An array of aromas and colour set the tone for the Peranakan Fair at St Norbert’s College in Queens Park on November 24. Hundreds attended throughout the day to sample the delicious cuisine, learn more about the Peranakan culture and support two worthy causes in the process.
The day was presented by St Norbert’s College in conjunction with the Peranakan Community of Perth with proceeds going to the Holy Spirit of Freedom Community (HSOFC), a Catholic outreach ministry supporting those living on the streets and/or suffering with addictions and mental illness and the St Norbert College Breakfast Club which provides food for students who arrive at school without basic nutrition for the day.
Margaret Chong, a member of the Peranakan Community, said she was delighted with the results.
“It was very pleasing because so many people had come together to prepare for the day and it was very well attended,” she shared.
“It gave us an opportunity to promote the Peranakan culture and, more importantly, it made some people aware of the plight of the homeless in Perth.”
Mrs Chong explained that the origins of the Peranakans could be traced to Southern Chinese traders who arrived in Malacca to trade from the 14th century and eventually settled.
The culture has since spread to a number of countries and incorporated a unique blend of influences, she said, with some more recently embracing Catholicism.
The day was officially opened with a traditional ceremony where candles were lit by Queen’s Park parish priest Fr Peter Joseph Stiglich OPraem, representing St Norbert College, and Elena Reidy from the HSOFC.
Speaking to The Record, Mrs Reidy said the HSOFC was honoured to be part of the day.
“It is very humbling and a blessing to be one of the beneficiaries of the Fair,” she said, “I know many people have put in a great deal of work and dedication to organise such a wonderful day.”