Long, long long ago, so long that no one can remember when … so long ago no one can remember who … but once long ago, a child was lost in Deception Bay.
So we began our storytelling show for the Moreton Bay 'Anywhere Festival'. Thank you to Auntie Barb Hubbert who started the story with an emotional welcome to country.
The journey begins as we track along the Deception Bay foreshore.
Well known storytellers Gail Robinson and Bettina Nissen take us to the strange geomorphic shapes caused by lava flowing from the Glasshouse Mountains. They wander onwards and get stuck in the mud of the mangroves swamp.
We wander past the dog beach where the shore birds rest after travelling across the world and in honour of those who have travelled far across the waters, the Pasifika Ukulele trio entertain and enchant us.
The lost child sat looking out to Moreton Bay and longed to be home with the people they loved.
Head hung down in despair, the child strolls along the waterfront, until they’re near Barujugan Park. A cockatoo calls out, the Moreton Bay Ash sways in the breeze sentinels and Auntie Sharron Mirri-Bell and her daughter Jess are there to sing of birds and animals that make the child feel at home.
At the park, near the library the child is drawn inside and finds his family.
"Where have you been?" asked Mum.
I was lost, lost where the giants roam and the lava flows, lost where the mangroves grab at you and the mosquitoes bite. Dogs run along the beach, frightening birds that have flown across the seas. Songs of the seas and then my own birds calling to me.
The Moreton Bay ash standing on guard and my birds welcoming me home. Back to the library where I find my people and the stories are told so we know who we are.
I’m safe – I’ve found my family, I know my story.
Huge thanks to Moreton Bay arts team, especially Kirsten Sealey and Melissa Western and Moreton Bay City Council and Queensland Government for funding.
