older Persons Int’l Day of Non-Violence (UN) Day Kojagrat Purnima National Day Mahatma Ghandi’s Birthday (India) National Day (Iraq) St Francis of Assissi Day (Christian) Republic Day (Portugal) (China/Hong Kong/) Territory Day () Natl Foundation Day (South Korea) 4-11, Sukkot/Tabernacles (Jewish) (Hindu) Tishren Liberation Day (Syria) 8 9 10 11 MOON LAST QTR 12 13 14 Columbus Day (Puerto Rico/USA) Columbus Day (Latin America) Day of Respect for Cultural Cultures National Day (Costa Rica) Diversity (Argentina) Fiesta Nacional de Espana (Spain) Independence Day (Taiwan/Uganda) Curacao Day (Curacao) Independence Day (Equatorial Guinea) Liberation Day (Yemen) Independence of Guayaquil (Ecuador) Fiji Day (Fiji) National Coming Out Day (LGBTIQ) Indigenous Resistance (Venezuela/Bolivia) Mwalimu Kambarage Julius Independence Day (Croatia) Native American Day (USA) Independence Day (Cuba) Revolution Day (Macedonia) Our Lady of Aparecida/Children’s Prince Rwagasore Day (Burundi) Nyerere Day (Tanzania) Karwa Chauth (Hindu) Pan American Day (Chile) Maroon Day (Suriname) 11-12, Shemini Atzeret (Jewish) Day (Brazil) Simchat Torah (Jewish) Svetitskhoveli(Georgia) 15 16 17 18 19 NEW MOON 20 21 Birth of Guru Granth & Installation of Scriptures as Gur- Bhaj Dooj (Hindu) Constitution Day (Niue) Gaddi Guru Granth Sahib (Sikh) Ethnicity Day (Estonia) Deepavali//Festival of Birth of the Báb (Baha’i) President Ndadaye’s Day (Burundi) Commemoration Day of King Death of Dessalines (Haiti) Alaska Day (Alaska) Lights (Hindu/Sikh) Heroes/Mashujaa Day (Kenya) Remembrance Day (Serbia) Father Norodom Sihanaouk Colombus Day (Colombia) Vrat (Hindu) Independence Day (Azerbajian) Mother Teresa Beatification Day Jain New Year (Jain) St Ursula’s Day (Cambodia) Day of Pope John Paul II (Poland) 17-21, Tihar Festival (Nepal) National Day of Prayer (Zambia) (Albania) Revolution Day (Guatemala) (British Virgin Islands)

MOON FIRST QTR 22 Chulalongkorn 23 24 25 26 27 28 Memorial Day (Thailand) Commemoration of the Paris Peace Agreements of 1991 (Cambodia) Chung Yeung Festival Day of the Macedonian (China/HK/Taiwan/Macau) Revolutionary Struggle (Macedonia) Chhat Parwa (Nepal) Angam Day (Nauru) Independence Day Independence Day Liberation Day (Libya) Independence Day (Zambia) Constitution Day (Lithuania) Puja (Hindu) (St Vincent/ The Grenadines/ (Czech Republic) Republic Day (Hungary) United Nations Day (UN) Thanksgiving Day (Grenada) National Day (Austria) Turkmenistan) National/Ochi Day(Cyprus/Greece) 29 30 31

All Hallows Eve (Christian) Halloween (USA) Reformation Day King’s Coronation Day (Cambodia) (Protestant Christian) Republic Day (Turkey) World Cities Day (UN)

““ Where the hand goes, follows the eye; Where the eyes go, follows the heart.” – Natya Sastra ( Hindu text on the performing arts) Dance is a significant part of Thai culture and is considered the main dramatic art form of Thailand. Ketksuda (in the pink) and Benyapa (in the blue) have been dancing since they were small children, and were taught dance throughout their schooling. They continue to enjoy dancing at their local Thai temple, during days of celebrations and at community gatherings. The costumes worn by the women represent the Middle Region of Thailand (Chud-Thai Phra-yuk, Park Khlang). Thai dance is renowned for its elegance, graceful movements and soft music. Styles of dance and costume vary greatly from region to region, and there are three main types of dance. Khon is the most stylised form. Elaborate costumes and masks are worn by the dancers, who mime the parts of demons, celestial beings and humans whilst the story is sung in the background. Lakhon is a sensual and fluid dance group in which the upper torso and hands are used frequently. Dancers are typically female. Fawn Thai is a form of folk-dance, and there are five classical styles which vary across the provinces. An important festival where dance is performed is the (Thai Lantern Festival) which falls on the evening of the first full moon of the 12th in the traditional Thai , usually in the month of November.

