NAIDOC Week, a time to celebrate and recognise the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, was celebrated at the Musgrave Park Family Fun Day in Meanjin/Brisbane on Friday.
The theme for this year's NAIDOC Week, Keep the fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud, was wholeheartedly embodied by Family Fun Day attendees.
Musgrave Park, a significant gathering place for Indigenous people in Meanjin, hosted thousands of attendees throughout the day.
Despite the cooler months, the sun was burning bright as the day grew longer.
Kullilli and Wakka Wakka man Wes Conlon is a familiar face in Meanjin. He noted the importance of spending time with family and mob.
"Me and the family are out here, enjoying this deadly day," he said.
"There's mob everywhere. Its so deadly to connect with family and community and come back to culture, who we are."
To keep his fire burning, Uncle Wes is celebrating 7 years of sobriety, after giving up alcohol and cigarettes, thereby making a "deadly choice" in his words.
The event featured a day of food, drinks, stalls, cultural activities, live music, and educational opportunities for people of all ages.
Crowds enjoyed a vibrant atmosphere while engaging with and learning about Indigenous culture and traditions, along with a plethora of tents, vendors and organisations offering career pathways and education.
Birri-Gubba and Wonnarua woman, Guyala Bayles said she lives for moments such as NAIDOC Week.
To keep her fire burning, she wants to ensure Indigenous knowledge passed down through generations and that culture remains strong.
"For me personally, it's instilling that knowledge and wisdom passed down by my Elders," she said.
"When I think about 'Keep the fire burning', I remember who started the fire...and how can we continue to keep that fire burning?
"Always acknowledging our elders who paved the way... and here we are today."
