ISSUE #3
S I B W. C O M . A U
Disclaimer: All materials remain copyright Š of 2014 Sibwannan. Permission to reprint material should be obtained in writing from the editor at this office. Signed articles do not necessarily represent the opinions of Sibwannan. Under the trade practices act advertisers are here by advised that all advertising copy is their responsibility. The appearance of an advertisement in Sibwannan does not necessarily imply endorsement of the advertiser by Sibwannan. Advertisements are published in good faith and on the understanding that the content is legitimate and lawful. Errors and omissions: While every care is taken in the publication of advertisements the proprietors of Sibwannan cannot be held responsible for errors, and/or omissions or their subsequent effects. The right is reserved to alter, abbreviate, omit or reclassify advertisements for any reason. No guarantee is given regarding the positioning of advertisements and credits will not be given for advertisements appearing out of sequence. The appearance of any person or persons in this magazine does not necessarily reflect their beliefs or behaviours in any way. Original contributions and letters to the editor are most welcome. Sibwannan reserves the right to edit, delete, change or not publish all or part of any letters and/or contributions. Receipt of manuscripts will be taken by the editor as permission to print unless the contrary is specifically indicated.
CONTENTS WHAT’S ON
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FEATURE 12 29 Years of Folk and Fun: The Woodford Folk Festival
FEATURE 16 Stunning World Festivals for your Bucket List
TRAVEL 20 Volunteering in India
COMMUNITY 24 Swedish Christmas Down Under
FEATURE 26 Beautiful & Diverse as India Herself – Dance Masala
TRAVEL 30 Enrich your spirit at the Crystal Castle & Shambhala Gardens
COMMUNITY 34 Cover image: A woman overlooks the festivities while enjoying the events on offer at the Woodford Folk Festival, held annually in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
Think Ethical this Christmas
Publisher Stephen Mam steve@sibw.com.au
Contributors Melanie Groves Ethnic Business Awards Queensland Tourism Awards Corroboree Sydney
Editor Melanie Groves editor@sibw.com.au Design & Media Vacant Face marty@vacantface.com.au
COMMUNITY 37 Yarrabah Band Festival
SOCIALS 40
Next Issue (4) Deadlines Editorial – 2 January Advertising – 2 January Completed Artwork – 2 January
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Editor’s Message: The summer is heating up, so it is time for summer festivals, Christmas parties and holidays. It’s the perfect time to start doing everything you wanted to do all year - that means festivals, beach days and catching up with friends. I really enjoyed reading this issue of Sibwannan because it shows us just how easy it is to be socially conscious in today’s society. It’s exciting to see some of the amazing things on offer at the Woodford Folk Festival, not to mention just how much effort they put into being environmentally friendly. Organisations such as the Trading Circle can make your Christmas shopping a little more socially aware as well. No matter how you’re planning on spending your holidays, have a good one. Have you seen Sibwannan’s Facebook and Instagram? You can find us at: Facebook Instagram As Sibwannan is a magazine made about the community for the community, we’re always on the lookout for stories about the interesting and inspiring people doing great things in our community. If you know of any of these inspiring people in our community, we’d love to hear from you. I hope you enjoy this issue of Sibwannan! MELANIE GROVES | EDITOR
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| WHAT’S ON Brisbane Asia Pacific Film Festival Brisbane 29 NOVEMBER – 14 DECEMBER | 2014 VARIOUS LOCATIONS INCLUDING GOMA & THE BARRACKS
The all-new Brisbane Asia Pacific Film Festival (BAPFF) is a must-see, 16-day international film event featuring the screening of up to 75 films from the Asia Pacific region including Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands to China, Korea and Japan. brisbaneasiapacificfilmfestival.com Festival of Tibet Brisbane 05 – 07 & 12 – 14 DECEMBER | BRISBANE POWERHOUSE