Source: Interview with Ketksuda and Benyapa (pictured right), and Gunchala from the Thai-Aussie Sister Support Association Inc. Photos by Ruby Winter. NOVEMBER 2017

1 2 3 FULL MOON 4 Culture Day (Japan) Constitution Day (Tonga) Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Birthday (Sikh) FSM Independence Day Kartik Poornima (Hindu) All Saints’ Day (Christian) All Souls’ Day (Christian) (Micronesia) Loy Krathong (Thailand) Independence Day Dia de Los Muertos (Mexico) Independence Day Unity Day (Russia) (Antigua/Barbuda) Indian Arrival Day (Mauritius) (Dominica/Panama/Ecuador) 4-6, Water Festival Ceremony National Revival Day (Bulgaria) Thanksgiving Day (Liberia) Victory Day (Maldives) (Cambodia)

Recreation Day Melbourne Cup Day MOON LAST QTR 5 TAS - Nth 6 Melb Holiday 7 8 9 10 11 Independence Day (Angola/Poland) Election Day (USA) Remembrance/Armistice Day Magal de Touba Festival (Senegal) Allama Iqbal Day (Pakistan) (Commonwealth Nations) Colon Day (Panama) Constitution Day Day Independence Day (Cambodia) Republic Day (Maldives) Guy Fawkes Night (UK) (Dominican Republic/Tajikistan) (Belarus/Kyrgyzstan) Intersex Day of Remembrance (Intl) Kristallnacht (Jewish) Ataturk Memoral Day (Turkey) Veterans’ Day (USA/Puerto Rico) 12 13 14 15 16 17 NEW MOON 18 German Community Day (Belgium) Independence Day (Palestine) Cartagena Independence Day Intl Day for Tolerance (UN) Birth of Baha’u’llah (Baha’i) (Colombia) King’s Feast (Belgium) Constitution Day (Azerbaijan) National Day (Myanmar) National Peace Day (Ivory Coast) Journee Nationale Maore (Comoros) Remembrance Day Republic Day (Northern Cyprus/Brazil) National Revival Day (Azerbaijan) Independence Day (Latvia/Morocco) Remembrance Day (UK) (Cayman Islands) Shichigosan Festival (Shinto) President’s Day (Marshall Islands) National Day (Oman) 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

Discovery Day (Puerto Rico) Niinamesei or Labour Independence Day (Suriname) Garifuna Settlement Day (Belize) Thanksgiving Day (Shinto) Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Intl Day for the Elimination of Maldives National Day/Qaumee Dignity & Freedom Day (Ukraine) St George’s Day (Georgia) Bahadur Sahib (Sikh) Violence against Women (UN) Duvas (Maldives) Transgender Day of General Framework Thanksgiving Day National Day of Thanksgiving Statehood Day (Federation of National Day (Monaco) Remembrance (LGBTIQ) Agreement Day (Republika Srpska) Independence Day (Lebanon) (Interfaith-USA/Guam) (Turks and Caicos Islands) Bosnia & Herzegovina) 26 MOON FIRST QTR 27 28 29 30 Intl Day of Solidarity with Palestinian People (UN) Christ the King Day (Christian) Independence Day (Albania/ Liberation Day (Albania) Bonifacio Day (Philippines) Constitution Day (India) Mauritania/Panama/East Timor) Unity Day (Vanuatu) Gita Jayanti (Hindu) Day of the Covenant (Baha’i) Republic Day William Tubman’s Birthday Independence Day (Barbados/Yemen) Republic’s Day (Mongolia) Natl Sovereignty Day (Argentina) (Congo/Burundi/Chad) (Liberia) St Andrew’s Day (Christian)

“Those who can’t dance blame it on the flute and the drum.” – Thai proverb Established in 1981 by Christine Mikolajczak, the Wielkopolska Dance group consists of children, teenagers and young adults of Polish ancestry.

