• Quandamooka Festival celebrating aboriginal culture
A new, three-month festival of events celebrating the culture, country and people of the Quandamooka (Moreton Bay) region is being held from July to September this year.
CEO of the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC) Cameron Costello said the inaugural Quandamooka festival provides a unique opportunity for people to experience the continuing culture of the Nughi, Nunukul and Goenpul clans of Quandamooka, first-hand.
“We want to extend a big Yura (hello, welcome in Jandai language) to all visitors and locals.
“Events will be held across the Redlands and Brisbane, with some of highlights on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) including opening celebrations which started on 4 July, ‘Yura djalungbilla - Welcome of the Whales’ festival will be held on 25 July, comedy by Australia’s leading Indigenous comic Sean Choolburra on 25 September, and the Kunjiel Corroboree to close the festival on the weekend of 26 September.”
With activities planned for all ages, the festival includes cultural tours of Minjerribah, art exhibitions and workshops, traditional song and dance, outdoor film nights, Black History month events, markets, ongoing whale watching tours, sailing regattas, sculpture and photography competitions, Quandamooka land & sea discovery days, speakers forums and more.
“Hear our dreaming stories from Winnam (Wynnum), Narlung (Manly), Cullen-Cullen (Wellington Point), Mulgumpin (Moreton Island), Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island), Nandeebie (Cleveland), Canaipa (Russell Island), Jencoomercha (Macleay Island), Ngudooroo (Lamb Island), Coochie Mudlo Island, Turkroorar (Peel Island), Tangeera (Green Island), Noogoon (St Helena) and Bungumba (Mud Island) and deepen your understanding of this area”, invites Cameron.
Quandamooka artist, curator and former Artistic Director of the Cairns Indigenous Arts Fair Avril Quaill said she was excited to be part of the festival knowing that visitors would experience the depth and beauty of Quandamooka’s environments and rich cultural traditions.
“Our traditional lands and waters have nourished our spirits forever,” she said.
Local Quandamooka artist Craig Tapp is also a supporter of the event, labelling it as a fantastic opportunity to grow micro-businesses and cultural tourism in the region.
Songman from the Yulu Burri Ba dance group, Raymond Walker, grandson of late, great poet Oodgeroo of the Tribe Noonucal stated “What I see this (festival) as, is laying down a foundation of cultural Lore for years to come, for our future generations”.
Visit www.quandamookafestival.com.au for the full program of events.
For sponsorship opportunities, or to become a volunteer, email quandamookafestival@gmail.com or contact the QYAC office on 3415 2816 or Nikki Michail, Program Co-ordinator on 0407 641 323.
Festival Highlights
YURA! Opening Celebrations day on 4 July at Goompi (Dunwich), Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island), followed by NAIDOC week celebrations
Yura Djalungbilla - Welcome of the Whales Festival on 25 July at Point Lookout, NSI
The Quandamooka Quiz & Comedy Night, hosted by Indigenous comedian Sean Choolburra, on 25 September
Kunjiel Corroboree Closing Ceremony, featuring traditional dancers, live music, workshops and markets, on the weekend of 26-27 September, North Stradbroke Island
Pacific Tides Festival on 8 August at Cleveland
4 Islands Sail & Sculpture Festival throughout the Southern Moreton Bay Islands, starting 1 August
Ongoing whale watching and cultural tours
Quandamooka artists showcases at the Manly Markets and RedFest, Cleveland.
Activities in the Brisbane area, including art exhibitions and Black History Month events
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