Seasonal greetings a cultural experience

Pemberton’s seasonal workers put their musical talents on display at a concert in the town last month. The third annual Pacific Islander concert, which focuses on celebrating Tongan and Vanuatuan music, was held at the Mill Hall, giving guests a taste of the performers’ culture. Berry Sweet Farms project manager Dougy Savage, who is involved in the concert, said it was a fantastic night that also raised $682 for maintenance of the Mill Hall. “We had a full house, which was probably around 120-150 people,” he said. “Bit of a mixture of some seniors, some local families with kids, so a real mixed age group. “At the end, when they have the evening supper after the concert, the locals talk and chat to the workers about how they’re going and how they’re enjoying the scene, and how they like Australia and Pemberton, so it’s a real good combination. They love doing their annual concert each year as they feel it’s their way of saying thank you to the Pemberton community for embracing them.” Mr Savage said he was incredibly proud of the relationship Pemberton had developed with its seasonal workers. “We, as a farm, have benefited from them immensely and feel that the workers have also benefited, so it’s a win-win situation for all. “We feel that they have integrated into the community well and they have been very accepted by the community as a whole. “Some of our workers have been with us for five years now, which is great to see. “For me, I feel they think of Pemberton as their second home.” A handful of the performers and audience even travelled from as far as Bullsbrook and Gingin for the special occasion.