December 24, 2021
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(Ivan Kemp) 262755_09
Staying cool
Enterprising 12-year-olds Archie and Ollie were selling drinks along the Geelong waterfront on Monday as the mercury reached 28 degrees. The region can expect mild weather for Christmas Day, with the Bureau of Meteorology predicting a top of 22 degrees. ■ More out and about pictures from Ivan Kemp: Page 14.
Pako Festa on the move Pako Festa will be back in 2022, but it will look a lot different to usual with the festival to move from Pakington Street. Multicultural organisation Diversitat has announced the 40th street festival will be shifted away from its traditional home to the Northern Community Hub in Norlane due to COVID-19 requirements. The festival will include the traditional food stalls, a celebration of diverse cultures, entertainment and a new twist on the traditional parade. The parade was cancelled for the first time in its history in 2021, with a reduced format showcasing different cuisines and entertainment around Geelong taking its place.
Diversitat chief executive Joy Leggo said moving back to have the community come together in one place for the festival was the perfect way to celebrate Pako Festa’s 40th anniversary. “We are thrilled to mix things up next year and offer a new twist on what has always proven to be a very successful public event for Geelong,” she said. “Next year we will feature a large stage with a ‘traditional costume catwalk’ to allow our communities to proudly show off their colourful cultures to the wider communities of Geelong.” Ms Leggo said using the Northern Community Hub would allow for a safe but fun event.
“The format for this ‘new look’ event strikes the right balance – it’s one big celebration at a key site for Geelong’s diverse communities, while still ensuring that we can run a safe event that complies with all state government requirements.” Sharing the news on social media, the Pako Festa committee said it wasn’t possible to hold the festival safely on the streets as usual, but the change in format wouldn’t be permanent. “We can’t wait to get the event back to Pakington Street – hopefully in 2023 – as soon as the regulations and restrictions ease, we intend to bring it back to its original location. “Change is inevitable these days and with COVID-19 and vaccinations playing a key role in public facing events, we need to ensure that
safety is our number one priority for all event patrons.” The Northern Community Hub is a significant location for Geelong’s diverse communities, with the federal government establishing the British Migrant Hostel on the site in mid-1940s. “In many ways, we see this as Pako Festa returning home, back to a significant site for Geelong’s diverse communities and a location that allows us many possibilities,” Ms Leggo said. Pako Festa will be held on February 26. To mark the 40th Pako Festa, 40 portraits featuring Geelong’s diverse communities will be hung in Market Square , while the Pakington Street arts trail will also return for 2022.
To all our readers, advertisers & supporters... see you back stronger in 2022
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By Ash Bolt