Festival of Tibet celebrates its seventh year with the 80th birthday of His Holiness 14th Dalai Lama (born 6th July 1935). Performances, films, talks, workshops and exhibitions will celebrate the resilience and optimism of the Tibetan culture. brisbanepowerhouse.org/festival-of-tibet-2015 World Food Markets Brisbane 05 – 07 & 12 – 14 DECEMBER | BRISBANE POWERHOUSE
brisbanepowerhouse.org/world-food-markets South Pacific Islander Christmas in the Park Festival Brisbane 13 DECEMBER | MULBEAM PARK
Celebrate the festive season with local entertainment, joy and cheer. World by Night Brisbane 19 DECEMBER | REDDACLIFF PLACE
Dance the night away to music from around the globe at this signature end of year multicultural event, World by Night. bemac.org.au
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SIBW.COM.AU Woodford Folk Festival Brisbane 27 DECEMBER – 1 JANUARY | WOODFORD
The Woodford Folk Festival, a six day event running from 27 December to 1 January annually, is the largest gathering of artists and musicians in Australia. woodfordfolkfestival.com Cinema on the Park Sydney 2 OCTOBER – 18 DECEMBER | KOREAN CULTURAL OFFICE
Korean Cultural Office Arirang Hall, 255 Elizabeth Street Sydney Come and watch a FREE screening of various Korean films, try new and tasty Korean snacks and experience the exciting cultural activities we have to offer! koreanculture.org.au/cinema-on-the-park Tequila Sunsets – Aztecs After Dark Sydney 4 – 29 DECEMBER | AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM
Experience the Aztecs exhibition after dark and enjoy Mexican-themed entertainment and food. Culinary Tales - Multicultural Cooking Classes Sydney 8 DECEMBER | 2014
The instructors of our classes are refugees who can bring their unique experiences to the table, giving participants the opportunity to learn more about their lives and their journeys to Australia. culinary-tales.com Matsuri (Japanese Festival) 2014 Sydney 13 DECEMBER | TUMBALONG PARK, DARLING HARBOUR
Matsuri in Sydney is a Japanese festival held every year to celebrate Japanese culture and cross cultural friendship between the Japanese and Australian people.
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| WHAT’S ON AFC ASIAN CUP FOOTBALL FAN PARK Sydney 17 – 21 DECEMBER | CUSTOMS HOUSE
Located at Customs House, the interactive football park will offer Sydneysiders the chance to experience state-of-the-art interactive footballing entertainment. afcasiancup.com Forgotten Chinese ANZACs Remembered Melbourne 14 JULY – 19 DECEMBER CHINESE MUSEUM & CHINATOWN VISITOR CENTRE
Come to the Chinese Museum for a moving and fascinating exhibition called Forgotten Chinese ANZACs Remembered: Chinese-Australians and World War One. Aboriginal Heritage Walk Melbourne 9 SEPTEMBER – 30 JUNE | 2015 | ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS
Journey into the ancestral lands of the Koolin nation and explore their rich and thriving culture on this walk in the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. rbg.vic.gov.au/whats-on China Up Close Melbourne 2 DECEMBER – 15 MARCH | 2015 | ACMI FEDERATION SQUARE
China Up Close explores how this profound change has influenced Chinese moving image art and cinema through a deeply rich program of exhibitions, talks, live events and film. acmi.net.au/china-up-close Paper Cuts Melbourne 3 DECEMBER – 9 DECEMBER | SPACE @ COLLINS
Multicultural Arts Victoria is thrilled to present Mapping Melbourne – a celebration of Asian art and culture through exhibitions, performance and music. multiculturalarts.com.au/mapping
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SIBW.COM.AU Yang Fudong: Filmscapes Melbourne 4 DECEMBER – 15 MARCH | 2015 | ACMI FEDERATION SQUARE
ACMI presents Chinese artist Yang Fudong's multi-channel film installations which reflect a fascination with international cinema and, in particular, film noir. acmi.net.au/yang-fudong-filmscapes Takahiro Iwasaki: Itsukushima Reflection Model Melbourne 5 DECEMBER – 6 APRIL | 2015 | NGV INTERNATIONAL
Takahiro Iwasaki, recognized as one of Japan's new generation of emerging young artists, creates intricately detailed models that reinterpret contemporary cityscapes and iconic historic buildings. ngv.vic.gov.au AFC Asian Cup 2015 Trophy Tour Melbourne 8 DECEMBER | FEDERATION SQUARE
The AFC Asian Cup 2015 Trophy Tour gives Melbourne football fans an opportunity to see and be photographed with the AFC Asian Cup. afcasiancup.com Urban Koorie Tour Melbourne 8 DECEMBER – 27 FEBURARY | 2015 | FEDERATION SQUARE
