Ipswich is set to 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, this year marks the festival’s debut in Ipswich.
Councillor Pye Augustine, Chairperson of the Economic and Cultural Development Committee, expressed her enthusiasm about the event’s relocation. The festival, produced by We Care Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders for Aged and Disabled Associated Incorporated, a Redbank Plains-based business, brings a significant cultural event to Ipswich for the first time.
“Previously held outside of Ipswich, the festival is produced by an Ipswich-based Indigenous business,” said Cr Augustine. “The event organisers are enthusiastic about relocating the event to Ipswich for its fifth year, aligning strongly with our event attraction goals.”
Ipswich City Council has agreed to provide $21,500 in financial support for the one-day event, which will feature traditional performances, workshops, ceremonies, and cooking demonstrations.
“This event will feature in the Galvanised – Festival of Heritage program, attracting more than 4,500 attendees and offering a unique opportunity for patrons to engage, learn, and participate in First Nations culture,” Cr Augustine noted. “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.”
The council sees the festival as a perfect fit for Ipswich’s festivals line-up. Both the event organisers and the council hope it will become an annual fixture in the city.
As part of the support, the council will conduct an independent study to gather data-driven information and feedback, a standard practice for council-supported and sponsored events.
In previous years, the council produced Culture on Country at Hardings Paddock as part of Galvanised’s First Nations programming. However, the council now seeks a First Nations-led event.
“The heritage of what’s going to happen stems back 65,000 years, and the learnings and participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture will be great for the city,” Cr Augustine added. “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.”
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