Pacific islands to party

AFTER the Queen’s Baton Relay has passed through Knox, the stage will be set for further celebrations.
Knox O-Zone, in Wantirna South, is geared for transformation into an island paradise on Wednesday, 15 March, for Party Pacifica, the Knox Commonwealth Games opening street party.
Residents are being urged to grab a grass skirt or Hawaiian shirt and tune in for a night of island rhythms, wild drumming and non-stop dancing in honour of the Games and Knox’s adopted second team, New Zealand.
Knox mayor David Cooper said the party represented a fantastic opportunity for everyone to be united in the moment.
“Council has partnered with Knox City Shopping Centre to host this event at Knox O-Zone a popular dining and entertainment location in our municipality – and we are very grateful for their support.
“The Melbourne Commonwealth Games Adopt a Second Team initiative has created the opportunity to forge a close cultural and economic relationship with our adopted second team, New Zealand – one that we hope to nurture as a legacy of M2006,” he said.
Indigenous performer Murrundindi, the new Ngurungaeta or Head Man of the Wurundjeri Aboriginal tribe, will then perform the official welcome and smoking ceremony on the Melbourne Street stage at 6.30pm.