Be taken on a journey through Federation Square and along the banks of the Birrarung Wilam (River of Mist camp) with Koorie Heritage Trust and Federation Square guides. fedsquare.com/guided-tours Salsa Dancing Melbourne 19 DECEMBER – 6 MARCH | 2015 | FRIDAYS FEDERATION
Get your hips swinging with free summer Salsa lessons at Fed Square. fedsquare.com
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| WHAT’S ON Our Mob 2014: Art by South Australian Aboriginal Artists Adelaide OCTOBER 25 – 7 DECEMBER | ARTSPACE GALLERY
Our Mob 2014: Art by South Australian Aboriginal Arts is an exhibition of artworks gathered from across South Australia. adelaidecitycouncil.com/our-mob 2014 Mandela Day: Adelaide Adelaide 14 DECEMBER | CORNER OF ASHWIN PARADE AND SOUTH ROAD
In 2014 Salt Magazine is bringing a unique tribute day for Nelson Mandela, one that features world renowned reggae artist Lucky Dube’s original band ONE PEOPLE all the way from South Africa to perform in Adelaide! adelaidecitycouncil.com/mandela-day Riva Starr Hobart 26 DECEMBER | APARTMENT 808 | 112 MURRAY STREET
Illusive is proud to announce that Italian house gun Riva Starr is coming our way for a whirlwind tour around New Year’s Eve. One of the hottest names in global dance music. eventfinda.com.au/riva-starr Peach Blossom Spring | Cacotopia Darwin 15 NOVEMBER – 13 DECEMBER | NCCA
Peach Blossom Spring | Cacotopia is an international group exhibition which addresses contemporary life in the digital age – fecund with imaginary potential but mired at the same time in environmental decay. nccart.com.au Jirrawun: A Legacy in Print Darwin 9 DECEMBER – 30 DECEMBER | JIRRAWUN ARTS CENTRE
This month Nomad Art features the recent arrival of etchings by artists from the renowned Jirrawun Arts Centre. This selection of work includes work by Rammey Ramsey, Phyllis Thomas, Freddie Timms and Rusty Peters. nomadart.com.au
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Yèqŭ Darwin 15 NOVEMBER – 13 DECEMBER | NCCA
Darwin-based photographer Fiona Morrison’s solo exhibition Yèqŭ. Often set in suburbia or suburban hinterlands, Morrison’s night-time vignettes are generally devoid of people even in a densly populated city such as Beijing, China, where the images for this current series were shot. nccart.com.au Afghanistan: Hidden Treasures from the National Museum of Kabul Perth 26 JULY – 18 JANUARY | 2015 WESTERN AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM
Touring Australia for the first time, Hidden Treasures features more than 230 priceless artifacts of gold, bronze and stone sculptures, ivories, painted glassware and other ancient works of art. museum.wa.gov.au/afghanistan-hidden-treasures Oulala International Outdoor Cinema Perth 29 NOVEMBER – 7 MARCH | 2015 | MEMORIAL GARDENS
The Oulala pop up open air cinema returns this summer. This unique cinema, which celebrates multiculturalism in Perth last year showcased French language films. This year the program has now expanded to showcase films from around the world. weekendnotes.com/oulala-pop-up-cinema Treasures of the Jewish Ghetto of Venice Perth 6 DECEMBER | ART GALLERY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA
These valuables, which represent traditional Venetian silver smiting and bronze-casting methods, were forgotten until they were unearthed during the restoration of the Scola Spagnola in the Venetian ghetto a few years ago, and a selection from this collection is on display. enjoyperth.com.au/treasures-jewish-ghetto-venice
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| FEATURE
29 YEARS OF FOLK AND FUN: THE WOODFORD FOLK FESTIVAL
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From the 27th of December to the 1st of January, a town known as Woodfordia springs up in the usually sleepy Sunshine Coast hinterland, and is visited by over 120,000 people. The Woodford Folk Festival is one of Australia’s largest and most iconic events, and one of the largest “folk” festivals in the world. The Woodford Folk Festival is the largest gathering of artists and musicians in Australia. The programme encompasses the depth and diversity of Australia’s cultural, artistic and social expression with music, dance, cabaret, circus, comedy, workshops, debate, street theatre, films, forums, visual arts, an entire children’s
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festival and many special presentations including a spectacular fire event on New Year’s Day.
