House with No Steps in Townsville provides support for people with a disability, of whom 50% identify as Aboriginal. As an organisation we aim to provide opportunities for our clients to meet with family and connect or reconnect with their culture.

Known as a “meeting” ground for the communities of Cape York, the Laura Aboriginal Dance Festival is highly regarded by many Aboriginal people as a place where families meet new and old family members, make new acquaintances and exchange and pass on family histories.

This is one of the largest gatherings of indigenous people in Australia resulting in one of the most varied displays of Aboriginal culture in the world!

Seven people we support, eight staff members and one volunteer attended. To support people with a disability to attend an event such as this, in a remote location with only camping style accommodation, required significant planning. The senior project coordinator and the volunteer left a day earlier to set up camp and secure a spot.

The clients really enjoyed the ride from Townsville to the festival grounds and really loved their time at the festival. There were various stalls with arts, crafts and give aways. But the dancing was the favourite by far. One client brought his clap sticks and didgeridoo along and the group made some fine music around the camp site.

Everyone chose to eat their meals around the camp site which gave them all an opportunity to share their stories.

Each person we support was given a photo album to celebrate and remember their journey. I’m sure they will be looking back on it for years to come.

Thanks to all those people who supported the Laura Aboriginal Dance Festival trip. And thank you to Laura Aboriginal Dance Festival for providing complimentary admission for all our support staff.