CHILDREN embraced their Mununjali culture and Australia heard about the exciting things happening in Beaudesert at 2024 Mununjali NAIDOC Day.
More than 20 ‘jarjums’, which means children in local language, shared traditional dances at the major annual event.
Event organiser Robbie Antcliff said it was exciting to see.
“A major highlight for me was the number of jarjums who got up to dance. Last year we only had eight and this year we had 22. That was something we wanted to grow,” she said.
“That was through JJ (Jabu Jabuny) Club and during the holiday program they ran lessons, so whoever didn’t attend JJ Club was able to learn and be included on the day.
“Stacie Fogarty, Jarred Fogarty, Amy Blow and Kane Willis taught the dances, that passing on of knowledge from emerging leaders to children.
“All the costumes were made by the aunties, including Michelle Fogarty, Janis Page and Elizabeth Blow. Every NAIDOC the Aunties get together and help us make the costumes in the holiday program, at the women’s group or in their own time.”
Beaudesert’s Jubilee Park was filled with a strong crowd from before 9am for the smoking ceremony, Welcome to Country and traditional dances by the jarjums, Mununjali Ngari and also Torres Strait Islander group, Bowie Solutions.
There was live music from Brad Currie and Kiara Hill, kids’ entertainment from Nana Magic, an art tent with Uncle Derek Fogarty, free kids rides and activities all day and plenty of stalls.
Robbie said another highlight was having community radio station Murri Country (98.9FM), led by CEO Bob Smith who was raised on Mununjali Country, broadcast from the event.
“First Nations business owners and groups had a yarn live on radio. Germaine Paulson and Sharne Iselin talked about men’s group and what it means to the community,” she said.
“It gave Australia information about the kinds of things we’re doing on Mununjali country.”
She said it was a great day for all.
“I think it gives Beaudesert a sense of being involved with our culture. We invite everyone to come along, we have activities so that people can participate regardless of their own culture, making sure our event is inclusive to all people in the community,” she said.