“Music, dance, cabaret, circus, comedy, workshops, debate, street theatre, films, forums, visual arts, an entire children’s festival and many special presentations…”
The Woodford Folk Festival started as a small event in Maleny, Queensland. Produced by the newly incorporated Queensland Folk Festival, the first Maleny Folk Festival started on the 13th of March, 1987 at the local showgrounds, where it attracted just 900 people. The festival grew rapidly, receiving attendances of more than fifty thousand people in just eight short years. As the festival developed, it outgrew the site at Maleny, and in 1994 it was moved to a 240 acre site at Woodford. 13
| FEATURE The spectacular annual Woodford Folk Festival runs for six days and nights, with over five hundred acts performing across 28 venues.
The Woodford Folk Festival is produced by the Queensland Folk Federation, a not for profit, community association, that reflects the grassroots, non-commercial feel of the festival.
Woodfordia, the festival’s home is only an hour’s drive northwest of Brisbane. It’s a five hundred acre property that has been developed into a cultural parkland dedicated to the arts, humanities and lore. Woodfordia has the infrastructure to accommodate a live-in population of 25,000 people and has also been lovingly regenerated with over a hundred thousand subtropical rainforest trees, orchids, ferns and sedges to create a habitat for butterflies and wildlife.
The Woodford Folk Festival is celebrating its 29th year with a vibrant and ambitious programme. On offer are over five hundred acts, with the Violent Femmes, The Cat Empire, Archie Roach, Nahko and Medicine for the People and Kate Miller-Heidke being among the musical highlights. Bob Hawke, Josh Fox, Rhonda Roberts, Richard Fidler and Tim Cope are amongst the exceptional line up of speakers.
“A cultural parkland dedicated to the arts, humanities and lore…”
Five Woodford Folk Festival Facts: • At the festival, bars serve more than 21,285 pints and 65,760 cans of beer over the course of the festival; however adults at the festival drink on average less than two drinks per day. • Woodford recycles 100m3 of cardboard and ten tonnes of co-mingled recyclable waste. • Woodford has planted more than a hundred thousand trees and six hundred species on the festival site since 1994. • Woodford has a closed loop water systemall water for the festival is collected on site and treated in a revolutionary waste water treatment plant, with the recycled water being used for irrigation. • Seventy per cent of the audience are repeat visitors- so you know it must be good! Tickets for the Woodford Folk Festival are available from their website at: woodfordfolkfestival.com/ BY | MELANIE GROVES
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STUNNING WORLD FESTIVALS FOR YOUR BUCKET LIST 16
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1. Holi Festival “Festival of colours” Holi is a spring festival and is also known as the festival of colours. Celebrated every year in February or March, Holi is an ancient Hindu festival that originated as a celebration in honour of Prahlada, who was protected from the flames by Lord Vishnu when he was tricked by his father King Hiranyakashipu. While the myths and legends do vary across the nation, the overall principle remains the same. Holi symbolises the triumph of good over evil and is celebrated by throwing powder bombs, firing water pistols and splashing coloured water while running through the streets. holifestival.org 2. Chinese New Year “Chinese Spring Festival” Chinese New Year, also known as the Chinese Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, has more than 4,000 years of history. The festival is one of the most important festivals for Chinese people, and is celebrated through many traditions of symbolic clothing, flowers, lanterns, fireworks and dragons. The New Year’s Eve dinner is celebrated by a big family dinner. On Chinese New Year’s Day, firecrackers and fireworks are very popular, lighting up the skies. Dragon and lion dances are particularly common on the streets of Hong Kong and Macau. chinesenewyears.info
