They are the faces, and the voices behind the Culture Mix festival. You just might not see them on stage.
Now in its third year, Culture Mix transforms the Wollongong CBD into a living, breathing celebration of cultural dance, music and cuisine enjoyed by thousands of attendees.
While it takes place over a single magical day, it's an event many months in the making. Through the planning phase, there is no input more essential than that of Council's Culture Mix Community Advisory Group.
Made up of community members and multicultural services representatives, the Group partners with Council's festival team to ensure Culture Mix continues to be the culturally rich, authentic, and inclusive event that our city has come to love.
Group members draw on their cultural knowledge and experience to provide guidance and input into festival programming, its aims and principles, and grants processes. It includes people of different backgrounds and life experience with a passion for sharing culture and bringing people together.
It's what prompted Group member Francis Kayphoe to get involved after two years experiencing Culture Mix left him "inspired to do more."
"The Advisory Committee plays a very important role," he said.
"Its members come from many different cultural backgrounds and are closely connected to their communities, especially newer and emerging ones. They understand their communities well and can bring valuable ideas and perspectives to the table."
"This helps make sure that Culture Mix truly reflects the diversity of Wollongong and celebrates it in a respectful and authentic way. It's great to have people from different communities working together to make the festival inclusive, meaningful, and enjoyable for everyone."
Born in Myanmar of Karenni heritage, Francis has called Wollongong home since 2015 after moving to Australia to be with his wife, who settled here in 2011 after several years living as a refugee on the Thailand-Myanmar border.
They are part of a growing Karenni community in Wollongong, many of whom arrived as refugees. Francis says events like Culture Mix play a major role in making our city feel like home.
"Festivals are more than just fun—they are a way for people to share their beliefs, values, and way of life," he said.
"Events like Culture Mix give us a chance to learn about and experience the cultures of many different communities through food, dance, music, art, and more. It reminds us how rich and diverse Wollongong is, and helps break down fears, stereotypes, and discrimination."
"At the end of the day, we are all human beings—with beautiful cultures, beliefs, dreams, and hopes. In a city like Wollongong, our paths will cross sooner or later. That's why it's so important to learn about and respect each other."
The FULL PROGRAM for the 20 September event in the Wollongong CBD features cultural food, music, dance, art and workshops. The event is free and family friendly, with Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown certain it will provide something to suit all tastes.
"We're delighted to be delivering our third Culture Mix, and I believe it will again raise the bar for this event that has become such an anticipated date on our calendar," Cr Brown said.
"Speak to anyone who attended the previous two events, and they'll tell you the CBD is the place to be on 20 September. If you haven't experienced it before, now is well and truly the time to get your first taste of all it offers.
"We are so fortunate to live in a city as culturally rich and vibrant as Wollongong, and events like Culture Mix that put that on show and let us celebrate together are simply a must to experience."
Culture Mix is made possible thanks to a NSW Government grant.
