Festival Events
A full program of events will span our three Brisbane campuses and online to ensure that everyone in our UQ community can share in the celebration of this year's UQ NAIDOC Festival. From research highlights, to arts and crafts workshops, panel discussion and life performances, there is truly something for everyone in this year's festival.
COVID Safe Events
All events and spaces are operating in line with current guidelines. We ask that you please practice social distancing at all times.
You may attend an event or activity at a UQ location providing:
- Have not been in close contact with an active COVID-19 case and are required to quarantine
- You are feeling well and have not had a fever, cough, sore throat, headache, distorted sense of taste, shortness of breath, chills, vomiting or any cold/flu like symptoms within the last 24 hours.
Main Program
| Time | Session | Location | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12-1pm (Arrive from 11.30am) |
Official Opening
| Great Court Main Stage | Register Now |
| 12-6pm |
Food and Market Stalls Food:
UQ Press:
UQ Shop:
Arts and Crafts:
| Great Court | Not Required |
Cultural Workshops
Due to COVID-19 restrictions registrations are essential as strict maximum capacities apply.
| Time | Session | Location | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1pm 2pm 3pm |
Weaving Workshop Workshops embedded with a unique cultural experience through sharing the skill of an ancient art and providing a safe yarning circle for all ages. Select from three available timeslots. | Great Court | Register Now |
| 2pm | Boomerang Throwing Workshop Nunukul Yuggera | Great Court Zone 3 | Limited capacity NO REGISTRATION Required for this workshop. Capacity will be controlled. |
3pm |
Bush Tucker: Lolly Making This cooking class will take you on a food journey, tantalising your imagination and taste buds. Australian native ingredients are powerful in flavour so you are in for a treat! Select from two available timeslots. | Great Court Zone 3 | Register Now |
| 1pm 2pm |
Aboriginal Art Workshop Get your creative juices flowing and join Jordana Angus for this Aboriginal Art Workshop. Select from two available timeslots. | Great Court | Register Now |
Learning and Knowledge
Due to COVID-19 restrictions registrations are essential as strict maximum capacities apply.
| Time | Session | Location | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1pm 2.30pm |
Anthropolgy Museum Tour Take a tour of UQ’s Anthropology Museum’s exhibition, Queensland Aboriginal Creations: Agency and Legacy, showcases over 150 works alongside archival documents from a fascinating point of the State’s history. Many of these works have never been exhibited before, having been drawn from the University’s own collection as well as objects from the Queensland Museum and private collections Agency and Legacy explores often overlooked art traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists in Queensland and the government policies that shaped their production and marketing. Including over 150 works representing communities across the state including the Torres Strait Islands, Kowanyama, Pormpuraaw, Mornington Island, Hope Vale, Cairns, Yarrabah, Cherbourg and Brisbane Select from two avialable timeslots. | Michie Building (9) | Register Now |
| 1-2pm |
Autonomy in the Torres Strait Islands The discussion of greater autonomy and regional independence has been an ongoing topic among Torres Strait Islander peoples for over 80 years, however, it became a broader discussion with the 1997 Greater Autonomy for Torres Strait Islanders report to the Australian House of Representatives. | Great Court Main Stage | Register Now |
| 2-3pm |
Panel Discussion In mid 2019, DATSIP, Queensland Government, announced it would review the QLD Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Heritage Acts and invited submissions. At UQ we (PVC IE office and School of Social Science) organised a community, practitioner and scholar’s forum as an opportunity to provide a space for discussion on this important matter. The Forum was a chance to offer the campus as a neutral space for debate on this sometimes contentious area, and thus as a resource for community, practitioners and scholars to come together and raise key issues, as well as an opportunity to connect Community, private and public bodies with scholars and academic expertise relevant to policy and practice. A UQ submission was made to the DATSIP Review of the Acts, which was informed by input from the Forum. How might UQ scholars be more prepared and available to undertake similar services to community and practitioners in the future? To what extent can events such as this Forum (necessarily reacting to external occurrences, ie the review) be planned in advance, or to what extent can UQ scholars be better prepared to put together such activities in response to current politics, policy announcements or other events? | Great Court Main Stage | Register Now |
Entertainment Program (3-6pm)
Experience local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performers rocking out the Great Court. Registrations are essentail and are for the full program.