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| TRAVEL 3. Boryeong Mud Festival “Mud Festival”
5. La Tomatina “World’s Biggest Food Fight”
Every year, millions of people head to the sleepy beach town of Boryeong, South Korea for the Boryeong Mud Festival. The festival started as a promotion for the mineral rich mud that was fast becoming an ingredient in beauty products. Fuelled by word of mouth, the festival has since become internationally renowned. You may never get bored; the mud festival has mud slides, mud prison, mud pools and mud skiing, along with live music, acupuncture and a spectacular fireworks display.
On the last Wednesday of August each year in the town of Bunol near Valencia in Spain, thousands of people get involved in the “World’s Biggest Food Fight” using more than a hundred metric tonnes of over ripe tomatoes. The iconic festival’s origins are not known, but possible theories include a local food fight, a volley of tomatoes from bystanders at a carnival parade or the aftermath of
boryeongmudfestival.com 4. Up Helly Aa Festival The Up Helly Aa festival is a tradition that originated in the 1880’s taking place in Lerwick, Shetland on the last Tuesday of January every year. Up Helly Aa day involves marches and visitations, culminating in a huge torch lit procession. The torch lit procession and galley burning are echoing pagan Norse rituals, and ceremonies that mark the Sun’s return after the winter solstice. The day after Up Helly Aa is a public holiday, so everyone can recover from the wild night before. uphellyaa.org
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a transport accident. The festival is in honour of the town’s patron saints: Luis Bertran and the Mare de Deu dels Desemparats. Whether it’s in the tomato fights, sliding down the tomato slides or the enormous water showers that follow, La Tomatina is sure to get you dancing and having fun. latomatinatours.com youtube link BY | MELANIE GROVES
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VOLUNTEERING IN INDIA
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| TRAVEL India is a country on many people’s bucket list. It’s a country of contrast, from the beaches of Goa to the towering Himalayas. India shows the dichotomy of extreme wealth but also extreme poverty. With this in mind, many people travelling to India consider voluntourism as a way to travel ethically and be a part of the community, rather than just another tourist.
“From the beaches of Goa to the towering Himalayas” Volun-tourism is derived from the idea of combining travel with volunteering, making it very popular among school leavers wishing to do something meaningful during
SIBW.COM.AU a gap year while seeing the world.
“A way to travel ethically” The Pros: The benefits of volunteering in India can be great. For the individual, one can gain personal growth, confidence and potentially learn another language. Along with the direct results of the individual project, volunteering overseas can also promote crosscultural understanding and reduce cultural prejudices and increase economic gains for the local area. When done right, volunteering has the potential to help change lives, promote positive change and community development.
