However, the number of children increased in the early afternoon when the event was supposed to be finishing.  

“I thought it was pretty successful and I was pretty touched by the support I got from services,” Mrs Dargan said.

Gidgee Healing, North and West Remote Health, Young People Ahead, the Homeless Health and Outreach Team, and Headspace were only some of the groups entertaining young and old that gathered on the day, she said. 

Organisers were considering making the fun day an annual event and if so there would be greater emphasis on getting bands to play on the day. 

Event attendee and Topsy Harry resident Gloria Johnny said it was the first time she visited Yallambee. 

“It’s really good, in Doomadgee we used to have things like this going.

“I’m enjoying the day, meeting other people as well.” 

Kalkadoon artist and Yallambee resident Barbara Sam won the best yard competition on the day and received $500 in yard equipment as her prize. 

She could be found in the Brilla Brilla Community Centre on the day using her talent to paint children’s faces. 

Ms Sam grew up on the reserve and said there was opportunity for the children who grew up at Yallambee, which had a strong sense of community. 

“You don’t look at the differences when you’re a kid,” Ms Sam said as she painted a love heart on a girl’s cheek. 

“It’s always home. When you grow up you can see the changes. I saw a lot of changes.” 

Now there were cottages on the reserve. When Ms Sam was a child her parents lived in the riverbed. 

The Yallambee resident continues to hold exhibitions and has had artwork displayed at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.