If you can't make it, we will be live streaming our headline act, Chris Tamwoy, on the UQLife Facebook page.
| Time | Act |
|---|---|
| 3.30-4pm | Ben Barker
Ben Barker is a Original musician combining the Didgeridoo and Guitar simultaneously to create a truly Aboriginal Australian sound. With soulful voice, melodical guitar and haunting didgeridoo Ben Barker will bring story and life experience together to bring you something truly unique and Amazing. |
| 4-5pm |
Digi Youth Artists (DYA) are a not-for-profit arts organisation that shares the stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people. As a leading youth arts organisation, DYA creates change through artistic excellence, advocacy and ensuring young people are at the core of all that they do. As part of UQs NAIDOC Celebration Event, DYA Artists will present a collection of creative works working across movement and dance, music by The Ancient Bloods, and spoken word performances. |
| 5-6pm | Chris Tamwoy
Chris Tamwoy is an emerging Indigenous singer, songwriter and musician with both Eastern and Western Torres Strait Islander blood running through his veins. His distinctive guitar-tap style and vibrant personality see him in high-demand for gigs across Australia, the USA, ongoing media appearances and documentary features. In 2016 national TV audiences watched Chris make his way through to the grand finals of Australia’s Got Talent, and 2018 saw him on TV weekly as a judge on All Together Now. Having played some of Australia’s largest music festivals he often surprises crowds with sensational on-stage collaborations. He has also represented proudly at high profile events such as G’day USA Gala, Los Angeles and National Indigenous Music Awards where he was nominated 2016 Young Indigenous Musician of the Year. 2018 saw an inspired performance and Acknowledgement of Country and People at the Invictus Closing Ceremony, collaborating with Colin Hay, Aloe Blacc, Birds of Tokyo and many more talented musicians. Chris’ debut EP Ngaw Laag ‘My Home’ in 2015 was well received earning him the prestigious honour of National NAIDOC Youth of the Year. Chris was awarded Queensland Young Achiever of the Year in 2018. Over the last few years Chris has been rehearsing and recording his full album debut Reality Is set for release in 2020 which includes an inspiring collaboration with Christine Anu on Australian song classic Kulba Yaday for ABC Music. Dubbed a ‘guitar virtuoso’, this humble young man’s music, personality and vibe are unforgettable. |
Documentary Screening
Due to COVID-19 restrictions registrations are essential as strict maximum capacities apply.
| Time | Details | Location | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6-8pm | In My Blood it Runs
A critically acclaimed observational feature documentary told through the eyes of a 10 year old Arrente/Garrwa boy, Dujuan and his family revealing challenges Dujuan faces both in his school and on the streets of Alice Springs. The director, Maya has been making films alongside Arrente Elders and families at two Arrente-led NGO’s Akeyulerre and Children’s Ground for over a decade preceding the inception of this film. | Great Court | Register Now |
Tuesday 11 August
 |
12-1pm |
Official Opening
|
 |
2-3pm |
Panel Discussion In mid 2019, DATSIP, Queensland Government, announced it would review the QLD Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Heritage Acts and invited submissions. At UQ we (PVC IE office and School of Social Science) organised a community, practitioner and scholar’s forum as an opportunity to provide a space for discussion on this important matter. The Forum was a chance to offer the campus as a neutral space for debate on this sometimes contentious area, and thus as a resource for community, practitioners and scholars to come together and raise key issues, as well as an opportunity to connect Community, private and public bodies with scholars and academic expertise relevant to policy and practice. A UQ submission was made to the DATSIP Review of the Acts, which was informed by input from the Forum. How might UQ scholars be more prepared and available to undertake similar services to community and practitioners in the future? To what extent can events such as this Forum (necessarily reacting to external occurrences, ie the review) be planned in advance, or to what extent can UQ scholars be better prepared to put together such activities in response to current politics, policy announcements or other events? |
 |
5-6pm |
Chris Tamwoy
