Council brings indigenous Wild Food & Cultural festival to Ipswich for first time
29 July 2024
Ipswich will host the Indigenous Wild Food & Cultural Festival on Saturday 31 August at the Ipswich Turf Club after being staged in Brisbane for its first four years.
Economic and Cultural Development Committee Chairperson Councillor Pye Augustine said she was excited Redbank Plains-based business We Care Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders for Aged and Disabled Associated Incorporated will bring its event to the city for the first time.
“Previously held outside of Ipswich, the festival is produced by an Ipswich-based Indigenous business,” Cr Augustine said.
“The event organisers are enthusiastic about relocating the event to Ipswich for the fifth year of the event, and for Ipswich City Council it aligns strongly with our event attraction goals.”
Council agreed at its Ordinary Meeting on 25 July to provide $21,500 in financial support for the one-day event, which features traditional performances, workshops, ceremonies, and cooking demonstrations.
“This event will feature in the Galvanized – Festival of Heritage program. This established event attracts more than 4,500 attendees and offers a unique opportunity for patrons to engage, learn and participate in First Nations culture,” Cr Augustine said.
“The event aims to enhance connections between all peoples and the land through traditional performances, workshops, ceremony, and cooking demonstrations of wild and traditional foods.
“We had identified it as an event that would be a perfect fit for Ipswich and our festivals line-up. Both parties are happy with the venue and hopefully it will be held here annually.”
Cr Augustine said council will conduct an independent study, which is usual for council supported and sponsored events, seeking data-driven information and feedback.
In previous years, council had produced Culture on Country at Hardings Paddock as part of
Galvanized’s First Nations programming, however, going forward it sought a First Nations-led event.
“I am pleased to have this event as part of Galvanized Festival of Heritage program. It is great to see an event that has been operating for four years in Brisbane relocate to Ipswich,” Cr Augustine said.
“The heritage of what’s going to happen stems back 65,000 years and the learnings and the participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture will be great for the city.
“Unique to Queensland, an opportunity exists for the Indigenous Wild Food & Cultural Festival to find a permanent home in Ipswich, showcasing the cultural inclusivity and versatility of the city as a leading lifestyle, cultural and event destination.”