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| TRAVEL The Cons: However, with the popularity of voluntourism increasing, there is opportunity for it to be exploited. Numerous companies offer placements, some not-for-profit with others designed explicitly to earn money. The intention of volunteering is admirable, but the act could potentially be harmful, putting locals out of work and reversing any progress. Companies more interested in earning money than promoting development can do more damage than good, putting volunteers in luxury chain run resorts rather than keeping money in the local economy. Top 5 Things to Consider Before Volunteering: 1. Is this company a charity/not for profit? 2. How long is my placement? Will leaving early impact in a negative way? 3. Are the projects continually run? Does this mean there are periods of time void of volunteers and progress? 4. Does the company positively impact the local community? (Does it create more jobs/training for locals?) 5. Does this volunteering company enable the cycle of poverty, or does it aim to break this cycle? As said by Kofi Annan: “If our hopes of building a better and safer world are to become more than wishful thinking, we will need the engagement of volunteers more than ever.� Links to check out: volunteers india BY | MELANIE GROVES
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SWEDISH CHRISTMAS DOWN UNDER BY | MELANIE GROVES
On the 23rd of November, Oakleigh State School hosted the Swedish Christmas Markets. The markets showcased some Swedish Christmas traditions, holding stalls that sold handicrafts, gifts, Christmas decorations, kid’s clothes, baked goods, amazing Swedish food, confectionery and more. Christmas markets are a tradition leading up to Christmas day in Sweden. Swedish Christmas markets can offer Christmas sweets such as mulled wine (Glögg) smoked sausages, reindeer, elkmeat and other delicacies. They’re known for their range of high quality Swedish handicrafts and are an essential sight for anyone visiting Sweden at Christmas. While the Brisbane version was not nearly as cold as the original, people came together to see the wares on offer, and to enjoy the food and friendly atmosphere. A great day for kids, families and all!
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| FEATURE
BEAUTIFUL & DIVERSE AS INDIA HERSELF – DANCE MASALA Every once in a while, parts of Brisbane are transformed into a little India, filled with the wafting smells of tandoori chicken while the latest Bollywood tracks boom and people dance in the streets. The Indian population of Brisbane showcase the diversity of their culture at annual events such as Diwali, India Day Festival and Holi, with the setup of Indian Bazaars, live music and dancing, henna body art and food stalls. Dance performances by troupes such as Dance Masala go late into the night, showcasing the best Brisbane has to offer of the energetic and exciting dance that is Bollywood dance.
“Energetic and exciting dance” Dance Masala was created in December of 2012 with the vision to respectfully and authentically pay homage to Indian culture through excelling in Bollywood dance. Dance Masala is proud to be a reflection of multicultural society and engage a widerange of ethnicities in Bollywood Dance.
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SIBW.COM.AU They believe in creating diversity, honouring hard work, and building a culture of respect in our classes. They help promote and share Indian culture in Australia.
“Share Indian culture in Australia.” Bollywood is a technical, diverse and profound art form, as beautiful and diverse as India herself. Bollywood draws from many influences, and Dance Masala is proud to be ‘pure Bollywood’, a lively fusion of Indian and Western dance. They believe in the tradition of dance storytelling, and the importance of dancing with intention and purpose. Dance Masala hope to inspire our students strive for excellence in technique, performance, and expression. Although Bollywood choreography is not “free licence” like a dance like the Macarena, they acknowledge that there is a vast existing repertoire of Bollywood steps. The choreography has two main intentions: 1. Homage: they seek to transport our audience by referencing specific cinematic moments through the use of ‘signature steps’ and very occasional dance covers and; 2. Originality: to create powerful, emotive and joyous performances, through original and exciting choreography. 27
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“A lively fusion of Indian and Western dance” In meeting with its cultural responsibilities, Dance Masala invests in building relationships with the Indian community, and giving back to the Indian community through regularly performing at cultural events.
“An awesome way to get fit” The importance of sharing culture is a direct influence of Dance Masala, with Andrea, the director, choreographer, owner and principal dancer of Dance Masala discussing multiculturalism as the acceptance of the culture in others. “As Brisbane is such a culturally diverse society, it is so important to allow people the freedom to express their own identity.”
