First Nations Initiatives

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At QMF, we are committed to meaningful First Nations engagement, placing culture at the heart of everything we do. We work alongside Traditional Owners, Elders, artists, businesses, and communities to deliver events that honour Country, celebrate First Nations storytelling, and create long-lasting opportunities. Our partnerships go beyond performances - they support cultural knowledge-sharing, economic development, professional development, and career pathways for First Nations artists and arts workers. Whether you are a funder, corporate partner, or industry stakeholder, we invite you to walk with us in amplifying First Nations voices across Queensland.

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Our Highlights

01

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, arts workers and suppliers totalled more than $670,000 in value.

03

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

 

04

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

 

Case Studies

Case Study

Yarrabah Music & Cultural Festival
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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

IAAC Headshots
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 Carmichael is of the Ngugi people, one of three clans who are the Traditional Custodians of Quandamooka Country, which comprises the waters and lands of and around Mulgumpin (Moreton Island) and Minjerribah (Stradbroke Island) in South-East Queensland. As a multi-disciplinary creative professional, Simon has a diverse background managing public art, design and creative production, artwork fabrication, event programming and community-led projects. His approach to collaborations blends creativity, cultural perspectives, and strategic planning to deliver impactful outcomes. Simon is Artistic Director at the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation. He presently serves on the ArtsACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Space Reference Group for the Kingston Arts Precinct in Canberra. With extensive experience working alongside First Nations artists, he has had the honour of supporting artists in bringing their visions to life on the national and international stage. Simon is deeply passionate about the power of storytelling and is driven to work on projects that amplify First Nations voices and cultural expression.

 

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Leesa Watego AM

Member

Born in Brisbane and raised in a large Aboriginal and South Sea Islander family, Leesa began volunteering in community roles from a young age. A business owner driven by curiosity and innovation, she understands the power of micro-businesses and the challenges of being first in family to run one. A long-time volunteer with SEQICC, Leesa helped create Black Coffee, a national Indigenous business networking platform. She led the Meeanjin Markets for the 2018 Commonwealth Games, generating $1m+ for local businesses. She’s a co-founder of Indigenous Business Month and continues to champion the sector through projects and advisory roles. Leesa continues to support the Indigenous business sector through representation on various committees and reference groups.

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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