Chris Tamwoy is an emerging Indigenous singer, songwriter and musician with both Eastern and Western Torres Strait Islander blood running through his veins. His distinctive guitar-tap style and vibrant personality see him in high-demand for gigs across Australia, the USA, ongoing media appearances and documentary features. In 2016 national TV audiences watched Chris make his way through to the grand finals of Australia’s Got Talent, and 2018 saw him on TV weekly as a judge on All Together Now. Having played some of Australia’s largest music festivals he often surprises crowds with sensational on-stage collaborations. He has also represented proudly at high profile events such as G’day USA Gala, Los Angeles and National Indigenous Music Awards where he was nominated 2016 Young Indigenous Musician of the Year. 2018 saw an inspired performance and Acknowledgement of Country and People at the Invictus Closing Ceremony, collaborating with Colin Hay, Aloe Blacc, Birds of Tokyo and many more talented musicians. Chris’ debut EP Ngaw Laag ‘My Home’ in 2015 was well received earning him the prestigious honour of National NAIDOC Youth of the Year. Chris was awarded Queensland Young Achiever of the Year in 2018. Over the last few years Chris has been rehearsing and recording his full album debut Reality Is set for release in 2020 which includes an inspiring collaboration with Christine Anu on Australian song classic Kulba Yaday for ABC Music. Dubbed a ‘guitar virtuoso’, this humble young man’s music, personality and vibe are unforgettable. |
Wednesday 12 August
 |
10am |
Virtual Tour of the Anthropology Museum Take a tour of UQ’s Anthropology Museum’s exhibition, Queensland Aboriginal Creations: Agency and Legacy, showcases over 150 works alongside archival documents from a fascinating point of the State’s history. Many of these works have never been exhibited before, having been drawn from the University’s own collection as well as objects from the Queensland Museum and private collections Agency and Legacy explores often overlooked art traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists in Queensland and the government policies that shaped their production and marketing. Including over 150 works representing communities across the state including the Torres Strait Islands, Kowanyama, Pormpuraaw, Mornington Island, Hope Vale, Cairns, Yarrabah, Cherbourg and Brisbane |
 |
11.30am-12.30pm |
The Next Generation of Indigenous Research Leaders Join the UQ Poche Centre for a virtual panel discussion with three of their Poche Scholarship holders. The UQ Poche Centre aims to support the next generation of Indigenous researchers and provides funding and support while completing higher degree by research. On the panel will be Lee Sheppard, Janet Stajic and Shea Spierings and we will hear about the amazing research being undertaken and where the research path is leading each of the students. The panel will be moderated by Professor James Ward, Director of the UQ Poche Centre. Professor Ward is a Pitjantjatjara and Narungga man, and a national leader in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research. He is currently the Director of the Poche Centre for Indigenous Health and Professor within the School of Public Health at the University of Queensland. |
 |
6-8pm |
Murri Trivia Night (hosted by Sandra Phillips) After the huge success of our first trivia night, Murri Trivia is back again! Join UQ ATSIS Unit and UQLife for a Live Trivia night via Zoom in celebration of the 2020 UQ NAIDOC Festival! The night will be hosted by Sandra Phillips and is open to everyone. Two rounds of trivia questions will be posed to groups of six via breakout rooms. Choose your own team or be randomly selected! (Teams to be selected upon registration) Make sure you arrive right on 6pm so you don't miss all the fun! Winning team members will receive a Reconciliation Artwork Pack. There are also prizes for Most Innovative Team Name and Best Dressed Team and Individual as judged by Professor Bronwyn Fredericks. Everyones a winner at our NAIDOC edition of Murri Trivia! Prizes: Winning Team: Each team member will receive a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Artwork Pack which includes a RAP notebook, lanyard, reusable coffee cup, water bottle and drawstring bag (valued at $91). Most Innovative Team Name: RAP Keep Cup Best Dressed Team: RAP Power Pack Best Dressed Individual: RAP Power Pack All Participants: RAP Lanyard! |
Thursday 13 August
 |
10am |
Bush Tucker Tour Take a virtual tour of UQ's Bush Tucker garden and learn about the rich cultural landscape with Alex Bond. Alex Bond strongly identifies as a member of the Kabi Kabi people of south-east Queensland, but also has descent links with the Waka Waka (Burnett River) and Kaanju (Cape York) and Kumu (Dirranbandi) peoples. He has an extensive knowledge base on Aboriginal culture and history in South-East Queensland. Alex is regularly employed at the Aboriginal Environments Research Centre (University of Queensland) for community-oriented projects. He is also a casual tutor and research assistant at the Centre and conducts guided tours of the Aboriginal cultural landscape in the Brisbane CBD for UQ students of anthropology, human geography and architecture. He has been conducting cultural landscape tours since 2011 and is passionate about sharing his cultural knowledge. In his spare time, Alex loves busking and playing his guitar. |
