Local act Black Image Band is one of the talented groups leading the community in a powerful sing-along in celebration of reconciliation this Cooktown Discovery Festival. Photo: Facebook (Cooktown Discovery Festival).
National Reconciliation Week may be over, but a bold idea calling on voices across Cook Shire to come together will serve as a reminder that “reconciliation isn’t just a week on the calendar”.
During this year’s Cooktown Discovery Festival, all festivalgoers will be invited to get involved in a meaningful sing-along and music video filming of Solid Rock by Goanna, one of the first songs to speak directly about Australia’s history of colonisation and the importance of land rights.
Cook Shire Council regional development manager Sally Eales said everyone was welcome to join the choir – just turn up to the Cooktown Discovery Festival main stage at 7pm on 21 June.
“Solid Rock carries a powerful message — it’s a song that challenges us to remember, to reckon, and to rise,” she said.
“By singing it together, we’re not only creating a beautiful shared moment, we’re sending a message of respect, unity, and hope.
“Our goal is to create a moment where Cooktown and the wider shire quite literally raise their voices together to celebrate who we are, acknowledge our history, and showcase the strength of community spirit through the universal language of music.”
The ambitious get together was inspired by Reconciliation Australia’s Voices for Reconciliation project, which brought choirs and singers together nationwide to sing Solid Rock during National Reconciliation Week 2025.
Although Cooktown missed the official deadline to be involved, Ms Eales said it was just as meaningful, and highlighted that reconciliation was important year-round.
“It’s a living, breathing effort that we can embrace anytime, anywhere, especially in places like Cooktown, where history runs deep and community ties are strong,” she said.
“This is about more than just music — it’s about giving people in Cooktown and across the shire a chance to stand together, connect through song, and reflect on our shared journey.”
Mayor Robyn Holmes said the community sing-along, which will be led by Black Image Band, Hussy Hicks, the Road Trippers and some special guests, was a powerful addition to the festival program.
“Discovery Festival organisers have the task of planning a three-day event whilst incorporating many aspects of what the community and visitors want to see,” she said.
“The Solid Rock component of the Festival is a wonderful opportunity to bring people together through the enjoyment of music, while also coming together as one for a shared experience.”
