Kunjiel Corroboree at Straddie

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Posted 2017-09-14 by May Cross ⇒ follow

Sat 23 Sep 2017 - Sun 24 Sep 2017

Kunjiel (Corroboree) at Straddie

I was very lucky to visit Straddie during the Quandamooka Festival this year for the Welcome of the Whales. The weekend was packed with activities and entertainment, and I had a whale of a time. Sadly, the festival is drawing to an end for another year but there is still a chance to join in the festivities: at a corroboree.

A terrific line up of music and dance has been announced for Kunjiel (Corroboree), the two day closing event of the Quandamooka Festival, on North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) over the weekend of 23 and 24 September. The event will feature bush tucker, market stalls, Indigenous arts and crafts and live music. Performances by artists include:

Black Armband,

Roger Knox and Band,

Adam James Band,

Joe Geia,

Rochelle Pitt,

Yulu Burri Ba Dancers,

Quandamooka spoken-word artists,

and special 'surprise' guests.

The Yulu Burri Ba Dancers of the Sand and Sea are Ngugi descendants of the Quandamooka Nation (Morton Bay Region). I saw a live performance of this dance troupe during National Reconciliation Week 2017 and was very impressed with their talent and storytelling. The event was a unique opportunity to experience traditional Aboriginal dance up close through song, dance, didgeridoo playing and storytelling. The meaning of Yulu-Burri-Ba comes from a time when the Aboriginal people of North Stradbroke Island and Moreton Island were described by the Aboriginal tribes of the mainland as Yoolooburrabee or the people of the sand and the sea. This is very relevant to this year's festival theme of Water.

You too will be allowed to catch a glimpse of their rich culture through songs and dances, relating directly to the lands, waters, and animals specific to Quandamooka Country. Also performing at Kunjiel are the Nunukul Yuggera Yugimbir Nugi Aboriginal Dancers who will mesmerise the audience, to the beat of the didgeridoo. I'd like to acknowledge the Walker family for their Cultural Revival and the sharing of these songs and dances.

The annual Quandamooka Festival is a three month calendar of events from July to September that celebrates the culture, country and the Indigenous people of the Quandamooka region. Curator of the Quandamooka Festival, Avril Quaill, said that the Kunjiel would be the perfect way to wrap up a very successful Festival calendar. "The Kunjiel is all about celebration, offering a truly inspiring and artistically rich event on one of the most beautiful Islands in Queensland," said Ms Quaill. "We have priced tickets for Kunjiel very reasonably so that everyone from Brisbane and beyond can join the Quandamooka people for this celebration. The music and dancing will showcase some of the best Aboriginal entertainers around, there will be great food, and plenty of activities for the kids. It's also a great time to stay over and explore the island of Minjerribah."

Accommodation
There is a wide range of accommodation available at various sites around North Stradbroke Island through Straddie Camping, including cabins and new Glamping Tents and even newer Eco Island Tents, which will make their debut in time for Kunjiel. For a full range of accommodation options across the Island click here

Cost
The family-friendly event is priced cheaply at $15 for a one-day pass on Saturday or Sunday, or $20 for unlimited entry over the two days, making it ideal for a weekend stay.
For further information on the Kunjiel and bookings click here

Details at a Glance:
DATE: Saturday 23rd and Sunday, 24th September 2017
TIME: 11:00 am to 9:00 pm (daily)
LOCATION: QYAC 100 East Coast Road, Goompi (Dunwich), Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island)
WEBSITE: Click here
FACEBOOK: Click here
TICKETS: From $15 (one day) or $20 (two days) available through the website or at the gate.