Furneaux Islands Festival

Flinders Island Aboriginal Association Incorporated (FIAAI) and Flinders Council, proudly present the 4^th annual Furneaux Islands Festival (FIF), January 20th-22nd , 2017. The Furneaux Islands Festival is an exciting and inclusive alternative to other Australia Day celebrations held across the country on January 26th.

FIF is a lively three-day event held on Flinders Island in the Bass Strait to celebrate our community, Island culture, musical heritage and historical significance. The Furneaux Islands Festival is a great opportunity for visitors to join the local community for a unique music, food and arts-based cultural festival.

FIF 2017 will showcase the talents of singer-songwriters Dale Huddleston, Johnny Huckle, Andy Baylor’s Cajun Combo, Abbie Cardwell, Margie Goss, Marc Cobham, Lee ‘Sonnyboy’ Morgan and Ronnie Summers.  Aboriginal comedian, Sean Choolburra and performing artist, Cheryl Wheatley, will hold children’s workshops in conjunction with the Flinders Council School Holiday Program with performances at the Festival. Renowned chefs Jesse Mctavish (The Kettle Black) and Scott Stevenson (Movida) will be visiting the island and firing up the hot plates to showcase our amazing local produce at both the Festival Market Fair & Community BBQ.

Scheduled Events:

Friday, January 20^th  -  Acoustic supper at Emita (6.00pm)

Saturday, January 21^st - Festival Market Fair in the main street of Whitemark (10am-2pm)

Saturday, January 21^st- Veranda Music at the Furneaux Tavern in Lady Barron (4pm)

Sunday, January 22^nd - Community Concert and BBQ at the Flinders Island Aboriginal Association Park (10am)

“What we need is a greater understanding between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities. Celebrating Australia Day on January 26^th excludes many in the community, why not hold celebrations  on a less divisive date, where all can join in on the festivities and celebrate our diversity.”    Maxine Roughley CEO FIAAI (Flinders Island Aboriginal Association Inc)

“The Furneaux group has a rich history intertwined with European and Aboriginal cultures resulting in the diverse community we have today. The festival is a whole of community event that I am pleased to say is supported by the State Gov Great Australia Day Funding, Flinders Island Aboriginal Association Inc and Flinders Council. This enables us to have a free whole of community celebration of being an Islander, living in the great community we have here in the Furneaux Group.”  Carol Cox Mayor (Flinders Council)

For further information please visit www.fifestival.com.au

Contact FIAAI (03) 6359 3532 or Dolly Wheatley (Flinders Council) (03) 6359 5001