Cultural heritage on Isaac coast to feature at premier event

Creation stories and cultural connections will be shared by acclaimed First Nations artists at Isaac’s premier nature festival St Lawrence Wetlands Weekend this 11-13 June.

Indigenous painting, digeridoo playing, Kulgoodah dancers and Australian native foods demonstrations will be among the growing indigenous tourism sector in the Isaac region.

Isaac Regional Council Acting Mayor Kelly Vea Vea said enhancing cultural heritage and its offerings is part of the vision for the wetlands weekend.

“Our award-winning event is nestled between Mackay and Rockhampton on the Isaac Coast and we are humbled for First Nations people – the Koinjmal – who will help bring St Lawrence Wetlands Weekend back to life once again,” Cr Vea Vea said.

“We are grateful to the Queensland Government’s Year of Indigenous Tourism Festivals and Events Fund which will assist in bringing unique and innovative experiences to our region.

“Jenuarrie and Samarla Deshong of the Koinjimal People from Koinmerburra country will deliver a Welcome to Country at the official opening of the event where traditional owners will conduct bush tucker interpretative guided tours, educations stalls about connection to country and art workshops.

“We also have attracted First Nations’ artist groups throughout regional Queensland to conduct dancing, weaving, cooking demonstrations and indigenous art workshops for the event.

“The St Lawrence Wetlands is part of the larger Broadsound wetlands and is noted as a wetland of national significance particularly in relation to migratory birds and presence of the endangered Capricorn Yellow Chat species.

“This is an incredibly unique opportunity for everyone to travel to St Lawrence to learn about our First Nations’ connection to this picturesque piece of the Isaac Coast and also join ABC Gardening Australia’s Costa Georgiadis and celebrity chef Matt Golinski.”

Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said more than $122,000 has been invested in Queensland events to share Indigenous culture and experiences.

“This funding helps to grow Queensland’s Indigenous culture and deliver more opportunities for visitors to connect with our rich heritage,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“The Indigenous tourism sector in Queensland has grown by 6.4 per cent on average over the five years to December 2019, with 472,000 visitors choosing an Indigenous tourism experience.

“That’s why the Palaszczuk Government extended the Year of Indigenous Tourism into 2021.”

The event is proudly brought to the region by Isaac Regional Council in partnership with community and government partners.

The St Lawrence Wetlands Weekend is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland and features on the It’s Live! in Queensland events calendar.

Visit https://isaactickets.com.au/event/st-lawrence-wetlands-weekend-11405 to purchase your tickets and packages online or for more information visit https://www.isaac.qld.gov.au/community/wetlands-weekend or call 1300 ISAACS (1300 47 22 27) for more information.