Maleny Folk Festival
By Karen Fletcher
BRISBANE — Those attending the sixth annual Maleny Folk Festival, in Queensland's Sunshine Coast hinterland, were treated to a New Year's Eve they will never forget.
More than 10,000 people enjoyed the spectacular "Fire Event" on New Year's Eve, which began with a spark generated by Murri dancers and culminated in a fireworks display which lit the entire festival site.
The festival was held over five days. Fourteen major concert venues (mainly enormous tents) and 37 refreshment outlets ensured a feast of food, drink and, most importantly, music, for the 40,000 people.
Maleny is the largest folk festival held in Australia. An important factor in the atmosphere and success of Maleny has been the participation of the Murri people. A series of talks, workshops and presentations on issues affecting black Australia set the theme for this year's festival.
Murri performers, including dance groups, bands and individual artists, were featured in all venues. There was also a Murri stage and a camp.
A rich assortment of music, dancing and art from every corner of the planet was layered upon this foundation of awareness of the original Australian culture and the importance of "land" and "place" in that culture.
Street performers and traditional folk supplemented the crowded official program. Signs in some of the many cafes and restaurants proclaimed "One song = coffee, Four songs = dinner". Opportunities to participate in music-making and performance were available to all.
Major concerts featured performers such as Judy Small, Archie Roach, Kev Carmody, Joe Gaia, Ted Egan and Slim Dusty.
Waste was reduced by providing a dishwashing service for all food outlets. The Maleny Wastebusters participated, ensuring that all other waste was separated for recycling.
Although camping facilities were stretched to capacity, and it poured with rain just before midnight on New Year's Eve, it was declared an unmitigated success and no doubt people will be back, with their friends, next year.