AUSTRALIA ALL FIRED UP FOR MACAO INTERNATIONAL CHALLENGE

Australia is set the light the fuse on a highly-charged international challenge involving nine other countries.

For the 29th year, the night’s sky over Macao will light up into a kaleidoscope of colours as the Asian city celebrates its prestigious International Fireworks Display Contest.

And among the teams exclusively invited to compete at this September’s festival is Cardile Fireworks, a family-owned Western Australian pyrotechnical company with a track record dating back four generations.

As in previous years, the 2017 contest - adjacent to the 338-metre high Macau Tower - will be held each Saturday evening in September (2,9,16 and 23) with the fiery grand finale on Saturday, October 1.

Other countries to compete for the annual crown are Austria, UK, France, Japan, the Philippines, Germany, Italy, Portugal and China.

Acknowledged as Western Australia’s pacesetter in pyrotechnics, Cardile Fireworks will carry the Australian flag for the first time in this year’s challenge. The company has been in business for more than 80 years, although the family’s knowledge of fireworks dates back many more years.

Story has it that managing director Rob Cardile's grandfather, Gaetano Cardile, emigrated from Italy to Western Australia in 1909, in doing so bringing a vast knowledge of pyrotechnical skills and artistry. Much of the knowledge he gained from his father, Carmelo Cardile, who founded the original Cardile Fireworks in 1890.

The Cardile name was well entrenched in southern Europe when Gaetano decided to seek opportunity and recognition in far-distant Australia. Arriving in Perth, he quickly opened a modest fireworks factory in suburban Osborne Park, and so began what was to become Western Australia's most successful pyrotechnics company.

This year’s Macao spectacle will once again be orchestrated to music and laser beams, allow for a range of stunning multimedia pyrotechnic performances. In addition to the Saturday evening fireworks, the festival will bring together a series of vibrant entertainment performances, fun-filled games and tasty dining opportunities.

This will allow the organisers - the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) - to weave a carnival atmosphere into a challenge which has gained international recognition as a primary annual event over the past three decades.

Details: Macao Government tourism Office, phone (02) 9264 1488 or email macao@worldtradetravel.com