Entertainment
14 June, 2026
Traditions in the spotlight
THE Cassowary Coast is to host its second Pasifika Celebrations 2026, a vibrant cultural event honouring traditions through music, dance, and cuisine of neighbouring Pacific Island nations.
The free, family-friendly event is scheduled for Saturday 20 June from 10am to 4pm at Warrina Lakes, Innisfail.
It will offer the community an opportunity to experience the traditions of Samoa, Vanuatu, Tonga, Cook Islands, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Fiji, Niue, Micronesia, Tokelau, Tuvalu, Kiribati, Marshall Islands as well as Tangata Whenua (New Zealand Māori), Timor Leste and Torres Strait.
Organisers say the event is a community-led initiative designed to recognise and celebrate the cultural diversity and contributions of Pacific Island communities across the Cassowary Coast.
“It provides a platform for Pacific Islander residents, including those on temporary work visas under the PALM scheme, to share their culture, skills and experiences with the broader community,” they said.
“The event also honours the strong heritage of South Sea Islanders who came to the region to work at the turn of the century and have made a lasting cultural impact on the Cassowary Coast.
Mayor Teresa Millwood said Pasifika was “a wonderful opportunity to honour the contributions of Pacific Island communities who have chosen to call the Cassowary Coast home, as well as those who support our industries through temporary work visas.
“It is also a chance to reflect on the strong heritage of South Sea Islanders who have shaped our region’s history and culture,” she said.
“The 2025 Pasifika Celebration was met with overwhelming praise, with attendees describing the event as ‘phenomenal,’ ‘awesome’ and ‘a true reflection of the cultural richness in the Cassowary Coast’.
“The Pasifika Celebration is more than just a cultural event, it’s an opportunity to strengthen social cohesion, increase cultural understanding and foster a sense of belonging for culturally and linguistically diverse groups.”
Read More: Innisfail