Sugar Fest 2024: Oceanic Culture, History and Music

This year marks the 30th anniversary of Commonwealth recognition of Australian South Sea Islanders in 1994.

Proudly presented by Australian South Sea Islanders Port Jackson (ASSI), this special event serves as a platform for the descendants of the historical South Sea Islander community who were forcibly brought from Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and New Caledonia to Australia between 1860 and 1901. 

Sugar Fest aims to present an alternative narrative to history, showcasing the vibrant, exciting, and self-determined voice of today's community. It offers emerging and established ASSI performers a chance to gain valuable industry experience in a culturally safe and professionally supportive setting. 

The program includes:

• Acknowledgement of Country by Dr. Sonya Pearce
• Unveiling of the ASSI Commemorative Quilt by Helen Fraser which will be donated to the Museum of Australian Democracy (MoAD) - you can read more about Yumi Olgeta: Crafting a More Inclusive Democracy, the unique collaboration between ASSI, Australian Artist Helen Fraser and MoAD here
• Sydney Community Group interpretive performance (Earth Wind and Fire)
• Steve Clisby (Sydney's best kept secret) performing jazz standards
• Torres Strait Island Island customary performances
• Kastom Weaving Aunty Karleen Green
• Vanuatu HandiCraft Women display

Proudly supported by by the City of Sydney Council, Botanic Gardens of Sydney and Multicultural NSW.

Register now