Seven newly-resettled Tamil refugees will hold a feast and dance at the Port Macquarie Baptist Church on February 23. Traditional Tamil dances and a feast will feature at a fundraiser for seven newly-resettled Tamil refugees. The event is at the Port Macquarie Baptist Church. The seven Tamil refugees recently made their home in Port Macquarie, said a spokesperson for the Mid North Coast Refugee Support Group. "They have moved to the Hastings, keen to be self-supporting and have brought with them many skills and determination, along with fantastic cultural diversity," the spokesperson said. "To celebrate and to welcome them, the support group has arranged a Tamil feast and dance event.  "The Baptist Church has kindly offered the use of their large facility for free.  "Before the meal a classically trained dancer will be dazzling us with his performance of traditional Tamil Dances." The traditional Tamil food will be prepared by a couple who are setting up their own catering and gardening and cleaning business. The Mid North Coast Refugee Support Group comprises an enthusiastic and generous range of mostly retired professionals, who give time to assist refugees who have moved to the Hastings, to settle in to a peaceful life here and Australian society in general. Being welcomed and feeling safe in our community, is the first step to successful integration and becoming self supporting as quickly as possible, the group's spokesperson said. Volunteers assist with resumes, job search, finding accommodation, language practice, tutoring of children, and making the vital connections to resources in the community.  There is no official body to provide settlement services in the Hastings,so the Support group members aim to appropriate culturally aware assistance. The Tamil feast and dance is at Port Macquarie Baptist Church on Saturday February 23 at 1pm. For catering purposes, tickets are being sold in advance.  To purchase a ticket email mncrsg@gmail.com or call Janette Jones 6585 8206 or 0400 022 874 before February 20. While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox from the Port Macquarie News. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, SIGN UP HERE.
