Kevin Hogan (Page, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Woolgoolga Curryfest is on again this year. The festival's history is firmly entrenched in Punjabi culture, which is so prevalent in our region, and it happens in September. The official program starts on Friday, 23 September with Bollywood on the beach. On the Saturday there is a full program of great entertainment. The fabulous Babas Band is performing again. There will be traditional and modern Indian music.

This year the event will host the inaugural 'State of Origin' bhangra dance competition with dancers competing to be crowned the Woolgoolga Curryfest bhangra dance champions. Local reggae band Ebb N Flo will also have the crowds up and moving. The colourful team from Kulturithmik will be performing their amazing dance routines on stage—and there will be much, much more. Obviously there will be many great food options available. I am a fan of butter chicken myself, but I may break out a bit while I am at the curry fest.

There are many volunteer groups assisting—the Woolgoolga chamber of commerce, the Scouts, the Garden Club, the Rotary Club, Red Cross, athletics club, junior surf club, the art gallery and the Lions Club all play a big role. This is all made possible by the Curryfest committee. I would like to thank Tegan Ewart, Pam Fayle, Sherry Price, Carl Mower and Val Swan. I cannot wait for what is going to be a great event, and I encourage everyone to go along.