For the third year in a row, the local community gathered in Burwood on Sunday, October 20 to enjoy Fuse Fest – a celebration of multiculturalism organised by Youth In Action, the youth group of The Greek Orthodox Parish and Community of Burwood and District Saint Nectarios.
The event featured the sounds and colours of seven different cultures, with dancing groups from across Sydney performing to support the event – representing Greece, Cyprus, Ireland, Sri Lanka, China, Iran and Bulgaria – as well as contemporary dancing.
There were also market stalls, food stalls and a youth activity hub for all to enjoy.
“We started this event in 2022 with two key aims – to celebrate our diverse and vibrant community and showcase different cultures, and to raise funds for Lucas Gardens School in Canada Bay, which provides educational programs for students with intellectual and physical disabilities, sensory impairments and complex medical conditions,” says Nicole Economos, Youth In Action Coordinator, who is also on the Board of the Parish and Community.
“It was a wonderful day with fantastic dance groups gracing our stage. The costumes were beautiful and their performances were so vibrant and enjoyed by all. Everyone had a great day and we are so grateful for the enthusiasm and support from all the performers, as well as the local community.
“We’re so happy to confirm that we raised $2,387 for Lucas Gardens School to purchase special play equipment for the students to interact in the playground. We are so proud of the efforts of our youth through this initiative and for their commitment and compassion towards such an important cause.”
Fuse Fest was proudly sponsored by Multicultural NSW through its Stronger Together Events and Festivals Grant, with support from Burwood Council.
The Mayor of Burwood, Cr John Faker officially welcomed all attendees and praised Youth In Action’s achievements and community projects. Youth In Action was named Team of the Year in Burwood Council’s annual Volunteer Recognition Awards in 2023.
The Relieving Principal of Lucas Gardens School Wendy du Plessis also addressed the audience, explaining the work of the school and expressing her deep gratitude for Youth In Action’s support.
Through Fuse Fest 2022, Youth In Action raised $3,088 for the school – enabling the purchase of a Gravity Relaxation Chair to support students who use wheelchairs, giving them the opportunity to sit in a more comfortable position in the classroom during their school day. Through Fuse Fest 2023, Youth In Action raised a further $4,150 to support the School’s needs – the purchase of iPads and special software to help the mainly non-verbal students to better communicate with their teachers.
“This year’s contribution brings Youth In Action’s total fundraising for Lucas Gardens School to $9,625, which is a wonderful achievement from our young people,” Nicole says.
“We are so grateful to all the performers who shared their time and their talents with us to support this event. We were also so proud to have seven different cultures represented this year, along with contemporary dancing.”
The day included performances from:
- Sydney Chinese Drum Art Troupe (Chinese)
- Belinda’s art of dance (contemporary)
- Sri Lankan Dance Academy of Sydney (Sri Lankan)
- Greek Dance Rhythms (traditional and contemporary Greek)
- Callanan Academy of Dance (Irish)
- Ability Beyond Boundaries (Iranian)
- Cyprus Community of NSW Dancers (Cypriot)
- Sydney Sizmos (traditional Greek)
- Bulgarian Rhythms (Bulgarian)
Donations towards Lucas Gardens School can still be made here and will be added to the current fundraising tally: https://stnectariosburwood.ecwid.com/Donation-towards-Lucas-Gardens-School-p365224392
