THE Quandamooka Festival 2025 brought thousands of visitors to Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) over the weekend, coinciding with the public opening of the new QUAMPI Arts & Culture Centre.
Held at Deanbilla Bay, the two-day festival marked a milestone for First Nations culture, combining music, dance, storytelling and art in a powerful celebration led by the Nughi, Nunukul and Goenpul clans of the Quandamooka people.
Accessible via a short walk from the Dunwich ferry terminal, the festival attracted day-trippers from Brisbane and beyond, while also boosting cultural tourism to the Redlands Coast.
The program featured an impressive lineup of performers including Emily Wurramara, Roger Knox, Fred Leone, Joe Geia, Jungaji, Birren, Sachem and others, with crowds enjoying Kunjiel (corroboree), weaving workshops, markets and cultural activities.
At the heart of the event was the opening of QUAMPI, the first First Nations-owned and operated Arts & Culture Centre on Minjerribah.
Designed by COX Architects in collaboration with QYAC and QAGOMA, the centre has been created as a cultural landmark for the Quandamooka people, combining innovative architecture with deep cultural significance.
The inaugural exhibition, ngaliya ngajagu wagari (ours to carry), launched as part of the celebrations.
Drawing on artworks and cultural objects from Quandamooka artists, the Redland Art Gallery and QYAC’s heritage collection, the exhibition will run until February 2026 with free entry.
The event was delivered through a partnership between the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation and Queensland Music Festival, beginning a three-year commitment to showcase First Nations culture and creativity on Minjerribah.
