Brisbane City Council Information
GPO Box 1434
Brisbane Qld 4001
For more information visit
or call
(07) 3403 8888
Black
History
Month
1-31 JULY 2013
A free program of events and activities
that honour and respect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ culture, kicking off with Brisbane’s NAIDOC Week celebrations.
EVENT / WHERE / DATE / TIME / MORE INFORMATIONDeadly Brothers
Murri men who have made their name in music across a range of genres and ages from the 1940's to the present day; through opera, to rock and to electronic. Five inspiring musicians, whose inspiration is drawn from their culture, will be thrown into the spotlight and presented through interviews, personal items, lyrics, ephemera and the music itself. / Kuril Dhagun, Level 1
State Library of Queensland
Cultural Precinct
South Bank / Wednesday 15 May to Sunday 15 September / 10am - 5pm daily / Cost: Free, bookings required
Contact (07) 38407768 or to make bookings go to
Boondall Wetlands – History and Environmental Significance
The wetlands contained campsites and ceremonial grounds where food, fibre, medicines and other resources were gathered. The centre offers a cultural learning program ideal for schools. / Boondall Wetlands
Environment Centre
31 Paperbark Drive
Boondall / Month of July / 8.30am – 4pm / For cost, bookings or enquires contact Boondall Wetlands Environment Centre on (07) 3407 1490
Inala Library
Discover Black History at your local library where you can view a display featuring books written by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander authors, items about art and culture, and films on DVD. All of these items can be borrowed from the library. / Inala Library
Inala Civic Centre
Corsair Avenue
Inala / Month of July / All Day / Contact Council on (07) 3403 8888
Water Women Art Collective at Kids in Mind Art Gallery
‘Water Women’ Art Collective is a group of determined senior Aboriginal women who take the traditional responsibility of nurturing spiritually strong women who in turn nurture resilient children by teaching Lawful Behaviour for Country. These women have painted stories around responsibilities as women. These works will be showcased in the Kids in Mind Art Gallery, Mater Hospital. / Kids in Mind Art Gallery
Level 2, Potter Building
Management Unit, Mater Child and Youth Mental Health Service, Annerley Road, South Brisbane / Month of July / Monday to Friday 9am-5pm / Contact Nancy Bamaga
On 0412 885 501
Downfall Creek Bushland Centre
Located in the Raven Street Reserve, the reserve includes 33 hectares of dry eucalypt woodland and heath understorey, a natural creek line with viewing platform and more than 200 native plant species. The area has been used as a passageway by the Aboriginal people to hunt and gather. The paths that were walked upon are still evident today. Ideal for school students. / Downfall Creek Bushland Centre
815 Rode Road
McDowall / Month of July
Mondays to Fridays / 8.30am - 4pm / For costs and group bookings contact Downfall Creek Bushland Centre on(07) 3407 2400
Drumming up Black Business Workshops
Aboriginal and Torres Strait artists and art workers can attend professional, business and product development workshops in Inala, Zillmere and Wynnum. In the current ever-changing market it is necessary to work towards delivering a product that clients want, not what artists prefer to make. Consumers buy what they need and want. Artists need to fulfil that need with a wide range of suitable products made with ‘cultural meaning’. / Inala, Zillmere and Wynnum / Month of July / 1-3pm / For venue information contact Colleen Wall on 0418 780 685 or email
