What a feast for the senses, as locals and visitors came out in force on Saturday 27 August for the 2011 Central Highlands Multicultural Festival!

Held at the Emerald Showgrounds, the festival showcased the diversity of culture and talent here in the Central Highlands region through global cuisine, dance and music and entertainment.

There were a sea of some 5,000 happy faces; Mother Nature smiled on us with a beautiful, balmy night; a wonderful spread of the best local and visiting talent kept the crowd entertained and our amazing stall holders kept tummies full and the fun and games flowing!

Festival major sponsor, BMA, represented by Peter Dowling and Mayor Peter Maguire awarded the coveted prize of ‘best decorated stall’ to St Luke's Anglican Church of Emerald as the red and white of their Indonesian-themed food stall shone through.

Our event partner, CQ News recognised style when they saw it! Sri Lankan food stall holder, Anusha Jayawardana and her family took out the CQ News-sponsored best dressed prize (adult) whilst the Tongan dance troupe looking oh so cute claimed the best dressed child category with a stellar group effort.

Brown’s Cows Catering claimed bragging rights for ‘best food’ for their Italian food mafia (they make a killer sandwich!) and in the process, snagged a $1,000 advertising package courtesy of our event partner, HOTFM.

To all involved in the organisation of the festival both in planning and on-the-day, thank you for your time, expertise and enthusiasm.

The 2012 Central Highlands Multicultural Festival will be held on Saturday 25 August. Planning is currently underway and we invite all with ideas, suggestions, etc to contact the event coordinator.

2011 Photos
Click here for the 2011 festival photo gallery.

2011 Program and Performers
Click here to download a copy of the final program.

2011 Stall Holder Listing
Access Accommodation / Luv a Coffee
Anusha Jayawardana
Aussie Tonga (Sylvia Totau)
Belle Jing Sun
Brown's Cows Catering
C & K Community South
Christian Covenant Community
Churiporn (Ayr) Dunnett
Denison State School P & C
Dept of Communities
Dept of Immigration and Citizenship
Dolphin Cafe
Emerald Christian College
Emerald Filipino - Australian Association
Emerald Hockey Association
Emerald Neighbourhood Centre
Emerald North State School P & C
Emerald Police-Citizens Youth Clubs QLD
Emerald Scouts
Emerald State High School
Marist College
Our Rainbow House
Peruvian Delights (Elizabeth Valer)
QLD Police Service (LGBTI Program)
Rotary Club of Emerald
Rotary Club of Emerald Sunrise
St Luke's Anglican Church of Emerald
St Patrick’s Catholic Church
UnitingCare Community (Good Neighbours)