MulticulturalNT
Office of Multicultural Affairs, Community Engagement Division, Department of the Chief Minister
Office of Multicultural Affairs newsletter; E-Journals; PublicationNT
2008-12-01
Made available via the Publications (Legal Deposit) Act 2004 (NT).; This publication contains may contain links to external sites. These external sites may no longer be active.
Date:2008-12
English
Northern Territory. Office of Multicultural Affairs -- Periodicals; Multiculturalism -- Northern Territory -- Periodicals
Office of Multicultural Affairs
Darwin
Check within Publication or with content Publisher.
https://hdl.handle.net/10070/186821
https://hdl.handle.net/10070/716912
MulticulturalNT December 2008 The Filipino Australia Association of the NT (FAANT) hosted the 12th Barrio Fiesta on Saturday, 30 August 2008. The Northern Territory Government helped support this event through grant funding under the Multicultural Affairs Sponsorship Program. One of the biggest and most popular multicultural events in Darwin, the Barrio Fiesta (Filipino Village Festival) started off the evening with games for the children called the Pabitin and Piata. Ten Darwin-based migrants and refugees recently graduated from a job-ready program (Steps to Work) with the International College of Advanced Education (ICAE). Steps to Work is an initiative aimed at providing the target group with an understanding of the Australian workforce culture and job-seeking skills. Participants also receive tips on job interview techniques and resume writing. Speaking at the graduation ceremony last month, ICAE Chief Executive, Sean Mahoney, said ICAE was happy to be associated with the program because it addressed a significant need for the target group. Some participants expressed gratitude at the opportunity to undertake the training. One of the participants, Annie Biyongo, said that she found the program very informative as it made her aware of some of the rights of employees in Australia. Three participants obtained apprenticeships while others gained job interviews and employment offers through assistance from ICAE. ICAE will run six more sessions targeting 60 participants over the next 11 months. The Steps to Work program is funded by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC), under the Settlement Grants Program. Sean Mahoney presenting Lydie with her certificate of completion Traditonal dance called Subli Steps to Work Barrio Fiesta Parade of Mutya Candidates with trophies and prizes Happy servers at one of the food stalls that serve delicacies from Cebu The Filipino cultural dances, produced by a dance choreographer from the Philippines, depicted traditional dance movements never performed in Darwin before. The evening showcased vibrant and rich contemporary dances and modern songs performed by talented Filipino dancers and singers. A colourful parade of the candidates for the Mutya ng Barrio Fiesta Pageant proceeded with the proclamation of the 2008 winner. The finale of the Barrio Fiesta was a treat with a concert performance by two visiting karaoke champions from Brisbane. Visitors were also treated to a range of Filipino foods and the famous Philippine San Miguel Beer. The 12th Barrio Fiesta brought together Filipinos from various centres in the Northern Territory, including a small group from Kununurra, WA, to experience what is truly a Filipino tradition.