July 7, 2021
Kingaroy’s NAIDOC celebrations this year will revolve around a special visit to the area by the “Star Of Taroom”.
The carved sandstone rock, linked to the Iman people of the Taroom area, is being walked back to country by Johnny Danalis, the son of the man who removed it to Brisbane during the 1970s.
This pilgrimage on foot, timed to coincide with NAIDOC Week and the official opening of the Wardingarri Keeping Place at Taroom, is passing through the South Burnett.
The aim of the Star Of Taroom walk is to raise national awareness about the issue of returning cultural property – and ancestral remains – to their rightful country from private and institutional collections.
It also salutes the 2021 NAIDOC theme of “Heal Country”.
Next Tuesday (July 13), the Star will be the centrepiece of the NAIDOC celebration in the Glendon Street Forecourt in Kingaroy.
This event will begin at 10:00am and will include a performance by Wakka Wakka dancers and a free sausage sizzle.
It will be an opportunity to speak to Mr Danalis about his journey and learn more about the history of the Star.
South Burnett residents have also been invited to accompany the Star Of Taroom for part of the way on its journey home.
More information is available on the Start Of Taroom website
The walkers will leave Kingaroy about noon to head up the South Burnett Rail Trail to Wooroolin, pushing the Star Of Taroom on its specially made handcart.
A visit to Cherbourg this week is also planned.
On July 15, a small reception will be held at The Ration Shed Museum for Mr Danalis and the “Star”.
External links:
- Star Of Taroom (Facebook)
- Star Of Taroom (website)
Related article: Pilgrimage To Take ‘Star’ Back Home
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