Quandamooka Music & Cultural Festival return to Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island for the first time since 2022 at the weekend.
A vibrant hub of cultural celebration, the Quandamooka Festival brought to life the rich traditions, culture, and spirit of the Quandamooka people.
Receiving the highest number of attendees in the festival's history, this year the event welcomed a record-breaking 2,500 guests.
Commencing with a powerful Welcome to Country and traditional smoking ceremony followed by opening speeches from QYAC Chairperson Cameron Costello and Redlands City Council Mayor, Jos Mitchell, the festival commenced with a bang.
"It's a great honour to be apart of Quandamooka Festival here on Minjerribah. It's been an amazing day with of lots of information on how things are going for us in the future and also those deadly dancers," said Pitjantjatjara man Uncle Robbie Peters.
"The one thing I love the most out of this is the gift of giving.We all have something important that were doing during the week, so when we have these events over the weekends it's so important to catch up."
The Straddie Singers opened the festival's music program, followed by Getano and Legendary First Nations singer-songwriter Joe Geia and his band, who delivered powerful performances of iconic tracks including 'North, South, East and West'.
"The Quandamooka Festival is one of the most vibrant cultural events, music performancs and art," said Uncle Joe Geia.
"t is through song, dance and art that our culture is kept alive. It is one of my favourite festivals to play at, as I've had a strong connection with Minjerribah for many years."
The evening continued with a dynamic set from Kaylah Truth, who sang, danced, and commanded the stage with her powerful performance, before Quandamooka rapper and poet Sachém took to the stage.
The night reached its peak with Meanjin's beloved Jem Cassar-Daley headlining the event, performing her latest single, 'Big Container'.
The festival also served as a platform for important conversations, with panel discussions delving into the future of water rights and housing on Minjerribah.
Under guidance of MC Wesley Enoch, the panels featured prominent voices including Darren Byrnes, Darryl Low Choy, Chris Matthews, Karen O'Brien (NSI Housing), and Cameron Costello.
Topics ranged from the sustainability of water use under Native Title to the challenges of housing affordability and the potential of modular housing solutions for the island's community.
On Friday, Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch joined Quandamooka Elders, leaders and community members for a special tour of the new Quandamooka Arts and Culture Centre (QUAMPI), set to be complete this November, with doors opening in 2025.
QUAMPI will be a major cultural tourism attraction showcasing contemporary Quandamooka art alongside historical objects, storytelling, music and events.
A highlight from the weekend's event was Saturday's Kunjiel (corroboree), with dance groups coming from across south-east Queensland and northern NSW.
Tribal dancers from the Yullubaribah (Quandamooka), Ngarii Talga, Mununjali, Gubbi Gubbi, Goomeroi, and Butchulla troops gave festival-goers the opportunity to be immersed in one of the oldest living cultures on earth.
With the multi-artform festival having returned with great success, both the local community and visiting guests were thrilled to showcase the talent and beauty of Minjerribah.
Quandamooka woman and festival directors Avril Quail, was also thrilled with the events success.
"It went wonderfully well. It was a beautiful and relaxed vibe over the two day." Ms Quail said.
"I particularly loved the two panels that were chaired by Wesley Enoch. All about sustainable housing on the island what that looks like and water resourcing on the island.
"Next year we'll be building upon those strengths for the next festival."
The Quandamooka Festival was supported with funding from Creative Australia, Arts Queensland, Tourism and Events Queensland and Redlands City Council.
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