World Youth Day – SYDNEY, 2008

500,000 young people are expected to participate in World Youth Day (WYD) in Sydney in July next year. WYD was an initiative of Pope John Paul II. Every three years, young people from around the world would gather in one place, to celebrate their faith, and meet with the Pope. Pope Benedict has continued the tradition.

Events in World Youth Day include:

- the arrival of the Pope in Sydney’s Harbour
- a Youth Festival with exhibitions and performances
- a Mass in Randwick Racecourse (just one block away from Kenvale College!) celebrated by Pope Benedict

Organisation of WYD commenced at least three years in advance. Accommodation and travel arrangements; registration of thousands of international participants; the mobilization of hundreds of volunteers from around the world; venues, entertainment, speakers…this is event management on a massive scale!

For more information on the event: www.wyd2008.org

What do you think will be the response to WYD of Australian youth?

Corroboree Indigenous Tourism Expo

Friday, 9 February 2007, 10am to 5pm, Sydney Opera House – Open to the public

http://www.indigenoustourism.australia.com/news.asp?sub=0648

A celebration of Indigenous Tourism, this Expo opens with a traditional Indigenous smoking ceremony to welcome people to the Opera House, on the traditional land of the Eora People.

The Corroboree at the Opera House features traditional and contemporary dance and music exhibitions, a Sydney Harbour Cruise from an Indigenous perspective, as well as children’s activities. Indigenous tourism operators will be available to assist travel industry professionals and general public.

I wonder how many locals are aware of what is available regarding indigenous tourism, and how many take advantage of it to learn more about this rich culture.