Wynnum NAIDOC (hosted by Winnam Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation)
Come and celebrate NAIDOC Family Fun Day. Experience a full day of cultures, traditions and CARTA - Cultural Awareness and Reconciliation through Art (Storytelling/Cultural Workshop). Entertainment includes dancers, didgeridoo players, weaving and hip hop dancing workshops, life be in it fun works, and band, face painting, jumping castle, rock climbing wall, bungee tramps, beading demonstrations and boomerang painting. Free promotional giveaways, raffles, traditional foods and local supported organisations will also be holding information booths at the event. / Wynnum Bandstand Park, Lower Esplanade Wynnum / Friday 5 July / 10am - 3pm / Contact Shellee Petersen or Cheryl Jacob at Winnam (07) 3396 3431 or
Acacia Ridge NAIDOC
Join the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community of Acacia Ridge to celebrate NAIDOC. This is a family fun day featuring cultural performances, stalls, children’s rides and free entertainment. Meet Elders, take a ride on the mini train or groove along to local band ‘No Drahma’ and NAIDOC favourites ‘The Huntsman’. / C.A. O'Sullivan Park
Beaudesert Road
Acacia Ridge / Friday 5 July / 10am - 3pm / Contact Trish Cattlemole at Acacia Ridge Community Support Inc. on (07) 3277 4893 or
Cultural Talks
A presentation by Gwenda Stanley on Aboriginal Traditional artefacts includes carvings, implements for hunting and gathering. Including participatory activity Aboriginal Dance- Ideal for schools. / Inala Library
Inala Civic Centre
Corsair Avenue
Inala / Friday 5 July / 11am-12 noon / Contact Council on (07) 3403 8888
Urban Dreaming Exhibition
A showcase of artwork from local and surrounding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists. / Inala Community Art Gallery and Cultural Centre
Inala Civic Centre
Corsair Ave
Inala / Friday 5 July – Friday 12 July / 10am - 4pm / Contact Inala Elders on (07) 3372 6925
Piccaninni Dreaming
An interactive performance for children about contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and history. The two stage production includes the telling of a dreaming story and didgeridoo playing, introducing young people to the concept of the past being important to the present, the Stolen Generations and the importance of identity. / Wynnum Bandstand Park, Lower Esplanade Wynnum / Friday 5 July / 2 - 3pm / Contact Shellee Petersen or Cheryl Jacob at Winnam (07) 3396 3431 or
Colourise Festival: eARTh (hosted by Uniikup Productions Ltd)
A multi-art limning of Australian Indigenous philosophy of land and ancestry, eARTh performs as episodes of an age-old epic celebrating land, elements, fauna, flora, and people - clan, families. Crossing unceded country and redeeming the land, eARTh offers a unique aesthetic experience, re-imagining Brisbane through Indigenous eyes. / Sharing Place Gathering Parts 1 and 2, Murri-Mura Centre
36 Cordelia Street
South Brisbane / Monday 8 July to Thursday 11 July / 2 - 5pm / Contact Christine Peacock on 0407 379 822
Colourise Festival 2013: eARTh Tour (hosted by Uniikup Productions Ltd)
An evening of live-media-art reimagining the city through Indigenous eyes. Everyone is welcome to join our walk along a designated track. Energise before the walk, share good company, art, music and conversation from 2-5pm in the Murri Mura Aboriginal Centre, 36 Cordelia Street, South Brisbane, across from Musgrave Park. / Murri Mura Aboriginal Centre, 36 Cordelia Street, South Brisbane, across from Musgrave Park.
Tour Map and details: / Part 1: Monday 8 July and Wednesday 10 July
Part 2: Tuesday 9 July and Thursday 11 July / Parts 1: 5:30pm Musgrave Park ends Roma Street, 8pm.
