Delegates have experienced a melting pot of culture at CYF2011, enjoying a cultural performance night and an afternoon of Australian cultural activities.

At the cultural performance evening, the delegates from each region gave a performance exhibiting traditional dance and song. On show were traditional dances such as the haka from the South Pacific, a martial arts display and Bollywood dancing from the Asia region, colourful singing and dancing from the Caribbean including a conga line and vibrant colour and song from Africa.

John Loughton from Scotland, MC of the Cultural Night said the night was a real success as it displayed the rich diversity of the Commonwealth.

“Culture is what defines us and what makes us special. Our cultural performances last night demonstrated both what makes us different but also what unites us as one Commonwealth people, which we must celebrate,” says John Loughton, MC of the CYF Cultural Night.

The night also gave delegates some headspace from the discussions, debate and personal development sessions held in the daytime.

“It was so great to have the opportunity to let off steam after the hard work of the day,,” said Alicia Swinamer from Canada.

Commonwealth Youth Forum (CYF) delegates also had the opportunity to spot a penguin, explore an underground crystal cave or work with an Indigenous artist in the cultural activities held on Wednesday afternoon.

In addition to providing skills building sessions and a platform for providing recommendations to Heads of Government, the CYF also aims to provide delegates with a uniquely Australian experience.

“I’m so excited about the activities, I can’t wait to see Penguin Island” said Serene Koh from Singapore.
There are three activities, kindly provided by TourismWA

Yanchep National Park

Yanchep National Park offers a unique natural setting to enjoy a variety of activities, including tours through the enchanting underground world of the Crystal Cave, a self guided tour of the park’s pristine wetland Loch McNess, guided koala spotting tours, and an entertaining Aboriginal cultural experience.

Kidogo Art Institute

Held in a heritage building on Bathers Beach, delegates will learn the history and techniques of the local Aboriginal art. They will also work with local Aboriginal artists to create their own watercolour paintings to take home as well as contribute to a large collaborative painting between CYF delegates and local Aboriginal artists which, when finished, will become the CYF 2011 legacy item.

Penguin Island

Delegates will be ferried across to Penguin Island, 5 minutes from the mainland, to undertake a tour of the island hosted by a ranger including penguin spotting, board a glass bottom boat to around the surrounding islands to see dolphins and sea lions, followed by penguin feeding.