On Saturday 20 June from 5am, diverse cultures will come together in celebration of the 2009 Five Lands Walk.

For the first time the event will showcase the contribution and influence of the Filipino culture - a minority culture on the Central Coast. This involvement will be highlighted throughout the day's activities.

In a unique arrangement, local Aboriginal artist Kevin 'Gavi' Duncan will be joined by Filipino artist Alfredo 'Ding' Roces to feature an artistic collaboration as the event's land art centerpiece at The Skillion, Terrigal.

The collaboration will feature the sari-manok bird. To the lake dwelling Maranao in Southern Philippines, the sari-manok is a mythical bird; a messenger of the gods. The colourful magical bird (known as a Kingfisher to some) sometimes grasps a fish in its claws. The fish conveys the message of love, good fortune and prosperity.

Celebrated artist from the Gomilaroi people, Kevin Duncan is excited to create a collaboration that is reflective of the two identities.

"Alfredo Roce's sari-manok and his traditional Filipino interpretation of the mythical bird being a messenger of the Gods inspired my traditional Aboriginal interpretation of Gurrea, the Rainbow Serpent", said Mr Duncan.

"She too is regarded as a mythical creature and messenger in Aboriginal Lore and Creation."

"There are many connections between the Indigenous Filipino deity and Aboriginal deity in the spirit world as Bathala and Bayami - both Gods - being responsible for the interaction with the sari-manok and Gurrea in the creation of man and woman", added Mr. Duncan.

Co-collaborator Alfredo 'Ding' Roces, has had more than twenty one man shows, received numerous accolades, worked as a journalist for the Manila Times and is now an award winning free lance artist writer.

The renowned Filipino artist is also passionate about the opportunity to be involved in the project. 

"It is a great honour and privilege to work with Aboriginal artist Gavi Duncan while also representing the Filipino community with this sari-manok artwork," said Mr. Roces.

"On a personal level this is something of a homecoming. Fifty years ago, as a young Filipino writer-artist researching on indigenous Filipino art in the Philippines, the sari manok was one of the motifs I helped bring to national awareness", added Mr. Roces.

"By the sheerest of coincidences, I find myself bringing the bird to life once more. It has been a long flight through time, but now - by some divine destiny - I am once more, the instrument that brings the sari manok to roost in Terrigal".

In addition to the land art installation, the event will feature a kite flying demonstration, musical performances and dances by members of the Filipino community.

The Five Lands Walk is an initiative of Gosford City Council and developed with community organisations and local Aboriginal people. It is a cultural, physical and spiritual journey comprising of a nine kilometre walk through the five lands: Macmasters Beach, Copacabana, Avoca Beach, North Avoca and Terrigal.

It is also seen as a means of preserving and appreciating the unique heritage of the Gosford City region and its people.

For further information on the Five Lands Walk go to: www.gosford.nsw.gov.au