16th - 18th September 2021
Our Festival will celebrate our unique history, connection to this land and all of the wonderful things Mitchell & surrounds has to offer!
Booringa Fire & Water Festival
Booringa means 'fire and water' in the Gunggari languages that once sung the land around Mitchell into being. The word has come to mean many things for many people and is best known for once being the name of the local Shire Council. It is a word that has ancient roots going back to the time before time. It is a word that has special meaning now; especially in a time when water drawn from deep underground has been known to burn in some places across the Maranoa region.
It is believed that fire and water do not mix and yet in strange ways they do. Without fire and water this country would not be what it is. Much of the environment in Australia has evolved and been traditionally managed by fire, and without water life ends very quickly.
Our festival was created to honour our connections together (Nalingu) to the country that gives life as well as livelihoods to those who call this region home. It is a living land - that lives on in those who would listen to what it has to say.
Thursday, 16th September
Booringa Art Exhibiton
The Mitchell on Maranoa Library/Gallery will host us for the opening of our festival with the launch of the Booringa Art Exhibition. All artists from around the region are invited to display and sell their artworks based around the themes 'Fire and Water', 'Mitchell' or 'Maranoa'.
The evening will commence at 5:00pm with a $5.00 entry fee for all who attend on the night. Light refreshments and nibbles will be available throughout the duration of the evening.
Friday, 17th September
Grazing on the Maranoa
A unique fine dining experience on the banks of the Mighty Maranoa River, with special guest, Mike Munro.
Guests will induldge in a four course meal prepared and served by SEA Catering, featuring produce sourced from a range of businesses found throughout the Maranoa and surrounding areas, paired with Riversands Wines.
The evening will be an adults only event with a limited number of tickets available. Scotty Mack will be entertaining you all night, along with MadCap Fire Twirling & Whisper Firefly, an amazing water projection on the Maranoa River, story telling by Mike Munro and a recorded dance performance from our Local Gunggari Dance Group.
Location: Neil Turner Weir
Time: Seated by 6:00pm til 11:00pm
Cost: $70.00 per person
Dress Code: Semi-Formal
Tickets can only be purchased online at
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/grazing-on-the-maranoa-tickets-159338215893?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
Saturday, 18th September
Poet's Breakfast & Markets
Absorb the words of wisdom with a Poet's Breakfast at the Mitchell Memorial Park. Join local poet's for a fantastic morning of poetry. Breakfast will be available until 10:00am.
The Booringa Markets will be on display from 8:00am - 12:00pm, experience all that the local businesses have to offer along with local, regional and south-west stall holders. Be captivated by dance and musical performances from our local school students, as well as Roma local Maddy Thomas who will perform throughout the morning.
Saturday, 18th September
Booringa Fire & Water Festival
Join us for an evening of live entertainment, food and fun for the whole family. Featuring a range of artists including The Voice contestant Maddy Thomas, local school students, Boi&esKae, The Bungil Creek Band, Russell Dewhurst & Jamahl and the JC Band.
Food vendors, cocktail bar and beverage bar will keep your stomach's full and your thirst quenched. A large Kids Amusement area will be available from 3:00pm - 7:00pm to keep all the kids entertained.
