Bunbury’s much loved South West Multicultural Festival will be happening again on 23 February, thanks in a large part to the generous support of Lotterywest, Don Punch MLA, Member for Bunbury said.

“The South West Multicultural Festival is an annual celebration of our amazing community and can completely understand why Lotterywest are such enthusiastic supporters of the event, this year contributing $20 000”, said Mr Punch.

“Lotterywest fund events that bring communities together and make WA an even better place to live and there can be no doubt the South West Multicultural Festival does exactly that.

“It is a testament to the Bunbury Multicultural Group that this festival continues to grow year in, year out.

“Each year more and more people are introduced to the diversity of our community and offered an insight into cultural practices from across the world by their attendance at the Festival.

“One of the features of this year’s event will be a close look at different forms of national dress and the intricacies of wearing clothing such as saris, turbans and kimonos, with a special zone to teach the skills of folding and tying before being photographed in the national dress of your choice.

“It is the many different participatory activities, along with the amazing array of international food, that really allows attendees at the Festival to immerse themselves in the cultural diversity of our community.

“I know a highlight of the Festival each year is the flag ceremony and there is no better visual reminder of the many and varied cultural heritages that influence our community than the sight of all those flags waving as they are proudly carried across Bicentennial Square.

“Bunbury is very fortunate to have a number of events that attract the support of Lotterywest and I can think of none more deserving than the South West Multicultural Festival.”