Cultural Elements
CULTURAL ELEMENTS
In 2024 the Oceania Tobacco Control Conference (OTCC) is being hosted on the lands of the Kombumerri people of the Yugambeh Language Region (Gold Coast, Queensland).
With support of OTCC 2024’s Aboriginal Cultural Conference Partner, Kombumerri Aboriginal Corporation for Culture and the Yugambeh Museum Language and Heritage Research Centre, we are proud to showcase an array of cultural elements throughout the conference program.
Through this important partnership OTCC 2024 has been able integrate the rich cultural heritage of the Traditional Owners of the Yugambeh Language area and provide a comprehensive cultural experience to enhance the conference and make it a memorable and culturally respectful occasion.
We are honoured to be partnering with Kombumerri Aboriginal Corporation for Culture as they celebrate their 40th year (established in 1984). For more information, please visit the Yugambeh Museum Language and Heritage Research Centre website.
WELCOME TO COUNTRY
A ‘Welcome to Country’ ceremony will open the conference with the appropriate cultural respect and acknowledgment of the Traditional Owners of the land.
Uncle John Graham, Traditional Owner Elder of the Yugambeh Language area and Chair of the Yugambeh Region Aboriginal Corporation Alliance, will welcome OTCC delegates to the lands of the Kombumerri people of the Yugambeh Language Region.
John, a Kombumerri man and Traditional Custodian of the Gold Coast, is a respected Aboriginal leader with cultural ties to the Minjungbal and Wakka Wakka peoples. With over 20 years of service at Griffith University and his current role on the Elders and First Peoples Knowledge Holders Advisory Board, John has significantly contributed to academia and community development. He played a key role in the GC2018 Commonwealth Games, receiving the Queen’s Baton from the Maori community.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Providing an ‘Acknowledgement of Country’ is a way for non-Indigenous and Indigenous peoples not from that land and/or area to show their respect to the Traditional Owners of the land, and to give recognition to Elders both past, present and emerging.
Shannon Best, a Kombumerri Traditional Owner, will open days two and three of the conference with an Acknowledgement of Country.
Shannon is a Traditional Owner dedicated to Indigenous cultural preservation and engagement. Currently employed at the Yugambeh Museum, Shannon develops and delivers courses on Cultural Capabilities and Indigenous Engagement, benefiting government departments and institutions. His extensive experience includes roles such as Cultural Heritage Officer for the City of Gold Coast, where he facilitated Traditional Owner engagement on significant projects, and managing the Indigenous Oral History program, preserving the narratives of Indigenous Elders in high-resolution format. Additionally, Shannon has led the Indigenous Artists Camp and contributed to numerous community development initiatives, emphasising the integration of Indigenous values and fostering cultural interchange.
CONFERENCE FIRST NATIONS ARTWORK
OTCC 2024 has partnered with First Nations Artist and Designer, Lisa Sorbie Martin. Lisa is of Torres Strait Island descent from both Moa and Mer Islands. Sorbie is her traditional name that was given to her by her namesake Grandmother. Both carry the name of a tropical fruit that grows on their ancestral Islands—Lisa's cultural heritage is central to her work.
Sorbie’s art spans various mediums, including visual art, textile design, wearable art and ceramics. As a creative innovator, she weaves together culture and art to tell meaningful stories grounded in community, often sparking reflection and connection. Her work is deeply inspired by her family, faith, culture, and the natural beauty of the world around us.
In the lead up to the conference, Lisa has created a remarkable art piece titled ‘Woven Together’. This artwork captures the spirit of the conference and reflects Lisa’s cultural story and heritage. To commemorate OTCC 2024, Lisa will be creating a collaborative art piece on days one and two of the conference. Inviting delegates to participate in the creative process, this experience will bring delegates together to collaborate on a shared project. We encourage everyone to get involved and look forward to unveiling this artwork!
'Woven Together' by Lisa Sorbie Martin©
Gathering on Country of the Yugambeh language speaking peoples of the Gold Coast is celebrated with the Nerang River, namely Ngarang that flows near the place on which we are drawn together with one cause and one purpose. The ‘River’ artwork is designed with inlayed cross-hatching representing our Torres Strait Island basket weaving, epitomizing – being woven together. The patternation is characterised to ‘Welcome’ one another to Conference, especially all Oceania delegates, colleagues, and friends. The ‘Fishing Net’ symbolises sustenance, provision, family, community, friendship and memories. There is a Torres Strait Cultural lore of hunting and gathering – ‘you only catch what you need and if you gather more than you can eat, then share it’...this is important to Culture because ‘sharing’ is a Cultural practice and a way of caring for our people and our environment. This is also symbolic of our gathering together at Conference, to share our knowledge, experiences and ideas building stronger teams to fight against cancer.
In contrast to a starter motor, to power an engine a key is required, and to spark a fresh passion to ‘Reignite the Fight’, the use of strategic ‘keys’ will revive new life into one’s purpose and vision; and it begins with the Heart.
BIREN CULTURAL GROUP DANCE PERFORMNCE
Biren Cultural Group from Minyungbal of the Bundjalung Nation will open the conference’s Networking Function by providing a traditional Aboriginal cultural dance performance.
Biren means saltwater or wind in Minyungbal/Nganduwal language.