The theme is simple and strong… One World, One Family. It’s about focusing on what we share, learning from what’s different, and creating spaces where people of all ages and backgrounds can connect.
Jason Chuang, one of the passionate volunteers, told us the centre was founded “to advance culture”, not in an academic way, but through experiences that are hands-on, welcoming, and joyful. All of which are art, craft, literature, food, and experiences that spark conversation and community.
Jason describes the centre as creating “pockets of meaningful connection”, tracing roots like water always having a source and trees running deep underground, helping future generations maintain a thread to where they come from while feeling at home here in Australia. He laughs that his seven-year-old is already “more Australian” than he is, and that’s exactly the point! To celebrate the mix, and build bridges between generations and cultures. Volunteers, he says, are the heartbeat of it all, and there are plenty bringing this weekend to life.
What to Expect
So, what can we expect at the festival? Well, the AustrAsia’s team has gone all out! From 10 am to 4 pm each day, you can bounce from stall to workshop to performance without losing your footing (or your appetite).
Below is just a tiny taste of what you can expect over the weekend.
Hands-On Workshops
- Ceramic painting and building
- Pottery wheel throwing (yes, there’s clay involved)
- Traditional paper cutting and knotting crafts
- Make your own moss ball
- Tai Chi sessions for beginners
- Tea tastings
- Chess games
Performances & Cultural Highlights
- Opening ceremony with ceremonial smoking, lion dance and Taiko drumming
- Dance performances
- Choir, bands, cross-cultural musical mashups
Exhibitions & Artists to Watch
- Stunning works from Indigenous and Asian artists, weaving, storytelling, heritage art
- Featured artists like Ricky Khan (Bundjalung artist) and Lanny Mackenzie (weaver)
Food Stalls
A world of flavours will be on site. There’s lots of street style eats to keep you going the whole day!
The Details
When: 11–12 October 2025, 10 am to 4 pm daily
Where: AustrAsia Cultural Centre, 230 Medway Road, Medway, NSW
Entry: Free for all (but some workshops have fees or require bookings)
Booking: Some sessions are book-in-advance (e.g. pottery wheel)
The Fold tip: arrive early (10 am) so you can catch the full opening ceremony and snap up spots in the more popular workshops.
Why This Event Matters
This event is a very special one for our amazing community. It’s way more than dance and dumplings (though those alone are worth the trip). This event anchors a vital cultural hub in the Highlands. It’s a space for cross-cultural exchange, for community belonging, for children (and adults) to see themselves in a bigger tapestry.
For the Southern Highlands, this is a signal that we’re open to new stories, new voices, a shared future. It’s cultural infrastructure, connection, and celebration built from the ground up. And we’re totally here for it!
Set your weekend free. Pack your curiosity, bring family or a friend, wear comfy shoes, and let your senses wander.
Let’s show up for culture and let’s celebrate unity. We reckon this will be the weekend people talk about for years to come.
See you there, folks!
For all the event details, and to learn more about the AustrAsia Cultural Centre, head here.
Editor’s note: The centre shares its space with Zen Oasis. If you’re planning to grab lunch, check their adjusted weekend hours here.