YURUNGAI DANCE GROUP - Press Note

The Factory Community Centre’s YURUNGAI  DANCE GROUP have returned triumphant following representing Australia at the 2011 Seventh International Ordu (Turkey) Youth and Children’s Theatre Festival held between June 14–21. The group were generously received in the Black Sea port, famous for it’s connection with the founder of modern Turkey, Kemal Atatürk, and also its hazelnut growing industry.

Performing two shows in a central recreational area to large crowds, Yurungai Dance was rapturously received to the extent that security had to be called into the 2^nd performance in order to protect the young indigenous group from inner city Sydney.

The eight member troupe also performed twice to over 1500 hundred children and the general public in a central park in Ankara, in the presence of Ambassador to Turkey, Mr Ian Biggs and his wife Christine. (See photos below.) The 1st perforamce was streamed live to air on National TV.

Following running a workshop the next and final day of the tour (which was held in a child-centred community centre), the group capped this life-changing experience through paying respects to Ataturk, visiting his final resting place and mausoleum. Their next big challenge is in hosting the 2012Festival at Cockatoo Island were 15 countries are expected to attend

Yurungai Dance is grateful to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Program Public Diplomacy Branch of the Commonwealth Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade through their award of funds towards the travel costs. Other funding support was received by Barnardos Australia, Redfern Waterloo Authority, Clubs Limited

NSW, Housing NSW, and the Factory Community Centre 

For further information, contact Micheal Shreenan at the Factory Community Centre

67 Raglan Street, Waterloo, NSW 2017. Email MShreenan@th-factory.org.au or Ph 02 9698 9569

The Factory Community Centre acts as a meeting place for local community groups and a place where residents from Waterloo, Redfern and surrounds seek support. For over 30 years, it has delivered a range of projects and programs for the benefit of the community and surrounds, with the financial support of a range of government bodies, which include The City of Sydney, various sections of the Department of Human Services, and a range of philanthropic supporters.

Factory Volunteer receives a decree by the King of Spain

SPANISH COMMUNITY CARE ASSOCIATION (SCCA)

John Martin next to Spanish community members  and his mother in the right corner   

On Friday 11^th December, the Spanish Community Care Association (SCCA), resident group of the Factory Community Centre celebrated their 3^rd annual Christmas Party at “The Factory’’, with more than 80 attendees the celebration was a total successes for the elderly Spanish community with a pure celebration of the Spanish traditions and a great demonstration of multiculturalism in the Factory and the City of Sydney.               

Edith, Maria Legaz, Ana Beret, John Martin, Consul Of Spain Don
Gerardo Bugallo and Maria Elena Chidzey       

During the celebration an special guest, the General Consul of Spain Mr. Gerardo Bugallo Ottone made a special announcement; his presence was in order to bestow the “Cross of the Civil Merit” (Cruz de la Orden del Mérito Civil) upon Jonh Martin as decreed by the King of Spain, His Majesty Don Juan Carlos I.

John is an outstanding volunteer for our Redfern-Waterloo community were his kindness, modesty and hard working spirit are well known by everyone in the Factory. His recognition was a very emotional moment for all present, and we all congratulate John on receiving this very special acknowledgment from his Country of Birth, both our organisations are very proud for his award and in particular for having John working with us.

Congratulations John!

For more information about the Spanish Community Care Association’s work please see: www.spanishcare.org.au or call us at 9698 9569

For More information on the Factory see: http://www.the-factory.org.au/