Lockhart River will celebrate 100 years of the community when it hosts its biggest Paytham Malkari Festival yet from 24 September. Photo: Christine Howes.
This year’s Lockhart River Paytham Malkari Festival will celebrate 100 years since the eastern Cape York community was established.
In 1924, Aboriginal people from of the KuukuYa’u, Wuthathi, Umpila, Kaanju and Uuthalganu clans were brought into a new Anglican mission at Orchid Point, the Putchiwu’chi (Old Site).
Lockhart River Aboriginal Shire Council chief executive officer David Clarke said the festival was a “tangible expression of our cultural continuity”.
“Lockhart has a very proud creative tradition, be it dance or art or music, and our festival is an opportunity to showcase who we are as a people,” he said.
“The event celebrates who we are as a community; our dance tradition has been part of our culture since time immemorial.”
Mr Clarke said the event was set to be larger than previous years, with the festival being held earlier to avoid the wet season.
The dance festival will kick off on 24 September with a cemetery meet-up and official opening, and will continue over four days.
It will be followed by a church service on Wednesday, a day at the Putchiwu’chi (Old Site) on Thursday, and dancing on Friday and Saturday nights.
“[This year], we will have historical presentations and film on show representing the stages of our community development,” Mr Clarke said.
“Dance teams from Bamaga and Pormpuraaw are coming, along with many guests.”
The council CEO said dance was a huge part of Lockhart River’s culture and history.
“We are the people of this land, our connection runs deep into time,” he said.
“Our dancing today represents this connection, and tells the story of how we belong here; these are the stories of our Elders who came before us.”
