On Monday her royal highness Angelika Ltfuipeka Halaevalu Mata'aho Napua-o-kalani Tuku'aho announced she will be coming on October 19 to take part in the Griffith Spring Fest Multicultural Festival.

The Tongan Community's newly formed women's group will be busily weaving traditional Tongan leaf mats so that they can roll out the welcome mat when the princess arrives.

The mats are made with leaves soaked in seawater for three months and then painstakingly handwoven into large mats by members of the community.

The craft of Tongan mat weaving has been passed down family lines for millennia, and they're reserved for special moments of celebration.

A visit from the princess more than qualifies, so they'll be making sure to bring their finest work on the day.

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They'll also be growing vegetables and cooking up a mouthwatering Tongan feast fit for a princess in preparation for the royal visit.

Griffith Tongan Community president Litia Kosi will be working furiously behind the scenes to make sure the princess's visit will be one to remember.

Mrs Kosi will be keen to show the princess just how busy and vibrant Griffith's Tongan community has become over the years.

The Multicultural Festival will be held at Memorial Park on October 19 and will feature food, festivities and performances from Griffith's melting pot of cultural groups.

People interested in joining the Griffith Tongan Community or the women's weaving group can call Litia Kosi on 0403 295 133.

The weaving group meets every Monday and Wednesday at the Multicultural Council of Griffith, which is currently located in their new headquarters inside the Griffith Masonic Lodge building.

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