They have a large repertoire of dances from various regions of Poland which they are continually expanding.

Their regional costumes are authentic, being sourced from the original regions of Poland. Their purpose is to teach, maintain and continue the rich Polish folkloric dance heritage for their children and future generations.

By promoting Polish folklore, the Wielkopolska Dance Group hope they have contributed in some way towards the development of better mutual understanding and respect for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities living in Australia, and more particularly, towards the formation of new cultural traditions in this country.

There are two performers who remain from the original group established in the early 80’s, Mark and Krystyna Mikolajczak; they are now the joint directors of the present group who have been together since 2002.

Source: Interview with Mark Mikolajczak. Photo bottom left & dancers below courtesy Mark Mikolajczak. 2017

New Year’s Eve SA part holiday 31 1 2 Freedom & Democracy Day (Chad) Great Union/National Day (Romania) /Prophet Muhammed’s Birthday or Milad Al-Nabi (Islamic-Sunni) Intl Day for the Abolition St Sylvester’s Day (Christian) Natl Day (Central African Republic) of Slavery (UN) Restoration Day (Switzerland) Independence Day (Portugal) National Day (Laos/UAE)

FULL MOON 3 4 5 Constitution Day (Spain) 6 7 8 9 Independence Day (Finland) Constitution Day Mawlid or Milad Al-Nabi (Islamic-Shi’a) (Uzbekistan/Northern Mariana 3-24, Advent (Christian) Day of Remembrance & Action on Islands/Romania) Good Neighbourliness Day Violence Against Women (Canada) Feast of the Immaculate (Turkmenistan) St Nicholas Day Pearl Harbour Remembrance Conception (Catholic) Int’l Day of Persons with Disability (UN) King Tupou I Day (Tonga) King’s Birthday (Thailand) (Christian-Netherlands) Day (USA) Rohatsu/Bodhi Day (Japan) MOON LAST QTR 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Day of Reconciliation 12-20, Chanukah (Jewish) (South Africa) Constitution Day (Russia) National Day of Saint Lucia - Sankranti (Hindu) Jamhuri/National Day (Kenya) Syracuse (Finland/Iceland/Faroe Independence Day Constitution Day (Thailand) Fourth Republic Day (Madagascar) Our Lady of Guadalupe Island & Scandinavia) Martyred Intellectuals Day (Kazakhstan/Bahrain) Intl Human Rights Day (UN) Republic Day (Burkina Faso) (Catholic Christian) Republic Day (Malta) (Bangladesh) Bill of Rights Day (USA) Victory Day (Bangladesh)

NEW MOON Christmas Eve 17 18 19 20 21 22 SA part holiday 23

Intl Human Solidarity Day (UN) Festival (Macau) International Day to End Violence International Migrants Day (UN) SAR Establishment Day (Macau) Kayin New Year Day (Myanmar) Against Sex Workers National Day (Qatar) The Day Maldives Embraced Islam Sao Tome Day National Day (Bhutan) Republic Day (Niger) (Maldives) (Republic of Sao Tome & Principe) Unity Day (Zimbabwe) Emperor’s Birthday (Japan)

Christmas Eve Christmas Day MOON FIRST QTR 24 National Holiday 25 Boxing Day 26 27 28 29 30 National Holiday Proclamation Day SA Independence & Unity Day (Slovenia) Christmas Day 26-1 Jan, Kwanzaa (USA) Constitution Day (Ireland) (Western/Orthodox Christian) St Stephen’s/Boxing Day (Christian) National Independence Day Independence Day (Libya) Quaid-i-Azam Day (Pakistan) Synaxis of the Mother of God (Greece) Constitution Day (North Korea) Holy Innocents Day (Christian) (Mongolia) Rizal Day (Philippines)

“A poor dancer will be disturbed even by the hem of her skirt.” – Polish proverb Diversicare offers a number of publications to inform members of the community requiring care, of the options available to them, and to assist all staff involved in the provision of the Commonwealth Home Support Program, Home Care Packages and Queensland Community Care Services, in providing culturally appropriate care. Key Contacts: Professional Interpreters and Translators

