Women of the world gather in the outback, as Dreamtime story enthralls new generation

A performance of the Dreamtime story Matya opened the Women of the World Festival Australia 2022. (Supplied: Aaron Skinn, Red Ridge Interior Queensland)

Matya — meaning 'long ago' —  a Dreamtime story passed to Bidjara, Kara-Kara and South-Sea Islander woman Janeece Thompson by an elder, has been brought to life in a performance at the globally celebrated Women of the World Festival. 

"Someone once told me that if you have a story and a story has been passed down to you, then it is your cultural duty to continue that story," Ms Thompson said.

"How many Aboriginal stories have we probably lost because no-one has taken that time to retell it, to keep it alive?"

Janeece Thompson (right) with her mother Beryl and son Dylan.  (ABC Western Qld: Carli Willis)

Around 250 people from across the country made the pilgrimage to Longreach on Friday night for the performance.

Afterwards, Ms Thompson gave a heartfelt speech to the audience.

"I am so proud of everything and everyone that's here tonight," Ms Thompson said.

Young performers showcase their culture through dance during the Matya production in Longreach. (Supplied: Aaron Skinn, Red Ridge Interior Queensland)

Story changes lives

Matya tells the story of two young people who disobey instruction from their elders, leading to a series of unfortunate events for them.

Morals of the story teach young people to respect their elders, the land, ancestors and spirits.

Ms Thompson once told a 12-year-old Sophie Walton the story at a NAIDOC event. Now a woman, Sophie choreographed the showcase over the weekend.

Animal Spirit, Land Spirit, Water Spirit, Spirit of Love and Compassion, Spirit of the Wind and Fire Spirit wear garments designed by outback First Nations artists. (Supplied: Aaron Skinn, Red Ridge Interior Queensland.)

"When we [performed[ this story, she came up to me one day and she said, 'I remember this story'," Ms Thompson said.

"I said jokingly, 'If we take this story somewhere else Soph, would you be interested in being our choreographer?

Fashion strengthens culture

Vibrant garments worn during the performance were printed with designs transposed from canvas paintings by First Nations women of Central Western Queensland.

"It's just incredibly humbling and it makes me proud of our culture," Ms Thompson said.

Dresses worn in the performance were later showcases on the catwalk. (Supplied: Aaron Skinn, Red Ridge Interior Queensland.)

Bidjara woman Aunty Wendy Scott didn't paint for this showcase, but said she felt inspired to do so next time.

"It was really beautiful and deadly … I want to do what my elders and aunties are doing, I want to follow their footsteps," Ms Scott said.

Ms Scott played the character of an elder in the performance and is passionate about working with young people.

"I love working with children, they're my dream and they're the future," Ms Scott said.

Aunty Wendy (far left) took part in the Matya story's first performance in front of such a big audience. (Supplied: Aaron Skinn, Red Ridge Interior Queensland.)

Digitising stories for future generations

Ms Thompson's sons, Travis and Dylan Dwyer, are taking steps to fulfil their cultural duty in a new way, using digital animation.

Recently, the brothers secured a $10,000 grant to kick-start a project that will see them digitise the Dreamtime story.

Brothers Travis (left) and Dylan Dwyer are using digital technology to preserve cultural teachings for future generations. (Supplied: Dylan Dwyer)

"The other finalists and the other competitors were so impressive, and it was such an honour to just be included."

Ms Thompson said her sons were the reason she continued the performance.

Janeece Thompson's son Dylan played the part of the Sun in Matya. (Supplied: Aaron Skinn, Red Ridge Interior Queensland.)