Redland City Council will host its first ‘Let’s Listen, Let’s Yarn’ Speakers Forum on Saturday 22 August as part of the inaugural Quandamooka Festival celebrations.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the day, to be held from 11am at the Learning Centre in Dunwich, would focus on Aboriginal arts, heritage and storytelling in three sessions with noted panellists and local experts.
“The Let’s Listen, Let’s Yarn Speaker Forums are an opportunity to bring people together in diverse discussions about Aboriginal culture and issues – they are for the whole community, open to all and everyone is welcome,” Cr Williams said.
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“The first forum at 11am ‘Art- yes it is my story’ will be anchored by noted artist Avril Quaill with fellow artists Craig Tapp, Megan Cope and Judy Watson adding their knowledge to the discussion about the processes, challenges and identity of Aboriginal art.
“Each of these artists has received national and international acclaim for their works and brings a wealth of experience to the interactive discussion.
“For those wanting to learn about North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah’s history, the 1pm forum ‘Aunties Yarnin’, will be a rare opportunity to listen to Quandamooka Elders Aunty Rose Borey, Aunty Margaret Iselin and Aunty Dorothy Dart sharing their personal stories about growing up on the island.
“It will be a special experience and a highlight of the event, hearing firsthand stories that can’t be found in books because they belong to the Aunties.
“The afternoon’s 3pm ‘Tellin’ Our Stories Our Way’ forum will be hosted by ABC Radio Presenter Rhianna Patrick, who will be joined by author and activist Dr Jackie Huggins AM, author Bernice Fischer and performer and educator Nadine McDonald-Dowd in a discussion about writing and sharing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories.”
People are welcome to join one or all of the day’s forums, with general community admittance on a first come, first seated basis.
The Learning Centre is located at the corner of Welsby Street and Mitchell Crescent, Dunwich, North Stradbroke Island.
A second day of ‘Let’s Listen, Let’s Yarn’ forums, covering sports, politics and performing arts will be held on Saturday 12 September with panellists including Uncle Bob Anderson, Che Cockatoo-Collins, Minister Leeanne Enoch MP, Redland City Mayor Karen Williams, Kelly McKellar-Nathan, Dorinda Stone, Kaleenah Edwards and ABC Presenter Nance Haxton.
Please note that these panels are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances, including cultural observances. For details and updates, visit Council’s ‘What’s On’ calendar or download the Let’s Listen, Let’s Yarn Day One Speakers Program.
