Coming of the Light - 1st July

The Coming of the Light festival marks the day the London Missionary Society first arrived in Torres Strait. The missionaries landed at Erub Island on 1 July 1871, introducing Christianity to the region

One Saturday evening, 1st July 1871, the Reverend Samuel MacFarlane of the London Missionary Society anchored at Erub (Darnley Island). The Society had been active in the Southwest Pacific since the 1840’s converting people to Christianity.

Dabad, a Warrior Clan Elder on Erub, “defied his Tribal Law” and openly welcomed the London Missionary Society clergymen and South Sea Islander evangelists and teachers. Torres Strait Islanders acknowledgment of the missionaries was the acceptance of a change that would profoundly affect every aspect of life in the Torres Strait from that time onwards.

The Islanders acceptance of the missionaries and Christianity meant the end of inter island conflict. Christian principles were partly compatible with traditional religion and the missionaries gave some protection and assistance to Islanders in their contact with foreigners in the maritime industry.

Today, Torres Strait Islanders of all denominations wherever they live, in the islands or on the mainland, come together to honour this anniversary. The Torres Strait Islander festival of the Coming of the Light is a day like no other in Australia.

Church services and a re-enactment of the landing at Kemus on Erub are central to the day’s activities. Hymn singing, feasting and Ailan dans strengthen community and family ties.

Musgrave Park Family Fun Day Friday 10 July 2009

Musgrave Park Family Fun Day 2009
Friday 10th July 2009
Musgrave Park, South Brisbane
9.00am - 5.00pm
Entry by gold coin donation

Musgrave Park Family Fun Day is one of the region’s largest Indigenous festivals attended by people from all over South East Queensland.


Musgrave Park Cultural Centre, auspice organisation since 2000; continues to support the MPFFD Committee to develop and present another tremendous event and festivities this year; celebrating the traditional Aboriginal culture of Australia; whilst acknowledging and celebrating Indigenous Australia's achievements over the past 221 years, since European settlement.

NAIDOC is a time for all Australian's to realise our history and celebrate the rich and unique culture of Australia, showcasing Indigenous arts and culture from traditional to contemporary mediums

NAIDOC 2009

The National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) and the Australian Government are encouraging communities across the country to embrace the theme of NAIDOC Week 2009 – Honouring our Elders, Nurturing our Youth.

The Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, said over the years NAIDOC Week activities had extended far beyond Indigenous communities.
"Hundreds of activities are organised every year around Australia to celebrate the history, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people," Ms Macklin said. "NAIDOC Week provides an opportunity for Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians to join together to recognise the valuable contribution Indigenous people have made to this country."

National NAIDOC Committee co-chairs Anne Martin and Ben Mitchell said the theme reflected the great contribution made by Elders to community life. "Elders are inspirational leaders and nurturers of young people," Ms Martin said. "The theme encompasses the achievement of Elders past and present and looks to the future," she said.

Co-chair Ben Mitchell, said young people's lives were enriched by the care and mentoring of Elders. "Our young people are our future and through their guidance the Elders encourage them to find and stay on the right path."

NAIDOC Week, from 5-12 July 2009, showcases Indigenous people's achievements and contribution to the nation.

The Awards ceremony, to be held in Brisbane on Friday 10 July, is a chance to acknowledge the contributions and talents of outstanding Indigenous individuals.
There are eight award categories, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award.