First Nations Initiatives

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Our Highlights

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In 2023 and 2024, 609 First Nations artists were featured across the Trails, making up 51% of all programmed artists.

02

In 2024, contracts with First Nations artists and arts workers totaled more than $470,000.

03

In 2024, over $200,000 was awarded to 52 First Nations-owned businesses.

 

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In 2024, Trail events were hosted across 25 Indigenous Countries.

 

Case Studies

Case Study

Qld Music Trails
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Case Study

Yarrabah Music & Cultural Festival
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Case Study

The Mount Isa Blast
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Indigenous Australian Advisory Committee

The QMF Indigenous Australian Advisory Committee (IAAC) plays a vital role in shaping the organisation’s vision, ensuring First Nations perspectives are at the heart of our mission. By providing cultural guidance and strategic advice, the IAAC strengthens QMF’s commitment to illuminating Queensland’s rich cultural identity. Together, we are driving a movement that unites cities, towns, and remote communities to create an iconic, globally recognised music tourism experience that celebrates the depth and diversity of Queensland’s First Nations cultures.

The Team

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Angela Barney-Leitch

Chair

With over 30 years of experience spanning State and Federal Governments, the tertiary sector, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-based organisations, Angela, a proud Woppaburra woman, brings invaluable insight and leadership to the Indigenous Australians Advisory Committee. Her extensive background in policy and strategy, coupled with her role as a Land Trustee and Native Title Holder, ensures a robust and culturally sensitive approach to QMF's initiatives as a Board Member and Chair of the IAAC.

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Rhonda Appo

Member

Rhonda has been a core member of the QTIC team since 2013 when she was employed to coordinate the QTIC Indigenous Employer Champions Network. Since then, Rhonda has continued to advocate for and drive Indigenous engagement across the tourism industry. As a proud Mamu woman, Rhonda applies her skills and knowledge to supporting tourism operators and driving change and influence across the sector. Rhonda’s passion runs deep, and she was instrumental in instigating and continuing to support the Indigenous Employee Networks, the on-going development of the Champions Network and advocating for the Year of Indigenous Tourism.

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Rochelle Pitt-Watson RN

Member

With over 30 years of nursing experience and a Master of Indigenous Business Leadership, Rochelle, a Butchulla, Kalkadoon, Wirri, and Kokoberra woman, is a passionate advocate for improving health outcomes and experiences for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Her expertise in health management and advocacy, coupled with her cultural values and perspectives, ensures a holistic approach to our projects. Rochelle's background as a performer and singer herself adds a unique depth of knowledge to our collaboration, strengthening our ability to work effectively with artists.

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Simon Carmichael

Member

Simon has extensive public art industry experience working with First Nations artists and communities to deliver outcomes in the public realm on a national and international scale.  He is deeply interested in the power of storytelling and is driven to work on projects that recognise First Nations peoples' culture and connections.  Simon presently works as a Senior Associate of Public Art at Blaklash Creative. Throughout his diverse career, he has specialised in cultural design and creative production, engagement and consultation, construction, Indigenous employment and community-centred projects. Simon currently serves on the ArtsACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art space reference group for the Kingston Arts Precinct (Canberra).

Leesa Watego

Member

As a trailblazer in Indigenous business development, Leesa empowers communities and fosters economic opportunities within the Indigenous business sector. With her extensive experience in strategy development and community empowerment, Leesa brings a wealth of knowledge to the IAAC, driving initiatives that promote Indigenous entrepreneurship and innovation.

News

QLD Music Trails Launches MobTix Initiative to Support First Nations Access

Queensland Music Festival (QMF) is proud to introduce MobTix, a new initiative making QLD Music Trails events more accessible to First Nations communities.

By offering complimentary or discounted tickets, MobTix is breaking down financial barriers and creating opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, as well as Māori, Pasifika, and our Global First Nations friends, to experience and connect through live performance. MobTix is available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from Australia, as well as Māori, Pasifika, and First Nations people from other countries.

The MobTix initiative is about more than just access—it’s about recognition, inclusion, and ensuring First Nations voices, stories, and audiences are at the heart of everything we do.

Explore MobTix
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Dream Aloud: A Celebration of First Nations Contemporary Music and Culture

Dream Aloud, a new addition to QLD Music Trails – The Tropics 2024 program, celebrated First Nations contemporary music and was co-curated by Shine On Gimuy Artistic Director, Rhoda Roberts AO. Held in Gimuy / Cairns on 5 October 2024, the event brought together a mix of talented First Nations artists, offering a platform for both established and emerging acts. Attendees enjoyed a diverse lineup featuring Baker Boy, King Stingray, Bumpy, and more, spanning hip hop, soul, blues, and pop genres. Reflecting the deep cultural connections of the event, both Baker Boy and King Stingray also participated in the Calling Country Ceremony on 3 October, as part of the Shine On Gimuy Festival.

Explore Dream Aloud
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Get Involved

Are you a Traditional Owner or First Nations business wanting to work with QMF: QLD Music Trails? Reach out to our team today!

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