Part 2: 5.30pm Musgrave Park ends George Street, 8pm / Contact Christine Peacock on 0407 379 822
Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) NAIDOC celebrations
Celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture at GOMA during NAIDOC Week with a range of talks, workshops, performances, film screenings and more on the Yirrkala Bark Petitions. / GOMA
Cultural Precinct
South Bank / Sunday 7 July to Sunday 14 July / 10am-2pm / Contact Gallery of Modern Art on (0)7 3840 7303
Celebrating NAIDOC
Come along and enjoy NAIDOC, the entertainment includes traditional dance, and contemporary performances. Yulu Burri Ba Dancers present the songs and dance of Minjerribah, to the haunting sound of the didgeridoo. Followed Wagga Torres Strait Islander Dance Company. / Queen Street Mall
Brisbane / Monday 8 July / 10am - 2pm / Contact Geoff Coakley on (07) 3219 2863
Yarnin’ Time in Inala
Join us to share some stories and tunes from where it all began with members of Brisbane's finest Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Boy Band 'Aim for More'. / The Learning Place Indigenous Schooling Support Unit
47 Kittyhawk Avenue
Inala / Tuesday 9 July / 11am / Cost: Free, bookings required
Contact (07) 3840 7768 or to make bookings go to slq.eventbrite.com
Zillmere Library
Discover Black History at your local Library. View a display featuring books written by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander authors including local authors, items about art and cultures and films on DVD. All of these items can be borrowed from the library. / Zillmere Library
Cnr Jennings Street and Zillmere Road
Zillmere / Monday 8 July to Saturday 13 July / Display only / For Zillmere Library opening hours contact Council on (07) 3403 8888
Ancient Dreamtime Stories
Experience the earthy and moving presentation of traditional song and dance with Nunukul Yuggera dancers to the haunting and spiritual beat of the didgeridoo. Followed by emerging young singer songwriters’ artist ‘Lijah and Linta J’, both students at the Aboriginal Centre for Performing Arts. / Queens Street Mall
Brisbane / Wednesday 10 July / 12 noon-1pm / Contact Nancy Bamaga on 0412 885 501
Inala NAIDOC Family Fun Day (hosted by Inala Wangarra)
Join the Inala Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community to celebrate NAIDOC. Meet local Elders and enjoy live entertainment including traditional dance performances. Traditional dance facilitators will teach community members how to perform a traditional dance, including Golden Day Dance demonstrations to get you ready for the Golden Day event at State Library of Queensland. / Wests Inala Junior Ruby League Football Club
CJ Greenfields Sporting Complex
Freeman Road
Inala / Wednesday 10 July / 10am - 3pm / Contact Alison Bell at Inala Wangarra (07) 3217 0453 or
A Night by the Fire with Our Way - Aqua Dreaming - Water Women
‘Water Women’ is a group of determined senior Aboriginal women who are reinstating traditional practice of responsibility to nurture spiritually strong women. No single person can decide anything that affects the group, it is a collective decision made by senior women - that is Law. Join some of these Water Women for a cup of tea and yarn by the fire during Black History Month and listen to inspiring, lawfully respectful, senior women. / Talking Circle, Level 1
State Library of Queensland / Wednesday 10 July / 6:30 - 7:30pm / Contact Nancy Bamaga on 0412 885 501
Cultural Talks
A presentation by Gwenda Stanley on Aboriginal Traditional artefacts includes carvings, implements for hunting and gathering. Ideal for schools. / Zillmere Library
Cnr Jennings Street and Zillmere Road, Zillmere / Wednesday 10 July / 11am - 12 noon / Contact Brisbane City Council on
(07) 3403 8888
Northside NAIDOC in Zillmere (hosted by Koobara Kindergarten)
Come along and enjoy the Northside NAIDOC celebrations. Entertainment includes a live band, traditional dance and contemporary performances. There will be a sausage sizzle, information stalls, children's play area and arts and craft items for sale, including Golden Day Dance demonstrations to get you ready for the Golden Day event at State Library of Queensland. / Koobara Kindergarten
421 Beams Road
Taigum / Thursday 11 July / 10am - 3pm / Contact Julian Hunt on (07) 3865 4044 or 0434 497 695 or Patricia Kennedy 0408 472 385
Cultural day at Bracken Ridge High School
Come along and join our school in celebrating NAIDOC. Events include displays, guest speakers and country songs and dances. Wheelchair access. / 68 Barfoot Street
Bracken Ridge / Friday 12 July / 9 - 11am / Contact Jeff Hennessey, Principal on (07) 3869 7222
Cultural Talks
A presentation by Gwenda Stanley on Aboriginal culture, includes traditional songs, music and dance performance with audience participation. Learn about Aboriginal dance regalia and body paint. / Zillmere Library
Cnr Jennings Street and
Zillmere Road
Zillmere / Friday 12 July / 11am - 12 noon / Contact Brisbane City Council on (07) 34038888
NAIDOC Musgrave Park Family Fun Day
Come and celebrate South East Queensland's largest NAIDOC festival. The Musgrave Park Family Fun Day is the largest celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture during national NAIDOC Week. Come and enjoy the free activities for the children including show rides, face painting, show bags and heaps of other free activities and giveaways. / Musgrave Park
Cordelia Street
South Brisbane / Friday 12 July / 9am - 5pm / Contact Albert and Talitha Bowie on 0478 789 386 or email
Golden Days
Music is in the heart and soul of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. It is in our stories, our songs and our dances. Come and experience a wide mix of music makers, take part in a range of dance classes and be sure to dress your best for the final dance of the evening on the Queensland Terrace, remembering those Golden Days of dancing in style. / State Library of Queensland / Saturday 13 July / 3 - 9pm / Cost: Free, bookings required.