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Andrea also talks about the benefits of Bollywood dancing beyond sharing the culture: “Bollywood is an awesome way to get fit, and train your brain while doing it. The steps are fun, infectious and, at the same time, do gentle left-brain, right-brain coaching. It’s awesome for improving your memory and cognitive function, and is sure to get you smiling.” Dance Masala will be performing at Woodford Folk Festival on the 27th, 28th and 29th of December. To find out more about Dance Masala go to: bollywoodbrisbane.com.au Find them on facebook: facebook.com/dancemasala And on Instagram: @dancemasala And youtube
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| TRAVEL
ENRICH YOUR SPIRIT AT THE CRYSTAL CASTLE & SHAMBHALA GARDENS Tucked away in the Byron Hinterland, a short scenic drive from Byron Bay, the Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens is a magical place where you can behold the enchanting beauty of crystals, from gigantic formations to exquisite jewellery. Visitors can walk among gods through stunning botanical gardens and rainforest, follow an ancient labyrinth, turn the ‘Mani’ wheels at the Southern Hemisphere’s only Kalachakra World Peace Stupa, an amazing monumental project blessed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
“A short scenic drive from Byron Bay” Summer is always a wonderful time to visit the Crystal Castle & Shambhala Gardens, and this year even more so with the launch of a new daily program of three amazing new experiences as well as the hugely popular Crystal Castle Peace Experience. The Shambhala Gardens Tour leads you on a fascinating journey through the gardens, opening a mystical door into legend, history and spirit.
“Opening a mystical door into legend, history and spirit” The Crystal Experience will provide you with tools that will empower you to start your own journey of exploration into crystals and their many amazing properties.
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The Music of the Plants from Damanhur is a profoundly moving and memorable experience, an expression of the innate intelligence of the plant kingdom, during which you have an opportunity to sit in relaxation and listen to plants play their music. You will never forget the first moment you hear a plant express its unique and connect to the deep beauty of nature in a completely unimagined and often life-changing way.
“Connect to the deep beauty of nature in a completely unimagined and often life-changing way”
The Peace Experience includes an enriching sound healing bath, a visualisation meditation and sacred ‘Kora Walk’ around the World Peace Stupa. This unique Crystal Castle offering will deepen your inner and outer sense of peace. After a full day exploring and experiencing, relax at the Lotus Café and drink in the breathtaking views of the Byron hinterland while enjoying delicious healthy food and tempting treats. There’s an extensive collection of books, CDs, body products and gifts for all ages. You can even have your Aura photo taken or book yourself in for a reading and during the
school holidays there’s face painting for the kids. There something for everyone to enjoy this summer at the Crystal Castle & Shambhala Gardens. Open 10am - 5pm (NSW time) except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and Good Friday. crystalcastle.com.au
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Dutch Treats is a Brisbane based company producing fresh and high quality traditional Dutch TM Stroopwafels (Syrup Waffles) under the Duyfken brand. Dutch Treats is owned and operated by a Dutch immigrant couple who arrived in Brisbane, QLD in 1994. Stroopwafels first appeared in the Dutch city of Gouda in 1748 and is in the Netherlands of today easily the most popular biscuit/cookie. A stroopwafel is made by combining two thin wafer biscuits with a sweet and aromatic syrup layer in between. Dutch treats also produces equally tasty gluten free stroopwafels. The best way to enjoy a Dutch Stroopwafel is by eating itAD???? as the Dutch do: Place a Stroopwafel on top CRYSTAL CASTLE of a hot cup of coffee, tea or chocolate milk and allow the syrup inside the waffle to warm up and melt. This may take a minute or two. The warm waffle will become soft, spreads a wafflelicious smell and its taste becomes just beautiful. Now take the waffle off the cup and ENJOY! Dutch Treats products can be purchased every Friday evening and Sunday from our food stall at the Boundary Street Market in Brisbane’s West End. Duyfken
TM
Stroopwafels can be ordered online by emailing sales@dutchtreats.com.au
Package of 4 stroopwafels costs $5, package of 9 costs $10. Gluten free respectively $5 and $11 and 9 stroopwafels in orange gift pack costs $12.50, all prices are exclusive of postage costs. PayPal payments are accepted.
