A celebration of culture, diversity and fun

International food tasting, film, music, dance, calligraphy and a surfing expo are some of the activities at Southern Cross University’s annual celebration of cultural diversity, the Fusion Festival.

The Fusion Festival is free, open to the public and aims to further intercultural understanding and communal harmony through interaction in various forms - from cultural to social, intellectual and sporting events. Activities are planned for the Lismore, Coffs Harbour and Gold Coast campuses.

Now in its fifth year, the theme of the Fusion Festival is 'UNIty in diVERSITY: the coming together of cultures and communities'.

“We invite everyone to join in and celebrate the University’s diverse and multicultural community and the contribution it makes to intercultural understanding both on campus and in the local area,” said Rachel Callahan, the University’s Head of Equity and Diversity.

Ms Callahan said highlights of the Lismore campus program include a captivating selection of world music and performance by Southern Cross University students and local community performers, food tasting from around the world and a forum entitled, ‘The Kaleidoscope of Learning’.

“During the forum a panel of students and staff will be talking about how international study and cultural diversity enriches their learning experiences,” she said.

Coffs Harbour campus festival-goers can experience a Living Library session with Gillian Helfgott, the partner of internationally renowned pianist David Helfgott. There is also a celebration of Japanese culture, with calligraphy and cooking.

At the Gold Coast campus, an international food festival, a surfing expo and a wave rider competition will be among the highlights.


FUSION FESTIVAL PROGRAM, Monday August 22 – Friday August 26

Fusion at the LISMORE campus

All week: Fusion Festival photo competition exhibition – SCU Library
Monday: 4pm, Opening ceremony and judging of the photographic exhibition – SCU Library
Tuesday: Fusion Celebration – Goodman Plaza
10.30am, Welcome to Country and corroboree
11am-2pm, Showcase of international languages and dress, Uni-tea tasting, music, performances
12.30pm-1.30pm, FREE food tasting from around the world plus Australian bush tucker and barbecue
5-9pm, Fusion film night, "Letters to Ali" (The personal journey of an exceptional 'average' family who decide to help on a small level by writing a 15-year-old Afghan boy without any family detained at Port Hedland) and "Lagaan: Once Upon A Time in India" (The people of a small village in Victorian India stake their future on a game of cricket against their ruthless British rulers) - D Block, Main Concert Space
Wednesday: 'A Kaleidoscope of Learning' forum, FREE light lunch included, noon-1.30pm - Zest Function Room, Campus Central
Further information for Lismore, please contact: fusion@scu.edu.au

Fusion at the COFFS HARBOUR campus, Hogbin Drive
All week: Fusion Festival photo competition exhibition – SCU Library
Tuesday:
11.45am-12.15pm, Welcome to Country and official opening with Yawarrngujawiny dance group – Main Quad
12.15pm, Cultural dress competition – Main Quad
12.30-1.30pm, Band, ‘Heart Tribe’ – Main Quad
Fusion Cafe $5 meals with proceeds to the Nepal Project
All Day, Interfaith Display - D Block Foyer
Wednesday:
10am-noon, Living Library, Japanese calligraphy and Japanese cooking - Sacred Garden
Noon-1.30pm, SCU Lion Dance, Indian dance and henna, Drumming fun - Main Quad
Fusion Cafe $5 meals with proceeds to the Nepal Project
All Day, Interfaith Display - D Block Foyer
Further information for Coffs Harbour, contact: mark.thorn1@tafensw.edu.au

Fusion at the GOLD COAST Campus, Beachside, Southern Cross University Drive, Bilinga
All week: Fusion Festival photo competition exhibition – SCU Library
Thursday: Fusion Celebration
11.30am-3.30pm, Surfing expo and wave rider with heaps of prizes up for grabs
Noon-2pm, International food stalls with FREE food tasting from around the world
1pm-2pm, Capoeira class (a Brazilian art form combining elements of martial arts, sports, and music)
4pm-6pm, Live music
Further information for Gold Coast Tweed Heads, contact: stephen.garvey@scu.edu.au
Photo: Enjoying the Fusion Festival at Lismore campus.