NAATI (National Office) Phone: 1300 557 470 Absolute Translations Fax: 02 6260 3036 Phone: 1800 500 791 Email: [email protected] Fax: 07 3303 8527 (Brisbane) Web: www.naati.com.au Email: [email protected] Web: www.absolutetranslations.com.au Support with Interpreting, Translating and Communication (SWITC) Phone: 07 3892 8559 Australian Interpreting Service Pty Ltd A/Hrs: 07 3018 0333 Phone: 03 8838 2983 Deaf Services Qld Fax: 03 8838 2982 It is encouraged to use SWITC online Web: www.australianinterpretingservice.com Web: www.switc.org.au Email: [email protected] ONCALL Interpreters & Translators TIS (Translating and Interpreting Services) Phone: 07 3018 0333 (Brisbane) Phone: 131 450 (24 hours, 7 days) Fax: 07 3839 8264 1300 655 082 (online & exist interpreting) Email: [email protected] +613 9203 4027 (outside Australia) Web: www.oncallinterpreters.com 1800 131 450 (voice interpreting) 1300 655 081 (pre-booked interpreting) Email: [email protected] Web: www.tisnational.gov.au Ethnic Communities Council of QLD Ltd (ECCQ) Multicultural Advisory Service (MAS) Officers and Diversicare Offices MAS Team Leader, Statewide Logan/West Moreton Rural & Remote PO Box 246 Thuringowa QLD 4817 PO Box 9522, Wilsonton QLD 4350 Sunshine Coast ECCQ Head Office: M: 0407 045 203 M: 0434 254 812 6/43 Minchinton Street, PO Box 5916, West End QLD 4101 E: [email protected] E: [email protected] P: 07 3844 9166 CALOUNDRA PO Box 1063, Caloundra QLD 4551 F: 07 3846 4453 Cairns Peninsula Region Gold Coast Region E: [email protected] P: 07 5491 9655 F: 07 5437 2629 PO Box 347 Earlville QLD 4870 PO Box 5199 West End QLD 4101 M: 0432 322 154 M: 0431 017 943 Diversicare Brisbane Townsville E: [email protected] E: [email protected] 49-51 Thomas Street, 34/184-188 Vickers Road North, WEST END CONDON PO Box 5199, West End QLD 4101 Sunshine Coast Region North Queensland Region – Training PO Box 246, Thuringowa QLD 4817 PO Box 1063 Caloundra QLD 4551 PO Box 246 Thuringowa QLD 4817 P: 1300 DIVERSE or 1300 348 377 P: 07 4723 1470 E: [email protected] M: 0447 721 968 M: 0407 045 203 F: 07 4723 8492 E: [email protected] E: [email protected]

Cairns Gold Coast PO Box 347, EARLVILLE QLD 4870 44 Davenport Street, Brisbane Region – Training Multicultural Community Officer P: 0432 322 154 SOUTHPORT QLD 4215 PO Box 409 Mt Gravatt QLD 4122 PO Box 246 Thuringowa QLD 4817 P: 0431 017 943 M: 0413 054 642 M: 0428 332 965 Mt Gravatt E: [email protected] 1852 Logan Road, Toowoomba MT GRAVATT 241 Bridge Street, Brisbane Region – Communities Information Education Training Support Officer PO Box 409, Mt Gravatt QLD 4122 NEWTOWN QLD 4350 PO Box 409 Mt Gravatt QLD 4122 PO Box 247, Thuringowa QLD 4817 P: 07 3343 7499 PO Box 9522, Wilsonton QLD 4350 M: 0413 512 967 P: 07 4723 1470 F: 07 3343 7599 P: 0434 254 812 E: [email protected] E: [email protected]

Acknowledgements Funding

This publication was produced by the Multicultural Advisory Service. Diversicare The Diversicare Multicultural Advisory Service is supported by funding from the acknowledges with appreciation the assistance received from the various ethnic Australian Government under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme. communities, people and organisations who collaborated in the creation of this calendar. Visit the Department of Health website (www.health.gov.au) for more information.

Designed, edited and published by Talila Kroy, The Golden Quill [email protected]

Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure the information in this calendar is as accurate as possible. However, Diversicare, the Multicultural Advisory Service, The Golden Quill and their staff, servants and agents, disclaim any liability for errors or omissions or their consequences. The information in this publication is provided as a guide only.