When a volunteer group received funding for traditional Macedonian dance uniforms from the IMB Bank Community Foundation on Monday it was about more than supporting a dance group.
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MKUD Makedonski Biseri committee member Lidija Mitreski said the initiative empowers young people and gives them a sense of purpose and belonging.
She said the uniforms help the young participants to experience culture, heritage and an understanding of what it is to be an Australian Macedonian.
"Our project is about uniformity and a sense of belonging. We are not just a dance group. Each uniform represents a timeline of Macedonian people and where they originate from".
The committee knows Macedonian people are always closely linked to their native land and have lived through centuries of tradition conveyed from one generation to the next.
And MKUD Makedonski Biseri's mission statement is youth engagement goes beyond giving young people a voice. It ensures they are valued and that their contribution is respected. And it encourages older dancers to engage with younger dancers in a buddy system.
With such large population of Macedonian people in Wollongong the intitiative is about helping to keep traditions and values alive. With the help of choreographers the group promotes, educates and provides insight.
The committee has relied on families for fundraising, membership fees and donations. And encourages excursions in NSW and interstate for the young dancers.
The uniforms help the children feel like part of a team and the committee hopes by working with IMB Bank it can keep Macedonian culture alive for generations to come.
Other funding recipients:
- The Victor Change Cardiac Research Institute Heart Health Check Tour.
- Illawarra Flame Tree Project
- Farmborough Heights Rural Fire Brigade Thermal Imaging Camera.
- Kind Hearts Illawarra Outreach.
- Older Women's Network NSW Lets Loosen Up & Laugh.
- Port Kembla Youth Project.
- Thirroul SLSC ATV replacement
- Lions Club of Strzelecki Cows Create Careers.
- Wollongong West St Centre Solid Ground.
- Family Services Illawarra Securing Women and Children's Safety Project
- Top Blokes Foundation Stepping Up Mentoring expansion.
- SCARF Let's Lead program.
- Illawarra Multicultural Services Swim Instructor.
- CareSouth Health Hub.
- Mt Brown Public School P&C Association Music Sensory Playground.
- Kiama Rotary Kiama High Mental Health Intervention.
- Wollongong Emergency Family Housing Our Place.
- Albion Park Youth & Community Centre Free Before School Brekky Club.
- West Wollongong Rotary Youth Driver Awareness
- Rotary Gerringong Sunsise Dancing for People with Dimentia.
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