Queensland Australian of the Year for ‘Local Hero – Metropolitan 2006’ Sana Mammo organised a Kidz 2 Kidz Peace Concert which was held at Brisbane's City Hall on 24th November, 2005.  Even though this concert was organised to raise funds for an orphanage run by the Sisters of Mercy in Iraq, the event was multicultural. The night represented appreciation by the community of the migrants and refugees who have made a valuable contribution to the economic, cultural and social fabric of Australia.  These people have bought to Australia new languages, different customs and a variety of music and dance as was demonstrated on the night.    

Delmae Barton of Elder Bidjera/Kalkandunga All Faith, Father Daniel Carroll of the Catholic Church, and Pastor Steve Troyer from the Baptist Church all took part in opening the evening with prayers, while Channel Tens's Marie-Louise Theile acted as Master of Ceremonies (MC).

Lord Mayor Campbell Newman explained the origins of the Kidz 2 Kidz Peace concert:  "This very special concert was Sana Mammo's brain-child to build bridges between people in Australia and Iraq, and especially between the children of Australia and Iraq.”  Julie Attwood MP stated, "Events such as this bring home to us all how powerful the medium of music can be, especially when it involves people from so many cultural backgrounds.” 

The Royal Navy Band kicked off with the first performance.  The band master Mike Vaughan informed me that the band's duties involve playing music and performing at ceremonial functions and general events.  Mike is the only band member who is in the Navy full time for the others have full time jobs elsewhere.  The band's role is to promote the Navy.  When asked how he felt about performing for the Kidz 2 Kidz Peace Concert Mike responded:  "Personally I feel it’s good if we are promoting peace and trying to give the children an understanding.  That's the way to go!" 

Belly Dancers from the Zills & Zaghareets Academy of Middle Eastern Dance were dazzling in their bright and colourful costumes.  They provided the night with an exotic theme full of fun and excitement, and during the night they encouraged some members of the audience to dance with them.

"Sana is a wonderful Ambassador, not only for her own people but as an Australian citizen as well," says Del.  “Like Sana I have always believed that it's the young people of the world who will lead the way for the entire humanity to find  greater understanding between cultures, creeds and races.  And what a better way to go than through music, song and prayer." 

Crocker School of Irish Dancing, Davydd McDonald expressed his feelings about being involved with the event.  "It feels good!    It's always good to perform for charity functions and raise money for a worthy cause."    There were eleven Irish dancers performing on the night, their ages ranging from seven to thirteen years.

The Pedebone Sisters, with their Bollywood dancing, gave the audience a little taste of Bollywood Films which incorporates elements of fantasy, humour, sex, action and romance in a way quite unparalleled in any other art form.

PNG Dancers' Mary Wellington, originally from Papua New Guinea, now lives and works part-time in Australia.   Her dance group consists mostly of children.  The group started performing in 2000 during the Papua New Guinea Jubilee.  "I promote Papua New Guinea culture and I teach the kids to dance," she says.  "This event is multicultural and we are sharing culture and learning from the others as well.  I think it's important that kids learn these things, appreciate their own culture and learn about other cultures.  The message of peace is the main thing.” 

Kurdish Dancers Hawzheen Zandi, Avin Zandi, Choomam Khorshid are three very beautiful, delightful young ladies who explained to me that Kurdistan is spread between four countries, Turkey, Iran, Serai and Iraq.  They also explained that most people do not know where their country really is.  As with Switzerland, the location where you live will determine the languages and culture you adopt.  These ladies’ cultural background is from the Iraqi part.  Their Kurdish dancing is brightened by the wearing of traditional clothing that is sparkling and shiny.   The dance includes steps going backwards and forward and the dancers communicate with their hands 'like a sign of peace'.

Peta Edwards Taylor, a talented song writer was the next performer.  Some of her compositions are being considered for inclusion in the sound track of a movie that is currently in production in America.  In reference to the time she has spent in India she says, “I have experienced the poverty and class distinctions there first hand. It made me realise that every little bit helps."  

“We Want More” (70's Glam Rock Band) is a group that wears ‘over the top’ seventies fashion, for that is what this group is all about.  They provided the night with some very entertaining seventies music that got the audience tapping their feet.  The group decided to become involved with the Kidz 2 Kidz Peace Concert as soon as they were approached because “it was a fantastic idea." 

Doctor Sparkle, who plays the bass guitar stated:   "More and more people should support it because the kids just see things for what they are."

Associated articles: Sana Mammo

                             Olga Theodore