Celebrating the 10th Furneaux Islands Festival
Furneaux Islands Festival 2024 :: Reflect – Share – Celebrate
The Furneaux Islands Festival 2024 marks a significant milestone – ten years of a celebration that evolved from a quiet decision to rethink the concept of Australia Day.
Originally launched in 2014, the Furneaux Islands Festival is not just another event on the community calendar; it is a vibrant affirmation of the shared cultural history of the Furneaux Islands. It aims to foster a sense of awareness and pride in the unique aspects of island life.
Initiated by Flinders Council in collaboration with the Flinders Island Aboriginal Association, the festival has become a symbol of unity and cultural diversity, acknowledging the complex histories that define the island communities.
Flinders Island became part of a national conversation in 2013 when the Council decided to discontinue its traditional January 26 beach celebrations, a date often referred to as “Invasion Day” by many in the community, including Aboriginal residents, who make up over 16% of the island’s population. The decision led to mixed reactions but also paved the way for an alternative event focused on celebrating the island’s multicultural heritage.
During this time, local community members Judy Jacques and Sandro Donati curated an exhibition entitled ‘Celebrating the History of Music and Dance of the Furneaux Islands.’ The initial concept envisioned a live concert that would revisit and celebrate the musical heritage on display at the Furneaux Museum. This presented an opportunity to merge two significant events. The result was a community day filled with music, food, and celebrations, held for the first time on January 25, 2014.
The inaugural Furneaux Islands Festival emerged from this atmosphere of change, combining the island’s rich musical heritage with a commitment to community involvement.
When the Flinders Island Aboriginal Association Incorporated (FIAAI) joined the initiative, it was transformed into an annual three-day event. Maxine Roughley, FIAAI CEO, highlighted that “the island community has shown leadership in rethinking how Australia Day can be celebrated.”
While January 26th is kept free on the community calendar for community members to choose how they wish to spend it, the Furneaux Islands Festival offers an inclusive alternative, one that has grown significantly over the years and aims to embrace all members of the community.
As the nation grapples with the question of how to celebrate Australia Day, the Furneaux Islands Festival stands as an example of how local initiatives can lead the way.
Join us in 2024 for a festival that aims to reflect, share, and celebrate. Together, we’ll mark a decade of the Furneaux Islands Festival, building on its successes and looking forward to an even brighter future.
Festival Highlights for 2024
• Three days of celebration at various locations on Flinders Island, ensuring that the celebration is inclusive and accessible to all.
• From the Twilight Food Market Event to the Islander Portrait Prize, to the Community BBQ Day the festival will have something for everyone, encouraging active community participation.
• Special programs designed to engage youth, including outdoor activities and mentorship opportunities.
