PIERS FESTIVAL, PORT MELBOURNE – Multicultural Commission of Victoria – Slovenian Community was invited to participate with the Exhibition of Migration and arrivals by various ships to the Melbourne Pier.

Piers Festival Coordinator: Ms Andrea Makris, Events and Operations,Multicultural Arts Victoria

The Piers Festival 2014 – A celebration of migration

Saturday January 25

Slovenian Community was invited for the first time to participate with an exhibition of posters, crafts, PowerPoint presentation, available story tellers and Slovenians ready to share the information and details.

The exhibition was fully prepared the previous Friday.

The persons involved in the project were: Dragica and Virgil Gomizel, Anica and Lojze Markič and Slovenian coordinator Draga Gelt OAM and some Committee members of Slovenian Association Melbourne.

The Festival opened from 12pm to 5pm in the afternoon, followed by a party (food and drinks were available the early morning) and fireworks at night.

Migration forumm
12:30 – 1:30pm: Migration Mosaic (a mix of artists and influencers of migrant heritage) register at

• Huseyin (Huss) Mustafa, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Commissioner VMC & President Australian Turkish Business Council
• Anita Horvath – Emerald Hill Ward Cr
• Cece Ojany
• Mikelangelo
• Vinko Simic2:00 – 3:00pm: Baltic Waves (marking the 65 year anniversary of Baltic migration since the late 1940s)
• Anu Mihkelson, PhD
• Ryk Bliszccyk
• Gabriel Zemkalnis
• Elvira Latiss
• 3:30 – 4:30pm: Australia Day Ambassadors (outstanding citizens of migrant heritage)
• Nyadol Nyuon
• Stefan Romaniw OAM
• Vedran Drakulic
• Elizabeth Chong12pm – 4pm: KOOLIE HAT MAKING AND KITE MAKING 
  Come along and learn how to make traditional Chinese Koolie hats to protect you from the summer sun or come and learn how to make your very own kite- a pastime invented in China over 2,000 years ago and spread across the globe.KITE FLYING: At 4pm there will be a group kite flying session on the beach to show off your brand new kite.12 – 6pm: PIERS GUIDED MIGRATION WALKS Take a leisurely stroll from Princes Pier along the scenic promenade and Station Pier. Explore significant heritage and cultural landmarks that have shaped the port’s rich history of migration.12:00pm – 9:30pm: EXHIBITIONS, FOOD & CRAFT 
  The beautifully restored Princes Pier will come to life with food and crafts from around the world, roving entertainers, storytelling and children’s activities.

  Upstairs in the historic boathouse, don’t miss three informative and fascinating exhibitions by:

  Co.As.It – Italian Historical Society

  Slovenian Association Melbourne

  Bonegilla Migrant Camp community of Benalla