The vibrant Quandamooka Music and Cultural Festival is set to return to Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) this late August, marking its first full-scale event since 2022. Scheduled for August 30 and 31, the festival promises a rich celebration of Indigenous arts, music, food, and culture.
This year’s festival will feature performances by notable artists such as Meanjin’s Jem Cassar-Daley, Uncle Joe Geia, and Quandamooka musician Sachem. These performances will highlight the diverse cultures of the Nughi, Nunukul, and Goenpul clans, bringing their unique stories and traditions to life.
The festivities will commence with a traditional Smoking Ceremony and Welcome to Country, celebrating the yalingila (whale) migration season. This opening sets the tone for a series of cultural activities that attendees can immerse themselves in, including guided tours, corroborees, music performances, traditional food experiences, weaving workshops, arts and crafts displays, panel discussions, and screenings of Indigenous films.
Cameron Costello, Chair of the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC), expressed the festival’s significance: “Quandamooka Festival is a great opportunity to bring the whole community and visitors together to celebrate culture and the arts, and learn more about Quandamooka Country; the sands, seas, sacred lakes, creeks, catchments and creatures found across the Redlands/Moreton Bay islands from the Quandamooka Peoples perspective.”
A highlight of the festival is the Friday night music program, headlined by Gumbaynggirr/Bundjalung artist Jem Cassar-Daley. Ms. Cassar-Daley, who won the QMA 2024 Song of the Year and has received multiple awards, will perform with her four-piece band, delivering a performance not to be missed.
The festival will also see the return of traditional dance groups on Saturday, along with the debut of the Quandamooka Film Festival, which will showcase local films in a drive-in movie setting. This addition provides a unique platform to explore and celebrate Indigenous filmmaking talent.
The Quandamooka Festival is part of QYAC’s arts and culture strategic plan, Mara Millen Yagabili (many hands create), which aims to build on Native Title outcomes and support a strong future for the Quandamooka People. This year’s festival not only offers entertainment but also serves as a platform for important conversations on cultural and environmental issues.
The festival is conveniently accessible with a short ferry ride from the mainland, making it an easy trip from South East Queensland, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the Redlands and Moreton Bay islands through the lens of Indigenous heritage.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the Quandamooka Music and Cultural Festival promises a cultural journey and a deeper understanding of Australia’s rich Indigenous heritage. The free-entry event will be held at the QYAC campus Minjerribah Gunaba, 100 East Coast Road, with gates opening at 4 pm on Friday, August 30. Ticket registrations open on Tuesday, July 9, so be sure to secure your spot for this unforgettable experience.
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