Tongan feast set to fire up Festival

Jason Harris, Licensee of the Railway Hotel, recently became aware that the Kingdom of Tonga is the 2016 Guest Nation for the Festival.

Born to a Tongan Father and Niuen mother (Niue is a small island between Tonga and New Zealand), Jason contacted Festival organisers to lend his support.

"I have been living in the Cowra community for the last 11 months, and was thrilled to see Tonga will be showcased in the upcoming Festival," he explained.

"I am proud of my Tongan heritage, and look forward to the opportunity to get involved with the Festival, representing both my Tongan background and the new community I find myself living in."

First on the agenda for Jason is hosting a traditional Umu (or" hangi", a type of in-ground roast) at the Railway Hotel on Friday, March 11.

"I have only just starting planning the night and I am already overwhelmed with the generosity of the patrons," Jason said.

"I am so grateful for the offers of donated livestock and produce, which will no doubt make the night a success," he added.

He is also enthusiastically spreading the word of the Festival to his family in Sydney: "My brother is a pastor and has already started to let everyone in the church, and greater Tongan community, know about this great festival."

As a passionate supporter of the children's charity Camp Quality in his work at the Railway, Jason is donating all funds raised at his 'Umu' event to the organisation.

The message of the Festival of International Understanding is one of inclusion, friendship and understanding - which this new Cowra resident could not be more excited and proud to be a part of!

The Festival of International Understanding runs from March 11 20.