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Multicultural Festival fundraises for Geraldton pharmacist’s home village in South Sudan with song and dance

Jessica MoroneyGeraldton Guardian
James Llubit, 6, Mandy Llubit, 8, Cheyne Mantabote, 9 and Ysabelle Vecida, 4.
Camera IconJames Llubit, 6, Mandy Llubit, 8, Cheyne Mantabote, 9 and Ysabelle Vecida, 4. Credit: Jessica Moroney/Geraldton Guardian

A multicultural event held to raise funds for Geraldton pharmacist Guor Michar to help him build and maintain a health centre and a school in his home village of Akot in South Sudan was filled with diverse cultures, food and dance.

The multicultural showcase at the Catholic Centre on Maitland Street on Saturday featured dance groups from the Philippines, Indonesia, China, India and Australia.

St Lawrence's Year 1 sing and dance group.
Camera IconSt Lawrence's Year 1 sing and dance group. Credit: Jessica Moroney/Geraldton Guardian
Indian Bollywood Dance Group: Rajbir Caur, Janine Gerard, Soumya Harikumar, Dimple Bathla and Chantal Bachere Crinquand.
Camera IconIndian Bollywood Dance Group: Rajbir Caur, Janine Gerard, Soumya Harikumar, Dimple Bathla and Chantal Bachere Crinquand. Credit: Jessica Moroney/Geraldton Guardian
Lily Blackwell and Haiyan Nash.
Camera IconLily Blackwell and Haiyan Nash. Credit: Jessica Moroney/Geraldton Guardian

The Indonesian Dance Group performed Wonderland, based on the provinces in Indonesia and the richness of culture. Traditionally, the dance Maumere is played to symbolise it’s not a party until the song/dance is played.

The Filipino Dance Group performed three famous dances based on compatible working, expression of courtship and ceremonial performances.

James Llubit, 6, Mandy Llubit, 8, Cheyne Mantabote, 9 and Ysabelle Vecida, 4.
Camera IconJames Llubit, 6, Mandy Llubit, 8, Cheyne Mantabote, 9 and Ysabelle Vecida, 4. Credit: Jessica Moroney/Geraldton Guardian

To end the event, the history of human trafficking victim St Josephine Bakhita was told, and how she rose above and eventually became free.

Mr Michar met his future wife Abok Dau in the refugee camp and her family were eventually granted refugee status in Perth.

After they were reunited, Mr Michar and Mrs Dau married and moved to Geraldton with their children.

Mr Michar began working at the pharmacy in Stirling Central, then moved to the pharmacy in Wandina.

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