What began 11 years ago in the United Synergies carpark with an aim to connect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people has a popular annual festival, Booin Gari (meaning “come this way”) which will be celebrated on Tuesday 25 September from 9.30am to 3pm at Lions Park, Gympie Terrace, Noosaville.
Kabi Kabi traditional custodian Lyndon Davis said the festival was about connecting people to our First People’s culture through song and dance, art and craft, stories and yarning, bush tucker tastings and water craft.
“We want people to come our way, join in workshops and be entertained, so pretty much everything is free or low cost,” he said.
Headlining this year’s event is rising star and singer-songwriter Emily Wurramara performing in both English and traditional (Anindilyakwa) language. She will join other talent including guitar virtuoso Chris Tamwoy with his sister Tania-Rose on harmonies, Fred Leone blending modern and traditional genres, and roots-reggae Mufassa (aka Dale Mallet of The Floating Bridges) and his band.
“This year’s going to be something special with Aboriginal dance troupes travelling to perform with us, and Torres Strait Islander’s Malu-Kiai Mura Buai and Drums of Mer also performing their traditional dance and songs,” Lyndon said.
Lyndon will be sharing local creation stories in the Talking Circle with puppets made by local school students alongside Drums of Mer.
Brent Miller and Melinda Serico will lead activities in the Art Space, and By The River women and girls can learn weaving and make feather jewellery.
The Nandjimadji artists will exhibit and sell their art, while renowned portrait artist Jandamarra Cadd will be giving a talk. There will also be children’s sailing and Indigenous cuisine.
United Synergies and Noosa Council are major event sponsors, with support also from Our PHN, IFYS, North Coast Aboriginal Corporation for Community Health, Anglicare, STEPS Group, Coast2Bay Housing and BUSY At Work and Suncare.
