Coolamon is a year long calendar of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural events. These events take place all over Brisbane and the Gold Coast, all throughout the year, and are open to anyone who wishes to participate.
Discover indiginous sites of significance at the Gold Coast with the
Kalwun Paradise Dreaming Tour, a guided tour led by the Kombumerri people. You will visit three sites, each 1500 years old, followed by a live dance performance by a local Aboriginal dance troupe and morning or afternoon tea at QLD Parks and Wildlife. Tours run twice daily, according to bookings, until 28 February and cost $40 per person.
The
State Library of Queensland will be responsible for a variety of events. The
Kuril Dhugan Indigenous Knowledge Centre hosts Yarnin Time on the second Wednesday of the month, where local elders donate their time to share their stories and knowledge. Reading for Reconciliation is a book club that meets on selected Sundays (see website for dates) and uses indigenous texts as a starting point for cultural discussion.
Sorry Day marks the 2008 Apology to the Stolen Generation by the Rudd government on 13 February. There will be a yarning circle and sausage sizzle at the Sorry Plaque in
Teralba Park from 10.00am – 1.00pm on the day.
There will also be a Sorry Day Ceremony at
Kalinga Park on 26 May from 9.30am until 11.00am. There will be a special speaker and performances from traditional dancers and local schools.
Stylin' Up is a music and dance development experience for young people in Brisbane's south west. The event provides performances and workshops in hip hop and R & B song and dance. Stylin Up will take place on 28 May is free to attend.
The Dreaming Festival, one of only three international indigenous festivals, combines native culture with creative expression. The line up provides a variety of theatre, dance, music, workshops, art galleries, film and forums. The festival runs for three days, from 10 until 13 June. Ticket prices differ depending on the event; some events are free. See the Dreaming Festival website for more information.
And the Yugameh Museum will host the
Yugameh Corroboree, a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island food, art and language. On 20 August, the Broadwater Parklands (
Marine Parade, Southport) will feature free rides and jumping castle for children, bush food cooking demonstrations, arts and crafts markets and traditional catering. The Corroboree marks the end of the Drumley Walk and operates from 11.00am until 4.00pm. Admission is a gold coin donation.
For an activity you can do anytime, the
Botanic Gardens have several self guided walking trails that teach visitors about the native flora and fauna of the area.
