GOONDOI CULTURAL
PROGRAMS

Coordinating and developing opportunities for the community

GOONDOI CULTURAL PROGRAMS

Coordinating and developing opportunities for the community

WELCOME TO GOONDOI

‘Goondoi’ is the Aboriginal word for the iconic cassowary bird.

WELCOME TO GOONDOI

‘Goondoi’ is the Aboriginal word for the iconic cassowary bird.

ABOUT US

Goondoi Arts Aboriginal Corporation, founded and run by Traditional Custodians, envisions a holistic approach to the social and economic development of Indigenous communities. We are dedicated to preserving our Country and culture by uniting as one voice, supporting community programs such as land and sea stewardship, and promoting First Nations arts and cultural activities.

Our mission is to maintain and strengthen our cultural connection to Country, empowering our people to stand tall and take pride in their identity, thereby enriching the future of our community.

We strive to preserve and expand our cultural connection to Country (land and sea), to enable our people to stand tall and be proud of who they are so they are able to contribute to enriching the future of their community.

We strive to preserve and expand our cultural connection to Country (land and sea), to enable our people to stand tall and be proud of who they are so they are able to contribute to enriching the future of their community.

OUR OBJECTIVES

Goondoi Arts Aboriginal Corporation is an organisation of Traditional Owners with a holistic vision for the social and economic development of Indigenous communities. We believe in the preservation of Country and culture by acting as ‘one voice’, and supporting community programs such as care of Country and the development of art and cultural activities and commercial development ventures.

MEASURABLE OUTCOMES

Identifying and implementing projects and programs that produce measurable outcomes in ‘closing the gap’

cultural engagement

Acting as a resource for the community and stakeholders in the areas of: arts, performance arts, language preservation and many more

COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION

Leading participation and maintenance of cultural engagement activities, community services and employment for the community

EMPLOYMENT PATHWAYS

Providing employment pathways and job opportunities within the community

CULTURE AND HISTORY

Enriching the lives of the broader community and visitors to our region by sharing our culture and history

Environmental wetlands

Fostering stronger connection to Country through conservation and restoration efforts

MEASURABLE OUTCOMES

Identifying and implementing projects that produce measurable outcomes in ‘closing the gap’

cultural engagement

Promoting cultural engagement by acting as a resource for the community and stakeholders in the areas of: arts, performance arts, language preservation, environment, health, employment and welfare

COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION

Leading participation and maintenance of cultural engagement activities, community services and employment for the community

EMPLOYMENT PATHWAYS

Providing employment pathways and job opportunities within the community

CULTURE AND HISTORY

Enriching the lives of the broader community and visitors to our region by sharing our culture and history

Environmental wetlands

Fostering stronger connection to Country through conservation and restoration efforts

GOONDOI PROJECTS

Many of our projects and programs centre around art in many forms, including dance and music, painting, sculpture, carving, weaving, and crafts, and media production. A central focus in this area is art exhibition and education and passing on knowledge from Elders. We aim to establish an arts facility on our existing land, adjacent to Radiant Life College, Innisfail. This facility will house an art gallery, exhibition space, workshops and studios for resident artists, educational areas, and administration offices. The facility will also allow for visitors to observe artists at work.

GOONDOI PROJECTS

Many of our projects and programs centre around art in many forms, including dance and music, painting, sculpture, carving, weaving, and crafts, and media production. A central focus in this area is art exhibition and education and passing on knowledge from Elders. We aim to establish an arts facility on our existing land, adjacent to Radiant Life College, Innisfail. This facility will house an art gallery, exhibition space, workshops and studios for resident artists, educational areas, and administration offices. The facility will also allow for visitors to observe artists at work.

Recent Blogs

Etty Bay Cultural Tours

Only 90min south of Cairns at the Etty Bay Cabins & Caravan Park are the Etty Bay Goondoi Cultural Tours, where visitors can join one- or two-hour walks in the area and on the beach.

Immerse yourself in the fascinating ancient culture of the region, hear the Dreamtime stories, and gain insight into the gathering and preparation of traditional bush foods. Discover the sounds of the clap sticks and the many techniques used to create the storytelling sounds.

All tours are guided by the Traditional Custodians of Etty Bay, so visitors can experience firsthand the rich cultural meaning of the region from those dedicated to protecting and honouring it.

Etty Bay Cultural Tours

Only 90min south of Cairns at the Etty Bay Cabins & Caravan Park are the Etty Bay Goondoi Cultural Tours, where visitors can join one- or two-hour walks in the area and on the beach.

Immerse yourself in the fascinating ancient culture of the region, hear the Dreamtime stories, and gain insight into the gathering and preparation of traditional bush foods. Discover the sounds of the clap sticks and the many techniques used to create the storytelling sounds.

All tours are guided by the Traditional Custodians of Etty Bay, so visitors can experience firsthand the rich cultural meaning of the region from those dedicated to protecting and honouring it.

RADIANT LIFE COLLEGE

Radiant Life College in Innisfail is an independent, non-denominational co-educational Christian college for primary and secondary school students. The school was formally established with the aim of focusing on Indigenous and disadvantaged families.

Cultural connection and development are a major component of the school’s ethos. Activities include dancing, cultural lessons, drama, music, sports, and weaving, as part of the school’s ‘Deadly Fridays’ program. A barbecue is also held at the end of the week and there is a ‘no phone Fridays’ philosophy.

Radiant Life College offers a caring environment for children as well as a free breakfast and lunch program.

The College was the brainchild of chairman Anthony Edwards and Principal Nathanael Edwards’ father, a banana worker who never gave up. His motto was to “be determined”.

Radiant Life College aims to foster a love of learning and train students to go on to join the workforce or pursue further education.

RADIANT LIFE COLLEGE

Radiant Life College in Innisfail is an independent, non-denominational co-educational Christian college for primary and secondary school students. The school was formally established with the aim of focusing on Indigenous and disadvantaged families.

Cultural connection and development are a major component of the school’s ethos. Activities include dancing, cultural lessons, drama, music, sports, and weaving, as part of the school’s ‘Deadly Fridays’ program. A barbecue is also held at the end of the week and there is a ‘no phone Fridays’ philosophy.

Radiant Life College offers a caring environment for children as well as a free breakfast and lunch program.

The College was the brainchild of chairman Anthony Edwards and Principal Nathanael Edwards’ father, a banana worker who never gave up. His motto was to “be determined”.

Radiant Life College aims to foster a love of learning and train students to go on to join the workforce or pursue further education.

CEO Cultural Educator Officer