Waitangi Day at Spirits of the Red Sand, in the Beenleigh Historical Village
This Saturday, 6th February Waitangi Day will be celebrated at Spirits of the Red Sand, in the Beenleigh Historical Village. Entry is free, but gold coin donation will be appreciated and will go towards the not-for-profit Beenleigh Historical Village.
The national holiday celebrates the signing of the treaty of Waitangi on 6 February 1840 by Māori chiefs and the British Crown, which granted the Māori people the rights of British citizens and ownership of their lands and other properties.
Maori Cultural Elder and Co-founder of Spirits of the Red Sand Mike Tamaki says Waitangi Day is a celebration of all kiwi people in Australia, welcoming and inviting sharing of the cultures, histories, and peoples.
“There is an old Maori saying I use often, and its meaning resounds even more as the world enters uncharted waters in this new post covid era,” Mr Tamiki said.
“He aha te mea nui o ea o. He tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata – If you were to ask me, what is the most important thing in the world, I would answer, it is people, it is people, it is people.”
The event will have local market stalls, greeting and entertainment from 9am, a fully licenced bar and the Tin Cup Café will be open all day.
Gates are open from 5.30am to watch or participate in the laying of the traditional hangi and share stories around the hangi pit.
Remember to get there early, so everyone can get around to all the other events around town.
Register and book your hangi ticket here – please note hangi plates are nearly sold out.
* This event will be a COVID safe event through COVID event management plans.
Rochedale Dessert Festival
Early Birds Rochedale will be hosting the Rochedale Dessert Festival this Saturday from 11am to 3pm.
Early Birds Rochedale spokesperson Amanda Doyle says it will be a fun day out for families.
“Come on down and join us at our Dessert Festival,” she said. “We will have a water slide jumping castle, The Dagwood Dog Guy, Iced Tea Co, Mr Whippy and an array of other delicious dessert vendors.
“There will also be free face painting and activities for kids throughout the centre.”
Entry is free and open to the local community. The Dessert Festival will be held at Early Birds Rochedale, located at 190 Parfrey Road, Rochedale South. The Dagwood Dog Guy will be hanging around into the evening to continue to serve the local community.
“We invite all our local families and community members to join the fun,” Ms Doyle said. “Can’t wait to see you there!”
* Please note that this is a COVID-19 safe event and abiding government guidelines to ensure the safety of the local community. If you’re unwell, please stay home.
Early Birds Rochedale
Koala Centre in Daisy Hill
If you’re looking for a trek through nature, the best place to take the family this weekend is the Koala Centre in Daisy Hill.
Daisy Hill Koala Centre Senior Wildlife Officer Matthew Harding said the education centre, which has just recently been refurbished, is a wonderful day out and provides a unique wildlife experience.
“We have five resident koalas in a large outdoor enclosure,” he said. “Visitors can view and photograph the koalas from two viewing platforms.”
The centre also offers a range of educational displays on koalas and other threatened species.
The airconditioned Woodland Theatre shows mini featurettes about species such as the Richmond birdwing butterflies and greater gliders.
Mr Harding said it was essential that people booked in for their Daisy Hill Koala Centre experience due to COVID restrictions.
Visitors should go to the Department of Environment and Science website and follow the links to the booking area.
Beyond the koala centre, visitors can walk, mountain bike and horse ride through tall eucalypt forest and sun-dappled melaleuca wetlands.
A world-class recreational trail network offered an opportunity to explore vibrant bushland in every direction.
Daisy Hill Koala Centre, Daisy Hill Conservation Park. Credit: Queensland Government
