Ngoonbi 50th Anniversary in 2025
NGOONBI CELEBRATES 50 YEARS WITH COMMUNITY
The Ngoonbi 50th Anniversary celebration was held on Thursday 25 September, marking another significant event in Ngoonbi’s rich history. Over 200 guests attended including Elders, community members, Ngoonbi staff, partners and sister organisations and various other stakeholders. The formal event was held in the Kuranda and Mossman Ballroom at the Pullmans International Hotel, Cairns.
Throughout the night historical and cultural presentations celebrated the heart and soul of Ngoonbi. Presentations by Miriki and Djabugay dance groups were touching performances encapsulating the resilience of our predecessors and Ngoonbi’s foundational values of caring for community.
Inspiring speeches from Gimuy Yidinji Elder Neville Reys, local Member of Parliament Bree James, Mareeba Shire Councillor Amy Braes, Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Housing Qld (ATSIHQ), Deputy Chair Angie Ahkee and ATSIHQ Director Donna O’Chin, Ngoonbi Chair Kelvin Coleman and CEO Judi Enoch highlighted the strength of organisations that are leading and shaping community for better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, and all peoples across this nation.
The night’s entertainment was a line up of local and national talents. Master of Ceremonies and Comedian Sean Choolburra from the Yalanji nation and local Yalanji Comedian Leon Filewood engaged the audience with lots of laughter. Participants commented that the night was filled with good spirit and they needed this night of laughter and goodwill. One comment made; “You mob was deadly! Brought people together the right way — strong, warm and full of respect, with lots of laughter from Seanie and Leon. It was deadly to be a part of it, honouring the legacy and showed what’s still to come.”
Local performer Shavonne Hansell, gave a strong rendition of the song “Goodness of God” after the showing of the historical Kuranda Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Choir video singing Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus which was a tribute to the Kuranda SDA Founding Elders who established Ngoonbi in 1974 and incorporating the organisation in January 1975.
Rising 15-year-old singer, songwriter Daisha Auda celebrated the night with her awe inspiring vocal performances along with popular local band Night Shift, a regular feature at Ngoonbi events.
We would like to thank all of the organisers of this event, and those who attended the celebrations. As part of the Ngoonbi family, we are blessed that you have celebrated this milestone with us. We dedicate this celebration to the 50 years of resilience, empowerment, leadership and vision of our strong Elders, staff and community members throughout the years.
Judi Enoch, Ngoonbi CEO
and Donna O’Chin, Executive Support Manager.
Ngoonbi 50th Anniversary
History & News (4 pages)
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