Naidoc Expo - Rockhampton

CQID participated in the NAIDOC march through the streets of Rockhampton, from the town hall across the river to the NAIDOC expo that was held at the cricket grounds.

We set up a stall promoting the Family Support Services and Recognised Entity service. Children enjoyed the popular activity of painting calico squares with pictures of what was important to them. By the end of the day more than 60 squares had been painted along with numerous faces and arms. These squares have been sewn together to create a healing rug. Traditionally women would sit together to paint and yarn. The squares of material would be sewn together and made into a patchwork quilt and given to a community member who may be experiencing a difficulty in their life, This was known as the healing rug.

People were also treated to a Kap-Mauri, which is a banquet of slowly roasted meats and vegetables, cooked in an underground oven. The meals proved to be a great hit with the crowd, who thoroughly enjoyed the traditional feast.

A traditional house called a Gunya, made of young saplings and the bark of a paperbark tree was constructed, to show how the ancestors lived. Young dancers also entertained the crowd by demonstrating the Kangaroo, Emu, Sea Eagle, Hunter and Watamaa dances. They were accompanied by Shea Taylor on the didgeridoo.

NAIDOC Ball

CQID sponsored two NAIDOC entrants which culminated in a Ball held on 2nd July 2011. Breannon Field and Priscilla Majid worked hard to fund raise and were judged on etiquette, presentation, manners, interpersonal skills, communication, interaction and knowledge of their family history. In recognition of the important role they play in the community, Elders were invited to a morning tea at CQID to meet the NAIDOC entrants. Breannon was partnered by Jarrod Keato and chose Auntie Ollie Donald as her elder. Priscilla was partnered by Lifou Thaiday and chose Aunty Ada Henaway as her elder. At the Ball, Priscilla was named Miss Personality. 

Breannon said that "the reason why I entered the NAIDOC Ball was to be more a part of the community, as I am not from here. I found it to be a good experience and I really enjoyed myself. It was also good for my family and work colleagues to see me dressed up. I would encourage other young Indigenous girls to enter the NAIDOC Ball in the future".

NAIDOC 2011