Sydney hosts The Blue Palm Tree Markets at Sydney Olympic Park every Saturday commencing May 3rd. The markets provide an opportunity for the diverse cultures of the Pacific to meet in a dynamic environment of arts, crafts, music, dance and food.
Missing contact with your local Pacific Island, Maori or Aboriginal community? Tired of having to import traditional foods, clothing or cultural items? Need a place for your cultural group to perform?
Then head to The Blue Palm Tree Markets at Sydney Olympic Park. Open every Saturday, commencing 3rd May 2008, from 9am to 4pm at the Paddington and Downes Pavilions, Sydney Showground.
“The Blue Palm Tree Markets bring the rich cultures of the Pacific, New Zealand and indigenous Australia to the heart of Sydney every weekend,” says Tongan Alex Fineki, who conceived and established the markets.
Products include art, craft, music, traditional foods, fresh produce and seafood. Carvings, didgeridoos, jewellery, floral-print fabrics and tapa cloth are available along with island floral arrangements and traditional tattoos.
See music and dance performances and meet Pacific Island sporting greats, musicians, actors and visiting celebrities.
Special Opening Day Celebrations: An Aboriginal smoking ceremony precedes the official opening by Auburn Mayor, Cr Le Lam, followed by cultural performances and a live band.
When: Saturday 3rd May. Smoking ceremony commences 10.30am.
Where: Paddington & Downes Pavilions with performances on Hordern Lawns, Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park.
Access: Olympic Park Station. Driving - entrance off Olympic Boulevard, across from Acer Arena. Use parking stations P1, P5 & P6.
“There are approximately 100,000 people of Pacific Island origin living in NSW and they value their community links, culture and traditional way of life,” says Fineki.
“They are often disadvantaged when they arrive in Australia and can’t buy traditional foods and clothing. The markets offer them the chance to open a small business and purchase traditional goods. But the markets are for all Australian families and tourists; they’re a vibrant place in which to celebrate and enjoy our multiculturalism.”
For more information and photos please contact:
Alex Fineki on 9824 5471, or Noelani Netzler 0424 333 026
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