The Quandamooka Festival celebrated culture, country and people through cultural tours, traditional song and dance, music art, exhibitions, workshops, film, food, storytelling, weaving, sand art, speakers and forums.
The Festival was managed by the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC), a registered Prescribed Body Corporate (PBC) created under the Native Title Act 1993 to manage the recognised Native Title rights and interests of the Quandamooka people.
July to September 2015
The Quandamooka Festival took places in various locations in Quandamooka Country. Quandamooka Country comprises the waters and lands of and around Moorgumpin (Moreton Island), Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island), the Southern Moreton Bay islands and South Stradbroke Island. It includes the mainland from the mouth of the Brisbane River, Wynnum, Chandler, Lytton, Belmont, Tingalpa, south to Cleveland, to the Logan River. Quandamooka Country crosses the boundaries of four Queensland local governments.
Almost 50 events across 5 locations
15,000 attendees and participants
Over 125 Queensland artists and artsworkers were engaged through the Festival including 80 Quandamooka artists, arts workers and Elders
$38,000 funded through the Backing Indigenous Arts Initiative
The Festival:
increased capacity of Quandamooka community to organise, plan, present at and deliver a festival
provided opportunities to pass on traditional knowledge, language, dance and song to young people
created a platform to share and celebrate Traditional culture with the broader community
left a minimal environmental footprint and also educated the community on environmental issues
brought Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal organisations and corporations together with local government and industry
made a contribution to local economy attracting visitors in an off-peak tourism season
supported longer term activities including traditional dance workshops with children and young people
created a permanent exhibition of Quandamooka Cultural Heritage including artifacts and photos now located at the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation
“To be here on country, walking around, feeling good, well, that’s what it’s all about” - Uncle Bob Anderson, Quandamooka Elder, guest at Speakers forums
“We’ve been talking about and waiting for over 20 years for this event.” - Aunty Donna Ruska, Quandamooka Elder
“The day was a great success and saw several tribal groups gather to celebrate our rich cultures with the wider community. There was great music and traditional dance as well as arts and crafts stalls. Overall it was an absolute pleasure to be part of the day. From what I witnessed the event had a great impact on the community and surrounds” - Fred Leone, Guruman Dancers.
“Tangalooma was excited to be part of the Welcome to the Whales ceremonies in 2015. The events provided an opportunity for Traditional Owners… to share a part of their cultural heritage with guests of the resort…These ceremonies and stories told have existed for eons…Their meanings and messages are perhaps even more important today as we work together to care for Country." - Penny Limbach, Director of Public Relations and Environment, Tangalooma Island Resort
Email: projects@qyac.net.au
Phone: (07) 3415 2816
Website: http://www.qyac.net.au/
The Quandamooka Festival: http://quandamookafestival.com.au/
All images courtesy of Nikki Michail, www.sustainabledreaming.org