DRAG queen Ms Zamoombda and Ms Katie Turner took centre stage at this year’s Koorioke, an event which is gaining acclaim in the Swan Hill NAIDOC calendar.
Organised by NAIDOC committee members Cree and Bayden Clayton, the event is a celebration of unabashed pride in identity for all in the community.
“Everyone was either getting on the mic or encouraging others to get up on stage, so it was a really inclusive and positive space,” Mr Clayton said.
“We wanted everyone to feel welcome no matter their race, religion, identity, background or sexuality; it was for everyone to have fun.”
Nina Kirby was coronated as Koorioke Queen, alongside Henry Hogard as King.
“We’ve had a lot of positive feedback and some people asking if we can replicate it down in Melbourne, both as birthday celebrations and as a standalone event, people loved what was happening,” Mr Clayton said.
“An Aboriginal drag queen was a huge presence alone, and Ms Zamoomda took the moment with her cowgirl outfit.”
Mr Clayton acknowledged the support from hosts the Federal Hotel for the second year in a row, who he said were very accommodating and advertised the event through their own channels.
“We had so much support from the community and Elders, the young people coming up, they were happy to see us running it again,” he said.
“Swan Hill Rural City Council were once again a big help and showed up for us, including providing door prizes with the support of Aunty Deb Chaplin.
“Swan Hill Party Hire and Bruce Myers donated lighting, Murruk Project helped us set up and pack down, there was a lot of community input that made it possible for us to make the event what it was.”
Organisers are excited to pull together the last NAIDOC event of 2025 – the NAIDOC Ball – and invite the whole community to come along.
Changing minds
WHILE most in the community embraced the celebration and inclusion of diverse identities, Bayden Clayton said he still had to stand up against discrimination.
“There were troll accounts spouting hate comments on our event posts with homophobia, transphobia and racism,” he said.
“I thought there would be more negativity, but I did have to delete and block some accounts.
“There has been a gradual breakdown of stigma against LGBTQ+ people in our community, with Drag Bingo selling out shows at the Swan Hill Club and greater visibility around town.
“One of the commenters did end up coming to Koorioke, and ended up front and centre singing along with everyone else.”
