Taste of Polynesia

By Lia Bichel
A CULTURAL festival this weekend will celebrate the achievements of young people in the City of Casey.
The Three Seas Backyard Rugby and POLYneziANZ will feature a range of activities, including a free sporting event, cultural dancing, food and special guests.
The event, held by Victoria Police in partnership with Victoria Rugby Union and supported by the City of Casey, is the first one to be held in the area.
Senior Constable Eddy MacDonald said it was an exciting event for people who wanted a “taste of the South Pacific.”
“We have held previous backyard rugby events in Box Hill the last two years, but this will the first POLYneziANZ Festival in Casey,” he said.
“This is a great opportunity for the community of Casey to celebrate achievement of young people.”
The Backyard Rugby game starts at 10.30am and goes until 2pm, and the cultural festivities will kick off at 12.30pm and conclude at 4.30pm.
There will be performances by groups from local, northern and western suburbs.
Three players from the Melbourne Rebel teams will also be at the event between 3pm and 5pm.
The festival will also feature an emergency services display, Army Air Force Navy Recruiting, information stalls from local service providers and a special appearance by a police helicopter at 2pm.
Sen Const MacDonald said he encouraged residents to attend and participate in the backyard rugby game and cultural dances.
“Anyone who desires a taste of South Pacific is invited to come along,” he said.
Men and women of all ages and skill levels are invited to play rugby and can do so by registering before the event.
Any groups who want to perform a ‘South Pacific Flavour” can call Sen Const Eddy MacDonald on 0408 303 066 for inclusion in the program.
The free, all ages event will be held at the Cranbourne Secondary College gymnasium on Brunt Avenue, Cranbourne, on Saturday from 11.30am until 4.30pm.