 |
12-1pm |
Always Was, Always Will Be Poetry Workshop with Anita Heiss Join author Anita Heiss as she runs an online poetry workshop celebrating this year’s NAIDOC theme, Always Was, Always Will Be. All done via zoom, the hour will be spent brainstorming the theme, writing your own words, sharing your poetry, hearing of poetry recommendations, and generally being creative and inspired. |
Friday 14 August
 |
12pm |
CHABOO Art Workshop Chaboo is a Brisbane based Aboriginal owned small business that specialises in unique hand painted Aboriginal home decor art. Chaboo offers customised orders, graphic design, and murals decorated with Aboriginal art. Chaboo has also designed the 2019-2022 UQ Reconciliation Action Plan artwork. |
 |
6-8pm |
In My Blood it Runs A critically acclaimed observational feature documentary told through the eyes of a 10 year old Arrente/Garrwa boy, Dujuan and his family revealing challenges Dujuan faces both in his school and on the streets of Alice Springs. The director, Maya has been making films alongside Arrente Elders and families at two Arrente-led NGO’s Akeyulerre and Children’s Ground for over a decade preceding the inception of this film. |
Saturday 15 August
 |
6pm |
Garret Lyon Garret Lyon is a Singer/Songwriter and Dancer from Rockhampton, Central Queensland. After graduating from the Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts in Brisbane, Garret performed around Australia, teaching music and dance in Indigenous communities, appeared in Move It Mob Style (NITV/ABC), Sang the National Anthem at the Indigenous NRL All Stars Game, worked with Bernard Fanning, Leah Purcell, Rhoda Roberts, Deborah Mailman and also stared as the lead role of Aladdin in Disney’s “Aladdin: The Musical” in Jakarta, Indonesia. In 2017 Garret relocated to Melbourne where he released his debut EP “Belong to You”. |
Central Walkway Program (10am-2pm)
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 10am-2pm |
Food and Market Stalls
|
| 12-1pm |
Official Opening Includes:
|
| 1pm |
Ben Barker
Ben Barker is a Original musician combining the Didgeridoo and Guitar simultaneously to create a truly Aboriginal Australian sound. With soulful voice, melodical guitar and haunting didgeridoo Ben Barker will bring story and life experience together to bring you something truly unique and Amazing. |
| 2pm | Event concludes |
Cultural Workshops
Due to COVID-19 restrictions registrations are essential as strict maximum capacities apply.
| Time | Session | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| 11am 1pm |
Weaving Workshop Workshops embedded with a unique cultural experience through sharing the skill of an ancient art and providing a safe yarning circle for all ages. Select from three available timeslots. |
Limited capactity Strictly 20 pax |
|
11am |
Bush Tucker Lollies Workshop This cooking class will take you on a food journey, tantalising your imagination and taste buds. Australian native ingredients are powerful in flavour so you are in for a treat! Select from two available timeslots. |
Limited capactity Strictly 20 pax |
| 1pm |
Aboriginal Art Workshop Get your creative juices flowing and join Jordana Angus for this Aboriginal Art Workshop. Select from two available timeslots. |
Limited capactity Strictly 20 pax |
| 1pm |
Boomerang Throwing Workshop |
Limited capacity NO REGISTRATION Required for this workshop. Capacity will be controlled. |
Near Cafe Dose Program (11am-1pm)
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 11am-1pm |
Food and Market Stalls
|
| 11am |
Official Opening Includes:
|
| 12pm |
Ben Barker
Ben Barker is a Original musician combining the Didgeridoo and Guitar simultaneously to create a truly Aboriginal Australian sound. With soulful voice, melodical guitar and haunting didgeridoo Ben Barker will bring story and life experience together to bring you something truly unique and Amazing. |
| 1pm | Event concludes |
Cultural Workshops
Due to COVID-19 restrictions registrations are essential as strict maximum capacities apply.
| Time | Session | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| 12pm |
Weaving Workshop Workshops embedded with a unique cultural experience through sharing the skill of an ancient art and providing a safe yarning circle for all ages. Select from three available timeslots. |
Limited capactity Strictly 20 pax |
|
12pm |
Bush Tucker Lollies Workshop This cooking class will take you on a food journey, tantalising your imagination and taste buds. Australian native ingredients are powerful in flavour so you are in for a treat! Select from two available timeslots. |
Limited capactity Strictly 20 pax |
| 12pm |
Aboriginal Art Workshop Get your creative juices flowing and join Jordana Angus for this Aboriginal Art Workshop. Select from two available timeslots. |
Limited capactity Strictly 20 pax |