Following its iteration at 2023’s Wynnum Fringe, the much-loved Quandamooka
Music & Cultural Festival returns to Minjerribah this August 30 to 31 for its first full-
scale event since 2022. Co-headlining the Friday night music programme will be
Meanjin favourite Jem Cassar-Daley, alongside acclaimed artists Uncle Joe Geia
and Quandamooka musician Sachem.
Set against the island paradise backdrop of Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island), the
multi-artform festival provides the special opportunity to experience the continuing
culture of the Nughi, Nunukul, and Goenpul clans of Quandamooka firsthand.
An annual winter festival, it will begin with a Traditional Smoking Ceremony and
Welcome to Country for participants and audiences to celebrate the yalingila (whale)
migration season. The gathering will then showcase a diverse lineup of cultural
activities, including tours, Kunjiel (corroborees), music performances, food, weaving,
arts, crafts, panel discussions, First Nations’ film, and more.
Saturday will see the return of the Kunjiel (corroboree/traditional dance)
programming, with traditional dance groups attending and sharing cultural dance
with locals and visitors. And as the sun sets over Minjerribah, 2024 attendees will be
the first ever to experience the Quandamooka Film Festival, featuring films made by
local creatives, emulating a drive-in movie experience that blends cultural celebration
with cinematic storytelling.
“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”, says QYAC Chair, Cameron Costello.
The festival is part of QYAC’s arts and culture strategic plan Mara Millen Yagabili
(many hands create), delivering on priorities that build on the native title outcomes to
support a strong future for Quandamooka People.
Quandamooka Festival is a free-entry, mandatory registration event at QYAC
campus Minjerribah Ganaba, 100 East Coast Road. Festival gates open 4pm Friday
30 August 2024.
Ticket registration opens next Tuesday 9th July at quandamookafestival.com.au. All
registrations go in the running for travel and accommodation prizes for
Quandamooka Festival 2024.
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