. A94W
PRIME MINISTER
CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY EMBARGOED UNTIL DELIVERY
SPEECH BY THE PRIME MINISTER
OPENING OF THE FESTIVAL OF PACIFIC ARTS
TOWNSVILLE 15 AUGUST 1988
All Australians and particularly those who are of Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander descent can feel proud to be
hosting the 5th Festival of Pacific Arts.
For 16 years since 1972, * this Festival has provided a unique
showcase for the cultures of the Pacific region a forum
for traditional skills and a means of showing new directions
being taken in response to the opportunities and challenges
of the 20th Century.
Previous Festivals of Pacific Art have been hosted by Fiji,
New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Tahiti.
This year Australia is pleased to play its part as Festival
host not just because of the historical links and the
continuing friendship between Australians and the
people of the Pacific;
not just because of the importance of the close
economic ties between us;
but especially because of the pride we take in the
culture of the original Australians, the Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Island people, whose cultural
achievements will be so much in evidence during
this festival.
it is true, but a matter for regret, to say that many
non-Aboriginal Australians have failed to recognise and
appreciate the wealth and richness of this original culture
until relatively recently. The chasm between the original
inhabitants of this continent and the Europeans who arrived
200 years ago was too wide to be bridged easily or quickly. 1151
Lea,
In recent decades, however, there has been an enormous
explosion of interest in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island
cultures not only in Australia but overseas as well. It
is my hope that this Festival will act as another catalyst
in promoting greater appreciation and understanding among
contemporary Australians of this 40, 000 year old culture.
This Festival promises to be a memorable celebration of the
song and dance, the drama and storytelling, the traditional
craft and the contemporary film making of the cultures of
the Pacific region providing vivid evidence, if any were
needed, of the resilience, dignity and vigour of these
cultures. Some 1800 performing artists are in Townsville for this
Festival. All of you are welcome to Australia and to
Townsville. My Government is proud to be associated with
this Festival and to have provided assistance to bring it
into being.
I personally am delighted to be with you today and to wish
you success and satisfaction in your performances and
displays. I
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