Many of these students are refugees from their home countries and have all lived in Australia for a short time only.

For many it is their first experience of life in Australia outside their limited local experience in suburban Sydney.

During their four day visit they will be staying with local families, providing these local families with the opportunity to share their hospitality and learn more of the life experiences of these young people who come from countries as diverse as Iraq, Chile, Vietnam, Sudan, Iran, Cambodia and the Philippines.

During their early times in the Intensive English Centre these students work with Ruth Harcher O’Brien, a extraordinarily dynamic drama teacher, who helps them to develop dramatic performances which allow them to express their life experiences. Any who have experienced these performances during previous years will know how incredibly humbling, enthralling and emotional these pieces can be, providing an amazing insight into the unbelievable lives which many of these young people have already led. They also provide a very different perspective on the multi-cultural nature of modern Australian society.

A significant aspect of the Multicultural Festival is a public drama performance by the visiting students, which is being held in the auditorium of the Gloucester RSL on Thursday November 26, commencing at 7pm. The evening will also feature performances by some of the talented students of Gloucester High School. Entry is by gold coin donation at the door with funds raised covering travel costs for the visiting students.

Kevin Costa

Festival Co-ordinator.