Gadhu Dancers performed at Giiyong Festival in 2023. Photo: David Rogers Photography.
Giiyong Festival, the largest multi-arts Aboriginal cultural festival in southern NSW, will take place on Saturday 9 November, at Jigamy, between Pambula and Eden.
The festival offers a huge day of live music, dance, speakers and presenters, workshops and cultural demonstrations. It’s a true celebration of the rich cultural history of the region, and also presents high-profile Aboriginal artists from across the country.
Giiyong means ‘come to welcome’ in the language spoken by the elders of the South Coast. The event organisers South East Arts, Twofold Aboriginal Corporation and Eden Local Aboriginal Land Council, look forward to welcoming visitors to the Aboriginal-owned property ‘Jigamy,’ home of the Thaua people.
Joint interim CEO of Twofold Aboriginal Corporation Alison Simpson said the community always had a vision for the Jigamy property to be a place for people to come together and share knowledge and understanding. She said Jigamy and Twofold Aboriginal Corporation represented family.
“It is all about family and sharing culture,” she said. “Family is a huge part of Aboriginal culture and foundational to what we do out here to help families and the community to prosper.”
People enjoying the performances at Giiyong Festival in 2023. Photo: David Rogers Photography.
The program includes performances and interactive sessions that will appeal to all ages. Whether it’s native plants, language, bush tucker, hip hop or country music that takes your fancy, the line-up has something for everyone. There are many hands-on activities including painting, spear making, toolmaking, weaving and more.
Ms Simpson said people who attended Giiyong Festival often experienced a ‘moment’ – that one thing they encountered at the event that really moved them.
“In 2024, from experiencing the power of Australia’s hip hop queen BARKAA and the soulful tunes of Benny Walker to the awe-inspiring Dhilwaan Yarrkural (Nightfall Dance) and everything in between, visitors will be spoilt for choice,” Ms Simpson said.
“We are really pleased to have a huge range of regional content this year, alongside some of Australia’s leading Aboriginal identities including Sean Choolburra, Clarence Slockee, chef Mark Olive, Bush Tucker Bunjie and Aunty Amanda Jane Reynolds,” she said.
“Local musicians and dancers will perform, including children from schools in Eden and Pambula, and we will hear from up-and-coming young Aboriginal leaders in a special panel discussion with hip hop star Nooky and former Bega resident Juanita (Polly) Scott-Funaki.”
Ripple Effect Band from West Arnhem Land will perform at the Giiyong Festival on Saturday 9 November. Photo: Supplied.
The festival includes a cultural exchange with women from Roebourne in Western Australia who will do a performance to share their language and culture.
There are three zones at Giiyong Festival including the Uncle Jimmy Aldridge stage for live music, the Uncle Phillip Manton Ganya for cultural presentations and dance, and the Aunty Elaine Thomas stage where there will be speakers and discussions. Add to that the Guganyala Arts Market showcasing more than 30 stallholders and the range of food trucks, the event is definitely a feast for the senses.
Festival director Jazz Williams from South East Arts said in addition to their outstanding team and contractors, it could not pull off the festival without the support of its army of volunteers. “They come from all walks of life, and as far away as Queensland. We really appreciate the effort they go to, and their commitment to what has become one of the premier Aboriginal cultural festivals in the country.”
Giiyong Festival, first held in 2018, provides a rare opportunity in south east NSW for the entire community to come together in celebration of Aboriginal arts, culture, reconciliation and resilience. The festival is made possible by funding from Create NSW and local sponsors.
“It is Australian culture for all Australians to be part of,” Ms Simpson said. “Black, white, it doesn’t matter who you are. Giiyong creates a space to enjoy Australian culture.”
The Giiyong Festival will be held at Jigamy on 9 November. Get your tickets now and download the full program and site map at the Giiyong Festival website. Gates open at 10:30 am.
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