In 1996 the original organising group of the Yag'ubi Festival included the late Shirley Foley, an elder of the local Butchulla (Badtjala) people, and Fiona Foley from the Wondunna clan, the traditional owners of the land.  This group of people came together to organise the Yag’ubi Festival in response to the formation of the first branch of the One Nation Party.  Instead of expending their energy taking part in negative activities, such as protests, they decided to dedicate their energy to celebrate our cultural differences by involving people in hands-on activities in a positive way and expressing their feelings about division and making a stand for unity.  Multiculturalism, reconciliation and unity could thereby be given a new meaning in the community.

The festival started as a one day event and has now evolved into a 3 day festival and the scope has broadened to include a multitude of visual arts and crafts, music and dance.  The Kids Festival, the international music and food, the workshops in theatre and arts and crafts have all been introduced to provide the opportunity for performers and participants to display their skills and the opportunity for people to enjoy these displays. The speakers tent and the environmental and conservation displays raise issues of importance to all Australians.  Yag'ubi embraces and enhances enjoyment.