“The Quandamooka Festival is a great opportunity to learn more about Country; the sands, seas, sacred lakes, creeks, catchments and creatures found across the Redlands / Moreton Bay islands from the Quandamooka Peoples perspective. The Festival offers a unique opportunity for people to experience the continuing culture of the Nughi, Nunukul and Goenpul clans of Quandamooka, first-hand.”
On the weekend of 26 to 28 August, a steady stream of visitors traveled by ferry and water taxi to the idyllic Minjerribah, also known as North Stradbroke Island. Material and mental baggage left behind on the mainland (amusingly dubbed “Australia” by Straddie locals), visitors flocked to celebrate Culture, Country and People.
The water voyage through Redland Bay is an adieu to the mainland and a stunning segue to an other-worldly paradise. Endless views run across to the east. The starched dune sands of Moreton Island catch the eye in the north. The adjacent Brisbane city highrises glisten. The bay, smattered with barely-touched islands, is surprisingly close to the glitter strip of the Gold Coast.
Arriving in Dunwich, the casual, relaxed ‘island vibe’ kicks in immediately. This ‘end-of-the-earth’ island is steeped in history - pre and post colonial. This little hybrid island community is characterised by boating and fishing families, its sand mining history and its strong standing as home to one of the longest living cultures on earth.
The festival venue is the old High School grounds of Minjerribah Ganaba Campus. A mature arching tree canopy provides generous shade on the pleasant five-minute walk from the jetty. The historical cemetery en route is worth a longer meander.
The Quandamooka Festival, facilitated by QYAC, Australia Council for the Arts, Redlands Coast and Redland City Council, is packed with Indigenous music, arts and culture.
Visitors, welcomed with a cleansing smoking ceremony kicking off the event each day, immediately “become socially engaged in Caring for Country”.
The Friday evening lineup of musical treats included Maibre, Nix, Shakaya and Electric Fields.
Saturday's talent laid a steady stream of sounds. Visitors sprawled across the expansive lawns. Some were dancing or playing. Some munching on the offerings from several food vans. Some lay on blankets, cloud watching in simple bliss. Thanks to Benjin, Georgia Corowa, CKNU, Roger Knox and the Euraba Band, Joe Geia Band, Rochelle Pitt, Keely, Sycco, Sachem for providing the perfect soundtrack for all. Emma Donovan and the Putbacks brought the evening to an end with a helluva lotta soul.
Sunday was a day of Kunjiel, or Corroboree - a dance program with Yullubaribah, Yerongpan, Ngarii Talga, Mununjali, Jinaburra, Gubbi Gubbi, Badtjala/Butchalla, Goomeroi and Wungar Daray Yubbas.
The program aimed for immersive cultural experiences through dance, music, visual arts, fibre art and weaving, storytelling and other activities. Participants encouraged to Connect to Country.
“As the event winds up, guests disperse, taking with them back to Brisbane or their subtropical holiday accommodation a new knowledge of an ancient language, an invitation to embrace Australia’s Indigenous song, dance and the arts, a deeper understanding of rich and vibrant culture, a bond with ‘Country’, and an intimate experience not easily forgotten.”