Contact (07) 3840 7768 or to make a bookings go to slq.eventbrite.com
Celebrating Black History Month - includes Black Drum Arts and Cultural Markets
Are you looking for an authentic Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander experience? Come and meet local artists and craftspeople. Buy authentic arts and crafts. Performances by Aboriginal dance group Wirdi Binbi. / Queen Street Mall
Brisbane / Wednesday 17 July / Markets 11am - 2pm
Traditional dance program 12 noon - 1pm / Contact Nancy Bamaga at Nguin Warrup Ltd on 0412 885 501
Bangarra Dance Theatre’s Blak
Bangarra Dance Theatre breaks the silence with an exciting, physically dynamic production Blak; exploding with stories about a contemporary clan and the collision of two worlds. Artistic Director Stephen Page and dancer/choreographer Daniel Riley McKinley peel back the layers, crossing the worlds of old and modern, exposing our universal yearning for spiritual connection. Bangarra invites you to experience Blak and celebrate the world's oldest living culture. For the first time, the soundscape of award-winning composer David Page will be fused with the electronic sounds of Paul Mac, both legends in creating cutting edge Australian music. / Playhouse, QPAC
South Bank
Queensland / Thursday 18 – Saturday 27 July / 7.30pm / Contact qtix on 136 246 or go to
Ellen Grove NAIDOC in the Park
Come along to the Ellen Grove NAIDOC Family Fun Day. There will be traditional dancers performing on the day, performances, entertainment and children’s rides and activities. / Carole Park Community Park
South Hampton Road / Saturday 20 July / 10am - 3pm / Contact Cheryl Russell at Community Action in Carole Park Inc (07) 3271 3592 or
The Mabo Oration 2013
Aboriginal Sovereignty - Redefining native title as the inalienable right to hold and develop our lands, territories and resources. Join speaker Les Malezer, co-chair of the National Congress of Australia's First People, to pay tribute to the work of Eddie Mabo and examine current issues facing Australia's First Nations' Peoples. The Mabo Oration 2013 will also include commentary by Frank Brennan and a performance by Brisbane local and Triple J Unearthed artist Thelma Plum. / Playhouse, QPAC
South Bank
Brisbane / Sunday 21 July / 5pm / Contact qtix on 136 246 or go to
The Native Bee and Other Stories
Join ANTaR Qld this Black History Month at the Mount Cootha Botanic Gardens as we walk and talk about Queensland Aboriginal culture. Join us for a morning walk with Danny Doyle, bush-tucker guide and nature yarn facilitator and an afternoon with Senior Dauwa Kabi woman, Colleen Wall. Colleen, will talk with us about some of the Story Lines that are important to her family and her writing of this important issue. This fascinating and informative discussion will explore the rich cultural history of Aboriginal Queenslanders and the significance of this heritage in today's world. / Richard Randall Art Studio
Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Mt Coot-tha / Sunday 21 July / Bush Tucker Guided Walk : 10.30am – 12 noon
Story Line Talk : 2 - 4pm / Cost: gold coin donation
Booking : or (07) 3844 9800
Celebrating Black History Month
Yulu Burri Ba Dancers presents the songs and dance of Minjerribah and then let your mind sail away to Boigu Island, Torres Strait and listen to the stirring sounds of Malu Kiai and Mura Buai. / Queen Street Mall
Brisbane / Wednesday 24 July / 12 noon - 1pm / Contact Nancy Bamaga on 0412 885 501