BLAK Arts and Business Festival

Be part of the conversation and swing by the Triple A Tent, where they'll be capturing live and pre‑recorded interviews throughout the event. Have a yarn with Karen Dorante or share a story via the roaming mic.

Dr Jackie Huggins AM FAHA is a member of the Bidjara and Birri Gubba Juru peoples, the Director of Partnerships and Innovation (Indigenous Engagement) for the UQ Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioural Science (HMBS) and a well-known historian and author. Her articles are widely published in Australia and internationally, with her acclaimed biography of her mother, Auntie Rita, published in 1994 and her biography of her father, Jack of Hearts: QX11594, published in 2022.

Cheryl Leavy is from the Kooma and Nguri Nations in western and central Queensland. She is an award-winning poet and writer, most recently receiving the 2026 Peter Porter Poetry Prize for her poem "Kumanjayi". She published her first picture book, Yanga Mother, in July 2024.

Mabaigal Indigenous Cultural Services provides cultural experiences, including Torres Strait Islander dance, cooking and weaving workshops, as well as educational sessions for workplaces, schools, early childhood education centres and more.

Natalia Phillips-Petersen is a proud Aboriginal woman with connections to the Worimi, Giya, and Gudjala peoples. She is an emerging singer/songwriter who crafts country-pop and pop-soul songs, performing both originals and stripped back covers.

Allison Rocca is a descendant of the Wakka Wakka and Kaanju people, a primary school teacher and writer living and writing on Yuggera/Turrbal Country in Brisbane. She writes fiction for children and young adults, with the recent publication of Joey and the Junjardy in June 2026.

Dr Melanie Saward is a Bigambul and Wakka Wakka woman, writer, editor and program coordinator for the Master of Writing, Editing, and Publishing in the UQ School of Communication and Arts. Her debut fiction book, Burn, was published in 2023 with Affirm Press, and her first romantic comedy novel, Love Unleashed, was published in August 2024.

Tribal Experiences delivers Aboriginal cultural experiences for event holders, including Welcome to Country, smoking ceremonies, art workshops and dance and storytelling performances.

Wagga Torres Strait Islander Dance Company brings the rich cultural heritage of Wagga—traditionally known as Wug—to life through powerful traditional dance, song, and storytelling. Tracing its lineage back to Senpol Village on Mua Island in the Near Western Groups of Zenadth Kes, the company proudly shares and celebrates living Indigenous culture and artistry.

Jamaine Wilesmith, also known as Durriwiyn, is a proud Biripi and Worimi man and genre-merging singer-songwriter. His singles, ‘Little Bird’ and ‘Fade Away ’, are out now.

The UQ Reconciliation Choir celebrates reconciliation through meaningful songs and performances across UQ campuses at various events and functions. The choir is open to all UQ staff and students and is a wonderful vehicle for raising our voices together and sharing the message of reconciliation through the power and joy of singing. 

Torres Strait Islander and Malaysian fusion food.

Chain maille creations, including jewellery, keychains, ornaments and more.

Footwear and accessories that Charm Ya!

Art, clothing, accessories and stationery.

A proudly Indigenous-owned construction company.

First Nations-owned health and safety consultancy.

Traditional handmade woven art and jewellery.

Indigenous art collab throws, swimwear, prints & phone cases.

Unique digital vending machines with Indigenous artwork wraps.

First Nations corporate catering

Native Skincare and Wellness Products

Upcycled or handmade goods (Jewellery, Bees wax wraps, etc.)

Business support and home loan services.

Traditional Island food.

Jams, preserves, relish and other treats.

Hand-painted jewellery

Indigenous furniture made to create connection

Aboriginal artefacts, bags, purses and paintings.

Weaving Products - earrings and weaving kits

Handcrafted jewellery celebrating Aboriginal colours and culture

Artworks

Crystals and handmade jewellery.

Baby swaddles, soothers & babywear

State-wide representative body for Indigenous businesses in Queensland

Handmade traditional Aboriginal weaving, paintings, Indigenous print clothing and accessories

Hats, caps, earrings and artworks.

Mobile phone cases.

Excellence in First Nations media

Indigenous-owned, family operated outdoor construction business.

Jewellery, hand-woven baskets and hats.

Artworks, textiles, fragrances and more.

Connection to Country in every creation

Handmade woven earrings and baskets

First Nations custom apparel and merchandise