D*Lightworks exhibition
Sunday OCT 5th @ Kuranda Resort and Spa
Kennedy hwy, Kuranda
Come along for a visual feast, topped off with some funky local Jazz tunes!!!
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Thankyou for gathering with us to celebrate 30 years of the Original Kuranda markets and to network and learn about what is happening in the Australian Hemp industry: Higher Ground Hemp Gathering.
It was a big task, but I am pleased to report that the weekend event beginning 08/08/08 was well received by all who attended. Not only that, but our southern visitors, including the Queensland Hemp Association president and secretary, were absolutely delighted with their experience here, and already thinking ahead to having a similar gathering next year. They asked me to pass on their thanks and appreciation for the hospitality shown to them during their stay, particularly to Julie of Miju Rainforest Retreat, The Kuranda Rainforest Resort and Spa for their generous rates and friendly attention from Dave, and Rachel Shields of Clear Rythms.
What a feast of music and entertainment we were served (we could have gone for a week and still not run out of quality entertainment). Throughout the weekend there were special moments: Pete McCabe all the way from China who we all love and respect, not only for his music. Also, George Riley whose soulful lyrics connected with the audience in a way that motivated people to put their attention back on issues that really matter in our community. There was the amazing tree instrument, music from Kuranda and surrounding environs, a roaming juggler, belly dancing and our homegrown legends: the Zennith Boyzs. Not to forget Donna and Casey whose playful dress up tactics really lit up the atmosphere, especially for the kids. Lakota and Beat Roots provided a world music flavour and Mumiko and her friend were swamped with people wanting to learn how to make their own hemp jewellery.
A special part of the weekend was the ceremony that involved a cross section of the community and was conducted between 8pm and 8.08pm. The focus of the ceremony was to connect as one in our respect and commitment to our love of the land and the environment we all live in. Fran Hynes recited the Creation Story, wearing a special handwoven ceremonial piece kindly lent to us by an international fibre artist, this led onto the traditional fire lighting and dancing, transforming into the contemporary fire show.
Our local designers: Leah Kelly and Danelle from Siren Hills Corsets put on an awesome sustainable fashion show that even left the cameraman from channel 7 impressed. Thanks to Jeanne as well for the hats.
On Sunday, the Kuranda kids gave us their own fashion show supported by Sharon and Kelly.
I would like to thank the people who helped us to make this weekend such a special experience:
Tablelands Regional Council for performance funding The Brothers: owners of the Original Kuranda Markets for providing the beautiful venue and financial support. Kuranda Spring Festival committee for auspicing the event Kuranda Amphitheatre for fundraising opportunities and support, especially from Kitty Kuranda Visitor Information Centre and Tourism Kuranda for their welcomed support Kuranda Rainforest Resort and Spa for their generous rates Julie of Miju Rainforest Retreat for kindness beyond the call of duty Leah Kelly for fundraising support and sustainable fashion show Danelle for sustainable fashion show and fundraising support, as well as all the models Tahlia Jade for her wonderful photographic display Donna Raymond of Dlightworks for the wonderful poster and art exhibition Rachel Shields of ClearRythms for billeting Makoto and family and help with music Ray Abbot of Ramskull Press for all his support Dave Hart for his continued support of local events Blake Hudson for his generous rates and web expertise Wally Brim and his boys for coming at such short notice and making a special contribution to the ceremony. Grant Hynes for compiling and coverting the youtube videos for the hemp film room. Paul Benhaim for lending us Australia’s first 100% hemp resin drum and Ude The lady in Mareeba who leant us the 96 year old piece of hemp fabric To a local resident who lent us those amazing posters. Seren Starlight for his support through the Kuranda paper Gayle of Tribal Souls, Abbey Rose Designs, Stoneman (coconut products), Pete from Spiral Studios, Donna, Rachel and myself from Earth Connections Kuranda for raffle prizes Siham Craft Links for introducing your beautiful fair trade products to the north The Kuranda Coffee Republic T-shirt sponsor Medusa, Donna Raymond and Rick Ephraims for t-shirt graphics Nicole from The Three Crows Kuranda Van Park for your promise of accommodation John from Kuranda Hostel for your offer
Thanks to the wonderful people who work to improve our environment by what they endorse, and for sharing their knowledge with us through their wonderful displays over the weekend.
And to our special visitors: Susannah Wilkenson Pure Delight Hemp Products Ravenshoe Kathleen Green – Happy Planet Brisbane Makoto and family from Grooven (Byron Bay) Matt, Michelle and family of Sustainable Hemp Products Gold Coast Hinterland Kat and Sam from the Hemp Embassy: Nimbin
To all the stall and shop owners who stayed open and made an effort to create a memorable experience of Kuranda Markets by night.
And to anyone else I unwittingly forgot to mention, including my family
HUGE thanks to everyone who came and supported us! |