This year's Quandamooka Music and Cultural Festival is set to be held on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) in late August, celebrating Indigenous arts, music, food, and culture.
Returning as a full-scale event for the first time since 2022, the festival - to be held on August 30 to 31 - will feature Meanjin's Jem Cassar-Daley, Uncle Joe Geia, and Quandamooka musician Sachem.
The festival highlights the cultures of the Nughi, Nunukul, and Goenpul clans.
It begins with a traditional Smoking Ceremony and Welcome to Country, celebrating the yalingila (whale) migration season.
Attendees can enjoy a range of cultural activities, including tours, corroborees, music performances, food, weaving, arts, crafts, panel discussions, and Indigenous films.
Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation Chair, Cameron Costello said Quandamooka Festival unites the community and visitors to celebrate culture and the arts.
"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", he said.
Gumbaynggirr/Bundjalung artist Jem Cassar-Daley, will headline the Friday night music program.
Ms Cassar-Daley, who won QMA 2024 Song of the Year and has been recognised with multiple awards, will perform with her four-piece band.
The festival will also feature the return of traditional dance groups on Saturday and the debut of the Quandamooka Film Festival, showcasing local films in a drive-in movie setting.
The festival is part of QYAC's arts and culture strategic plan, Mara Millen Yagabili (many hands create), which builds on Native Title outcomes to support a strong future for the Quandamooka People.
With ongoing island works expected to be completed, this year's festival also serves as a platform for important conversations on cultural and environmental issues.
The festival is a short ferry ride from the mainland, accessible from South East Queensland, and an hour's drive from Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
This journey offers insights into the sands, seas, lakes, creeks, catchments, and wildlife of the Redlands and Moreton Bay islands from an Indigenous perspective.
Whether local or visiting, the festival promises a cultural journey and deeper understanding of Australia's Indigenous heritage.
The free-entry event at QYAC campus Minjerribah Gunaba, 100 East Coast Road, requires registration.
Festival gates open at 4 pm on Friday, 30 August.
Ticket registrations open Tuesday 9 July.
