The 2025 Quandamooka Festival has closed on Minjerribah following its largest gathering to date.
Featured alongside the festival was the grand opening of the QUAMPI Arts & Culture Centre.
Thousands travelled from the mainland for the three-day event, which featured more than 100 traditional dancers, workshops, markets, children's activities and live performances from artists including Emily Wurramara, Fred Leone, Jungaji, Roger Knox and Joe Geia.
Other highlights included comedy from MC Sean Choolburra and stand-out performances from Quandamooka musicians Sachem and Nix, with Sachem sharing the stage with younger community members.
Audiences also enjoyed new music from Georgia Corowa's band and reggae-inspired sets from Birren, a young Goodjingburra/Bundjalung group.
Public forums and panels were also held, including a discussion with former Bangarra Dance Theatre artistic director Stephen Page about his production Baleen Moondjan (Whale Story), and a First Nations tourism panel facilitated by Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC) chief executive officer, Cameron Costello.
Mr Costello said the festival was an important gathering for both community and visitors.
"The Quandamooka Festival was a huge success, a celebration of Country, culture and people for the community and visitors," he said.
"An iconic event, the Festival generated good sales for local businesses and artists.
"The opening of QUAMPI Arts & Culture Centre, our new partnership with Queensland Music Festival, and the gathering of First Nations performers and artists from around SEQ, provided an opportunity for experiencing cultural and artistic excellence."
Mr Costello added the weekend also helped spark conversations about the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Games.
"It was also a catalyst for important conversations about future collaborations with community, industry and government to activate and realise opportunities for the Cultural Olympiad and Brisbane 2032," he said.
SeaLink reported passenger ferry numbers were up 70 per cent compared to a usual weekend, noting the boost in tourism and community engagement.
QUAMPI Exhibition – Foreground artwork: "Nariba Djamul Bambara (My Grandmother's Path)" By Kieron Anderson & Carol McGregor. (Image: Nikki Michail)
Inside QUAMPI, visitors toured the inaugural exhibition ngaliya ngajagu wagari (ours to carry), showcasing more than 40 artefacts and artworks, including pieces by Oodgeroo Noonuccal (Kath Walker) and new works by Quandamooka artists.
Tours with curator Avril Quaill and artist Kieron Anderson gave insight into the cultural and creative significance of the works on display.
Quandamooka Festival will return in 2026, with dates yet to be announced.