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Multicultural Performances Cultural Awareness Education Workshops Catering Event Management • • • • • • •
Public Diplomacy International Tours Rural Tours Corporate Events Gallery / Exhibitions Tourism Education Programs
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| COMMUNITY
THINK ETHICAL THIS CHRISTMAS BY | MELANIE GROVES
As the holiday season approaches for another year, shops go into overdrive preparing for the Christmas rush. Prices drop, advertising increases and Christmas decorations go up, reminding all of us that it’s time to buy our loved ones presents to show our appreciation. But while the festive season has traditionally been a celebration of family and joy, designed to give thanks, it seems that the traditions are becoming more about buying bigger and better presents. Chrissie Sayer, the manager of The Trading Circle in Paddington, Brisbane, recommends people should consider the implications of what they buy this Christmas season. Shopping fair trade is becoming easier as more shops consider the ethical implications of their products.
“Think about where it was made” “When you’re going to make a purchase, think about where it was made. How was it made? Think about the impact and the difference that this purchase could make in someone’s life.”
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“Dignified work choices” Ethical shopping also considers the sustainability of production, along with giving people in developing countries dignified work choices. The Alay Kapwa Cooperative in the Philippines is an example of an ethical cooperative as a response to tremendous poverty and lack of employment in the slums around the Philippines. The Alay Kapwa co-operative provides training for women to create enterprises and provide incomes for their
SIBW.COM.AU families. These enterprises create a variety of goods, such as bags made from recycled materials, soaps, candles and jewellery. The Trading Circle stocks their goods, and discusses the importance of dignity in these roles. “The artisans involved in the projects have always endeavoured to produce a product that is purchased because of its beauty, quality and usefulness, and not out of pity or charity. The artisans are grateful for the opportunity your purchase offers them and are constantly striving to make their products better.” The Alay Kapwa co-op now serves thousands of families in the Philippines, bringing hope and practical skills to countless families and communities.
“Sustainable gift alternatives” Co-operatives such as this one provide women in developing countries with dignified work choices, but also provide Australian consumers with ethical and sustainable gift alternatives. Shops that promote fair trade such as Oxfam and the Trading Circle all offer wide ranges of items, fashionable and practical that endorse sustainable development in impoverished countries. The small decisions consumers make when considering purchases can truly make a difference in someone’s life for the better. Check out the Trading Circle online: thetradingcircle.com.au facebook.com/thetradingcircle
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YARRABAH BAND FESTIVAL A celebration of Yarrabah’s rich musical talent. On the 8th of November the Queensland Music Festival (QMF) returned to Far North Queensland to present the second annual Yarrabah Band Festival. The outdoor event featured many local artists such as Djun Djun Jarra, Night Owls, Elverina Johnson, Nightbirds, Black Carubians, St Augustine’s College and the Yarrabah Brass Band, alongside special guest James Morrison. The local artists were joined by headliners Busby Marou and the Darwin-based singer/ songwriter Shellie Morris.
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“We’re thrilled to continue working with the Yarrabah community and celebrate the unique talent the region has to offer.” The festival not only had performances from local and headline artists, but also food and local artwork for sale at the venue. Yarrabah Band Festival was presented by Queensland Music Festival and Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council at the Bishop Malcolm Park in Yarrabah.
The outdoor event was started last year as a way to revive the Yarrabah Brass Band, known to be one of the best brass bands in Queensland during the first half of the 20th Century. The Queensland Music Festival’s Artistic Director James Morrison said that the Festival was a celebration of Yarrabah’s rich musical talent.
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26TH ANNUAL ETHINC BUSINESS AWARDS GALA PRESENTATION DINNER — 9th NOVEMBER Photos taken by Michael Warrington Photography
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SIBW.COM.AU
2014 QUEENSLAND TOURISM AWARDS GALA CEREMONY — 28 NOVEMBER Photos courtesy of Queensland Tourism Awards. qtic.com.au
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THE BEST OF CORROBOREE 2014 — HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2014 Photos courtesy of: Corroboree Sydney James Morgan Anna Warr Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority corroboreesydney.com.au
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Sibwannan Š 2014 ISSUE #3 December 2014.