Project Overview
Queensland University of Technology (QUT) has been a longstanding and highly valued corporate partner of QMF, with a deep history of supporting the Yarrabah Music and Cultural Festival. In 2025, the Yarrabah Music and Cultural Festival transitioned to being exclusively First Nations-led and First Nations delivered, a direction QMF has long supported and worked towards. In response to this milestone, QUT demonstrated their unwavering commitment to community impact by redirecting their investment to support Dream Aloud. Importantly, they were clear that their support should continue to benefit the Yarrabah community, maintaining the strong relationship that has been built over many years.
This shared commitment shaped a focused partnership approach for Dream Aloud, ensuring that Yarrabah voices, participation, and cultural presence remained central. With QUT’s support, QMF was able to provide two complimentary bus services and more than 200 free tickets specifically for Yarrabah residents. This investment in accessibility resulted in strong community attendance and ensured meaningful participation from families, young people, Elders, and community leaders who have been integral to the legacy of the Yarrabah Music and Cultural Festival. The event also showcased the remarkable depth of Yarrabah talent and cultural expression, featuring a high-energy performance by local rapper Normey Jay, a powerful dance presentation by Buuri Guuman Irribamuu (One Fire from Yarrabah), and a beautifully curated pop-up gallery by the Yarrabah Arts and Cultural Precinct, where audiences could purchase the community’s renowned pottery, alongside vibrant paintings, textiles, and locally crafted clothing.
Beyond the practical support, the partnership allowed both organisations to uphold the spirit of connection, respect, and continuity that has defined their work in Yarrabah. It gave QUT a continued pathway to engage authentically with community members and reaffirm its long-term commitment to supporting First Nations cultural expression and creative opportunity. For QMF, it ensured that Dream Aloud continued to strengthen relationships and honour the communities that have shaped the festival’s story.
Together, QMF and QUT delivered an outcome that not only elevated Dream Aloud, but also ensured the Yarrabah community remained at the heart of the experience, continuing a partnership grounded in respect, collaboration, and shared purpose.’