The 2017 Quandamooka Festival launches this weekend with a celebration of dance, song, storytelling and art at the stunning Goompi (Dunwich) foreshore on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) – the first taste of a world-class program to come.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the three-month calendar of events, supported by Redland City Council, was set to be a diverse representation of the culture and country of Traditional Owners, the Nuknukal, Nughi and Goenpul Peoples.
“It has been wonderful to see the Quandamooka Festival grow in popularity each year, drawing people from around the City, across the nation and even overseas,” Cr Williams said.
“It is becoming a major tourism draw card that stretches the boundaries of a community cultural festival, bursting not only with art and music but also countless sporting, food and environmental activities.
“A glance at the 2017 program and you will find everything from whale watching tours to historical displays and three-course Quandamooka tucker luncheon, with plenty of free or low-cost activities.
“I wish to congratulate organisers Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC) and contributing community organisations for creating such an impressive, inclusive schedule of events.
“Council is again proudly supporting the festival and I encourage everyone to seek out the program – you won’t be disappointed.”
Quandamooka Festival Curator Avril Quaill said this year’s program would deliver more than 55 events across Redlands and parts of Brisbane.
“We invite people to come and join us over the next three months to experience Quandamooka Culture in all its forms – if you can’t make it to the islands we also have many mainland-based activities,” Ms Quaill said.
“The program has been designed to encapsulate our vision for a sustainable community that strikes the balance between economic opportunities and protecting our environment and cultural heritage.
“The Quandamooka Festival is chance to bring everyone together – to learn, to connect and to celebrate.
“It all begins this Sunday 2 July at our Yura official opening celebrations from 11am – 3pm on the waterfront at Goompi (Dunwich) in front of Ron Stark Oval.
“The foreshore is the perfect place to kick off festivities, with water – its power to connect people, nourish the environment and give life to all things – our central 2017 festival theme.”
Quandamooka Festival highlights:
- Yura- Sunday 2 July, 11am – 3pm at the Goompi (Dunwich) waterfront: Traditional Smoking Ceremony, markets, workshops and performances by Troy Jungaji Brady, Emily Wurramara and First Nation’s artists from Melanesia.
- Yura Yalingbila- Saturday 29 July, 11am- 3pm at Headland Park, Point Lookout: A celebration welcoming Yalingbila (humpback whales) with ceremony, dance, arts, food and music including performances by song man Neil Murray and Black Salt.
- Kunjiel (Corroborree) Saturday 23 – Sunday 24 September at Goompi (Dunwich): Two-day closing celebration with performances by Black Arm Band, Roger Knox & Band, Adam James and band, Joe Geia and more.
- Buangan Biyigi, Saturday 30 September 11am – 4pm at Pulan Pulan (Amity Point) foreshore: Dolphin Festival Day – learn about the local buangan (dolphin) and doompidapee (koala) from a cultural and scientific perspective.
