Organisers of the Gulf Country Frontier Days Festival and Australia’s first Indigenous Rodeo have thanked the many people who helped pull the event together.
The festival took place in Burketown last weekend after needing a last minute move from Doomadgee and managing directors of the Gulf Country Frontier Days Festival, Amy and Alec Doomadgee thanked all of those who supported them in bringing their dream and festival to life.
“This being our first year, in a remote community, a venue change a week out, limited resources and extremely limited staff and volunteers, meant that we had many expected and unexpected obstacles, somehow we pulled through.” the Doomadgees said.
“Our small, put incredible team pushed hard and dealt with each situation as best they could. We couldn’t ask for anything more.”
They said they had “had a big team of TWO (sometimes two and half)” people working on our event, only a couple of months out.
“We then had a small but amazing group of people, who came on board during the week pre festival - they went above and beyond to help make our dream a reality,” they said.
“We would like to thank (many) people, from the bottom of our hearts, for your love, support and belief in us and our vision.
We would like to thank people from the bottom of our hearts
- The Doomadgees
Firstly, they thanked the Gangalidda / Garawa PBC Chairman Murrandoo Yanner and the Gangalidda people, for allowing us to run our event on their tribal lands.
“They welcomed us with open arms and supported the event, wholeheartedly,” they said.
“Without their full support, our Festival would not have been possible.
They thanked the frontline team: Teresa O’Brien, Ruby O’Brien, Nick and Vic – Clear Shot Media, Danielle Van Der Spoel, Dallas Steele, Megan Meade, Glenda Booth, Tonya Murray, Noreen George, Zachariah Doomadgee, Monique Montfroy, Bailey Doomadgee, Joyleen Lange, Vivian Fuchs, Roxanne Brown, Katie Symes, Fred Leone, Kate Connell, Shane & Jasmine – Hungry Possum and Wylie Miller.
They thanked the backline team, Natalie Flecker / Mount Isa Rotary Mines Rodeo Committee, Bridget, Darren, Dakota & Brumby Brandenburg, Darryl Chong, Claude Porch, Martin Pettifer and his crew at Big Screens, DW Sound, Stephen Mowbray, Peter O’Keefe, Peter Clarke and Burke Shire Council.
Sponsors: Waanyi PBC, Goodidja Productions, The Gulf Trust, Peter Cooling Transport, MMG, TEQ, Mount Isa Rotary Mines Rodeo, SB Partners & Burke Shire Council.
“And finally to the rodeo competitors, dancers, our special guest Pow Wow Dancers and all of the incredibly talented artists who performed at the first ever Gulf Country Frontier Days Festival,” they said.
“Your heart and contributions will not be forgotten. Also a huge shout out to all of those who attended the first ever Gulf Country Frontier Days Festival. Without you, we wouldn’t have an event.
“We have big plans for 2018.
“We look forward to sharing more with you all soon.”