Laura Dance and Cultural Festival promotes respect and recognition

Hundreds of visitors from throughout Queensland, interstate and overseas are expected to attend the 17th biannual Laura Dance and Cultural Festival, which will be officially opened today.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Minister Warren Pitt will open the three-day celebration of Aboriginal culture and history in the Cape York Peninsula town of Laura.

Mr Pitt said the theme of this year’s festival was ‘Respect and Recognition’ – something that needed to begin in the home and in the heart of each Australian, and permeate out from there.

“I have made a commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders to help sustain their heritage, reaffirm their culture and strive to ensure they enjoy the same quality of life as any other Queenslander.

“I acknowledge that a great deal of work remains to be done in this regard. However, I believe we have made significant progress in building stronger Indigenous communities and families.”

This year’s festival, from Friday 22 June to Sunday 24 June, will involve a range of activities including story-telling with community elders, weaving workshops, film festivals and traditional dance performances.

“The Laura Dance and Cultural Festival provides communities across Cape York the chance to come together and celebrate their culture and their spirit at a sacred site steeped in Aboriginal history,” Mr Pitt said.

“This festival also welcomes visitors from throughout Australia and around the world and invites them to experience true Indigenous culture and hospitality.”

Mr Pitt said the Queensland Government was pleased to support the Laura Dance and Cultural Festival, as was the Department of Communities, which contributed $50,000 this year.

“Laura, with its population of around 100, regularly throws its arms open to hundreds of visitors welcoming them and extending the friendship and generosity of this region,” Mr Pitt said.

“For those unable to make it to this year’s festival I would encourage them to mark the 2009 event in their calendars so they don’t miss a unique and truly Australian experience."

Media Contact: Joe Begley 3235 4280; 0408 701 379