Redlands Coast NAIDOC events offer celebration and participation

Redlands Coast will come alive with all the vibrancy, voices and vitality of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture during NAIDOC Week.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said there would be celebrations across the city at a number of events and locations.

“There will be performances and exhibitions from some of our area’s most-acclaimed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander singers, dancers, artists, actors and storytellers,” Cr Williams said.

“And there will be plenty of opportunities to actively participate – from interactive dance workshops, arts and crafts activities, cultural experience workshops for families by Quandamooka man Matt Burns, as well as many more.

“NAIDOC Week celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

“This year, from 4 to 11 July, we are invited to embrace First Nations’ cultural knowledge and understanding of Country as part of Australia’s national heritage under the theme – Heal Country.

“This is about us all working to protect lands, waters, sacred sites and cultural heritage from exploitation, desecration and destruction.”

Matt Burns will provide Quandamooka cultural demonstrations at a NAIDOC Week celebration in Raby Bay Harbour Park.

Cr Williams said she was proud that the start of NAIDOC Week cultural celebrations in the south-east of the state would be at Raby Bay Harbour Park from 9am-1pm on Sunday, 4 July.

“It is also exciting that internationally acclaimed playwright and artistic director Wesley Enoch will emcee the day’s events,” Cr Williams said.

“Mr Enoch was born on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) and his great aunt was poet and activist Oodgeroo Noonuccal, so it is fitting to note that 4 July is an important date in history for the island and for the broader Redlands Coast.

“The day is the 10-year anniversary of when the Federal Court of Australia made two native title consent determinations recognising the Quandamooka People’s native title rights and interests in regards North Stradbroke Island.

“On that day in 2011, Redland City Council and the Quandamooka People signed an historic Indigenous Land Use Agreement, setting out broad principles and mechanisms for how the parties are working together to benefit the community.”

Cr Williams said the anniversary was an apt time for all Redlands Coast residents to pause and think about how far we have come in terms of reconciliation.

“I encourage everyone to come along to the NAIDOC events; to listen and learn; and to take away an understanding of the cultural significance of Country,” she said.

Raby Bay Harbour Park, Cleveland Cultural Celebration on Sunday 4 July

Come and enjoy performances featuring:

Renowned Torres Strait Island singer/songwriter Chris Tamwoy with special guest Tania-Rose GibumaQuandamooka local song-man Josh Walker and the Yulu-Burri-Ba dancersInfluential contemporary Indigenous musician Joe Geia and his bandQuandamooka cultural demonstrations by Matt BurnsAustralian South Sea Islander and Aboriginal singer/songwriter Georgia Corowa.

The free celebrations will also include a traditional smoking ceremony and interactive dance workshops, as well as traditional arts and crafts activities.

There will be artworks by Quandamooka artists for sale and a sand art display.

Stay for lunch and try the offerings from bush tucker food trucks and community barbecues.

For a full list of NAIDOC Week events on Redlands Coast, go to redland.qld.gov.au