On Saturday, August 31, Ipswich will proudly host the Indigenous Wild Food & Cultural Festival at the Ipswich Turf Club, marking its fifth year and first time in the city after being previously staged in Brisbane.
Economic and Cultural Development Committee Chairperson Councillor Pye Augustine expressed her excitement about the event’s relocation to Ipswich. She highlighted the significance of the festival, produced by the Redbank Plains-based business We Care Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders for Aged and Disabled Associated Incorporated, in aligning with the city’s event attraction goals.
“Previously held outside of Ipswich, the festival is produced by an Ipswich-based Indigenous business,” Cr Augustine said. “The event organisers are enthusiastic about relocating the event to Ipswich for the fifth year of the event, and for Ipswich City Council it aligns strongly with our event attraction goals.”
The Ipswich City Council agreed at its Ordinary Meeting on July 25 to provide $21,500 in financial support for the one-day event, which will feature traditional performances, workshops, ceremonies, and cooking demonstrations. The festival will be part of the Galvanized – Festival of Heritage program, which attracts over 4,500 attendees and offers a unique opportunity to engage with and learn about First Nations culture.
“This event aims to enhance connections between all peoples and the land through traditional performances, workshops, ceremonies, and cooking demonstrations of wild and traditional foods,” Cr Augustine said. “We had identified it as an event that would be a perfect fit for Ipswich and our festivals line-up. Both parties are happy with the venue and hopefully, it will be held here annually.”
An independent study will be conducted by the council to gather data-driven information and feedback, a standard practice for council-supported events. Cr Augustine expressed pride in incorporating this event into the Galvanized Festival of Heritage program, noting the cultural significance and long history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander traditions.
“The heritage of what’s going to happen stems back 65,000 years, and the learnings and the participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture will be great for the city,” she said. “Unique to Queensland, an opportunity exists for the Indigenous Wild Food & Cultural Festival to find a permanent home in Ipswich, showcasing the cultural inclusivity and versatility of the city as a leading lifestyle, cultural, and event destination.”
Ipswich looks forward to a vibrant celebration of Indigenous culture and heritage, reinforcing its commitment to cultural inclusivity and community engagement.
Source: https://www.ipswichfirst.com.au/indigenous-wild-food-cultural-festival-coming-to-ipswich/?amp=1
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