This event will encourage the community to donate where possible to raise funds for the 7.4 Vanuatu Earthquake disaster.

See more here: https://gofund.me/e038f3ca

MEDIA RELEASE 23rd January 2025

Different Colours One People

reflect + respect + celebrate

Celebrate Unity and Diversity by joining us on January 26th for Different Colours One People

Featuring Local Talent and Cultural Reflections.

Sydney, Australia – January 26, 2025 – We are delighted to announce a vibrant community event designed to celebrate the rich tapestry of Australia’s oldest living cultures while promoting unity and diversity. Join us at The Zebra Lounge, nestled at the picturesque end of Harris Street in Pyrmont, for a day filled with music, cultural sharing, and delicious food as we come together to reflect, respect, and celebrate.

This gathering embodies the spirit of “Different Colours One People” (DCoP), symbolising the vibrant mosaic of humanity. Each colour tells a unique story, from deep blues that evoke the tranquillity of our oceans to bold reds that inspire resilience and passion. Together, these hues create a beautiful tapestry that celebrates our individuality while highlighting our shared humanity.

We are thrilled to feature renowned Tongan, Aboriginal (Bunjalung), and Australian South Sea Islander artist Emily Blake, who will take the stage to share her soulful voice and captivating performances. With over 20 years of experience as a leading figure in the Australian Hip Hop and RnB scene, Emily’s music transcends genres, seamlessly incorporating elements of jazz and soul. For this special day, she has curated two half-hour sessions filled with groove, soul, pop, and jazz songs.

The event will be officially opened by Sydney City Councillor Robert Kok, founder of the Council’s Multicultural Advisory Panel, who recognises the vital importance of community gatherings that foster inclusivity and respect.

We invite you and your family to join us for this incredible celebration on January 26, 2025. Registered attendees will enjoy FREE Filipino Chicken Adobo, crafted by The Zebra’s own master chef, along with lamb on a spit and a variety of vegetable dishes to ensure there is something for everyone to savour.

The day will commence with a Welcome to Country delivered by respected Gadigal Elder Aunty Barbara Simms, a passionate advocate for the Stolen Generations of First Nations Peoples, aged care, and Cancer Council support. Uncle Mark Merriman, a proud Yuin and Cadigal man born and raised on Sydney Harbour, will conduct the smoking ceremony, honoring his Aboriginal family's heritage that dates back to the 1840s.

A thirty-minute symposium will feature guest speakers Aunty Barbara Simms and Ms. Kaiya Aboagye, an educator and PhD candidate at Western Sydney University. Kaiya, who identifies as Ghanaian, Aboriginal, South Sea Islander, and Torres Strait Islander, will share her insights into the significant connections between First Nations and African Diasporic peoples in Australia and throughout the Black Pacific. Additionally, Aunty Karleen Green, a proud Aboriginal Australian South Sea Islander woman, will offer her lived experiences and perspectives on the importance of identity and inclusion. The panel will be convened by Lachlan Barker-Kennedy, a young Wiradjuri man and community activist focused on Aboriginal education.

We are also excited to feature Australia’s iconic jazz musician, Johnny Nicol.

**About Uncle Johnny Nicol:**

Johnny Nicol is a celebrated Australian jazz musician known for his soulful voice and exceptional musicianship. With a career spanning several decades, he has captivated audiences both nationally and internationally. His unique blend of jazz, blues, and R&B has established him as a prominent figure in the Australian music scene. Over the years, Johnny has collaborated with some of the industry’s finest artists and performed at renowned festivals. His music not only entertains but also reflects Australia’s diverse cultural heritage, making him a perfect fit for our celebration of unity and diversity.

To further enrich the cultural experience, Aboriginal Weaving Specialist Aunty Karleen Green will provide free weaving lessons at each table, inviting attendees to engage in this ancient and beautiful practice.

This event is proudly supported by the Australia Day Council and coordinated by Australian South Sea Islanders (Port Jackson), a dedicated not-for-profit organisation based in Pyrmont.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our delivery partner Craig Jarman, the Owner/Manager of The Zebra Lounge, whose commitment to community cohesion and truth-telling plays a vital role in fostering meaningful connections within our nation.

Join us as we reflect, respect, and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Australia. Let’s come together as one people, united in our diversity, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Australia's history of the Blackbirding region of Bundaberg QLD:

Blackbirding Roslyn Long & (Waskam) Emelda Davis SBS-TV Going Places with Ernie Dingo & Bianca Hunt

MUST REGISTER:

Event Details:

Time: 11 am sharp to 3 pm close

Date: January 26, 2025

Location: The Zebra Lounge, Harris Street, Pyrmont, Sydney

Admission: Free

For media inquiries, please contact:

E: assi.pj@gmail.com

M: 0416300946

END

The Zebra Lounge Restaurant at the end of Harris Street in Pyrmont is one of Sydney's most scenic eateries situated right on the water on Sydney Harbour.

We invite you and your family to join us at this wonderful meeting place for our communities on January 26th, 2025, to Reflect on, Respect, and Celebrate the stories from Australia's oldest living cultures while enjoying a FREE gourmet sausage sizzle, lamb on a spit and vegetable dishes.

Welcome to Country will be gifted by respected Gadigal Elder Aunty Barbara Simms who is a passionate community leader for Aged Care and Cancer Council campaigner. Aunty Barbra will be joined by educator and PhD candidate Ms Kaiya Aboagye of Western Sydney University who will share her young perspective on Torres Strait and ASSI younger generations living in Sydney. Kaiya is joined by accomplished artist culture keeper Toby Cedar of Cedar Arts who will share his deep knowledge of the traditional art practices of Torres Strait and kinship with Erub Island for Blackbirded descendants.

There will be music by Pyrmont local the soulful Emily Blake a young Bundjalung / Tongan and Australian South Sea Islander woman. On every table, Aboriginal Weaving Specialist Aunty Karleen Green will gift a free weaving lesson for those interested in learning this ancient customary practice.

This event is supported by the Australia Day Council and coordinated by Australian South Sea Islanders (Port Jackson) also a Pyrmont-based not-for-profit. We are grateful for the ongoing support of our delivery partner Craig Jarman the Owner/Manager of The Zebra Lounge who is a great believer in community cohesion and truth-telling for our nation as we activate new spaces.

The essence of this day reflects Different Colours One People (DCoP) as a vibrant tapestry of humanity. DCoP symbolises the rich diversity of cultures, traditions, and experiences that shape our world. Each hue tells a story—deep blues evoke tranquillity and depth of our oceanic region, while bright yellows radiate warmth and optimism through cultural exchange. Earthy tones reflect our connection to our country, reminding us of the roots we share in calling Australia home, while bold reds inspire passion and survival through resilience. These colours, when woven together, create a beautiful mosaic that celebrates our individuality while highlighting our shared humanity. In essence, although our skin may come in various shades, we are united as one people, each contributing to the kaleidoscope of life that enriches our global community.

Watch here: Blackbirding Roslyn Long & (Waskam) Emelda Davis SBS-TV Going Places with Ernie Dingo & Bianca Hunt

See photo of The Zebra Lounge location:

The Zebra Lounge location outlined in yellow

Contact the host of Different Colours One People (DCoP)