AMyanmar Food Fair will be held in Mount Gambier on Saturday, giving the community an opportunity to learn more about the local Karen/Karenni community, many of whom have fled Myanmar for a better life in Mount Gambier.

The event has been organised in part to raise awareness locally about what is happening in Myanmar following a military coup. Last year, Myanmar’s military ousted the democratically-elected government, reimposing military rule in the country.

At least 1500 people are believed to have been killed in the protests since, with more than 11,000 people being unlawfully detained – most of whom remain in custody according to United Nations figures.

The event also aims to unite people from different ethnic and religious backgrounds from Myanmar including but not limited to Karen, Karenni, Burmese, Chin and Kachin and to work together to raise funds to be donated to those affected by the military coup.

Event coordinator Dr Paul Thu said there would be a range of performances including traditional dances and music, with food prepared and sold by communities from Mount Gambier and those visiting from Adelaide.

The food fair will be held at the Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre, starting at 11am.