INDIGENOUS FESTIVAL CELEBRATES 30TH ANNIVERSARY

The culturally rich landscape of Laura in Far North Queensland will be the setting for one of Australia’s most well-established and vibrant cultural festivals this weekend.

Acting Minister for the Arts Margaret Keech said the 17th Laura Aboriginal Dance and Cultural Festival, which begins today (22 June) and runs until Sunday 24 June, was a celebration of Indigenous arts, country and people.

“The bi-annual Laura Festival is a glorious event for the Cape York community and, with its focus on cultural heritage, it is an important tool in fostering a sense of community spirit, well-being and pride,” Ms Keech said.

“In 2007, the Laura Festival marks its 30^th anniversary in Cape York and is believed to be the longest running continual Aboriginal cultural festival in Australia.

“The Festival’s longevity and its strong commitment to family, tradition and ceremony play a vital role in showcasing Indigenous culture to the wider community.”

Ms Keech said the Laura Festival received State Government funding of $170,000 from the Department of Education Training and the Arts, the Department of Local Government, Planning and Sport and the Department of Communities.

Performers and artists from Cape York and Gulf communities travel to the Festival to perform traditional dance, music and song and to display traditional arts and crafts. Cape York Arts Awards for Indigenous artists are given to the best artwork, runner-up and to an emerging artist.

The Laura region is home to some of the most significant Aboriginal rock art in the world, some dating back over 13,000 years, and festival-goers will have an opportunity to participate in rock art tours.

Contributing to the family atmosphere, visitors camp on site and are encouraged to bring guest books for others to sign.

The 2005 Laura Festival attracted around 5000 people, of whom 3000 were from the Cape communities. The Festival received the Encouragement Award, Premier’s Award for Reconciliation in the 2005 Queensland Reconciliation Awards for Business.

The Laura Festival is hosted by the Traditional Owners, the town of Laura and the Quinkan and Regional Cultural Centre.

Media contact: Emma Clarey 3237 1000 or 0417 791 336