Cultural barriers will be broken over coffee on Thursday, as Launceston’s Eritrean and Ethiopian communities host a unique event.
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As part of this year’s Tamar Peace Festival, a traditional coffee ceremony will be held at the Migrant Resource Centre North’s Launceson office.
The ceremony encourages time with family and friends and traditionally consists of three rounds known as ‘Awol, Kalai and Bereka’.
MRC North chief executive Ella Dixon said an invitation to attend a coffee ceremony was considered a mark of friendship, respect and hospitality.
“MRC North facilitates the connection of community groups with local events and encourages members to participate,” she said.
“The peace festival will provide a terrific opportunity for people from Eritrea and Ethiopia to share a part of their culture, engage in conversation, and meet new people.”
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Tamar Peace Festival coordinator Sonja Hindrum said the coffee ceremony was a chance for all members of the community to engage with a different culture.
“The peace festival is centered around inclusion within the community and aims to share rituals, skills and knowledge of many different cultures,” she said.
“This is the first time we have held a coffee ceremony and I think the timing is perfect.
“With more and more people coming to Tasmania from different countries, this is a chance for real networking and socialisation.
“The more we can bring the community together, to learn about other cultures and to share experiences, the easier it will be to break down barriers.
“I encourage everyone to attend.”
The coffee ceremony will be held on Thursday at 95-99 Cameron Street, Launceston from 9.30am to 11.30am.
The event is open to all, with a gold coin donation appreciated.
This year more than 60 events will take place as part of the 2018 Tamar Peace Festival, held over three days on or around August 3.
- Pilgrim Uniting Church will host ‘Labyrinth walk’ on Thursday, August 2 from 4.30pm to 6.30pm.
- The Hazara Men’s Friendship Group will provide two hours of conversational English learning at City Baptist Church on Thursday, August 2 from 6pm.
- The Launceston heat of the Australian Poetry Slam will be held at The Royal Oak Hotel on Thursday, August 2 from 8pm.
- Cuppa with a Copper will take place at Hunta Gatha retail store on St John Street, Launceston on Friday, August 3 from 10.30am.
- Circle dancing for peace will take place at the Northern Suburbs Community Centre on Friday, August 3 from 11am to 2pm.
More events and full details of the 2018 Tamar Peace Festival can be found here.
Jessica Willard
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
