Annual Hindu concert has raised nearly $64,000 for charities
Popular Navrang Festival moves to HBF Arena, Joondalup
The popular Navrang Navratri Cultural Event is moving to HBF Arena in Joondalup this year to accommodate an expected crowd of 1,500 people celebrating the ancient Indian festival.
The festival is part of the celebrations for the Hindu Navratri festival, which celebrates the nine different forms of the Goddess Durga.
Navrang Navratri is presented by Sweet Melodies, a 13-piece musical band of volunteers which was formed in 2011 to support local charities while celebrating Hindu religious festivals.
Citizenship and Multicultural Interests Minister Mike Nahan said Sweet Melodies offered outstanding entertainment while raising much-needed funds for important causes.
"Western Australia's culturally and linguistically diverse communities play a key role in raising money for charities and national disaster funds," Dr Nahan said.
"Spectacular community festivals like Navrang attract large numbers of people and are just one of the many advantages of living in a highly successful multicultural State such as WA.
"Over the last few years, the Sweet Melodies volunteers have raised funds for the Cancer Council WA, Ronald McDonald House Perth, Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation, Ear Science Institute Australia, Lions Outback Vision, Diabetes WA and the Nepal earthquake disaster.
"Their fundraising work, while promoting their culture in our community, is invaluable."
This year's Navrang is raising funds for Wheelchairs for Kids, a charity which makes wheelchairs for impoverished, disabled children in under-resourced countries.
Fact File
The festival runs over three nights - Saturday, October 1, from 7.30pm, Friday, October 7, from 7.30pm and Saturday, October 8, from 6.30pm, with all proceeds donated to charity
The name 'Navrang Navratri' combines Hindi words that symbolise the rich diversity of Indian culture
India has been WA's top non-English speaking country of birth since 2011
In addition to India, people of Indian ancestry come from many countries including Malaysia, Singapore, Fiji, Mauritius, the UK, New Zealand and various African countries
Minister's office - 6552 5700
