The Duurunu Miru Dancers performed at Giiyong Festival in 2024. Photo: David Rogers Photography.
Giiyong Festival is a treat for all the senses, feeding the heart, mind and soul. The much-loved festival is a day of music, dance, ideas, food and workshops for all ages. It takes place on Saturday 22 November on Thaua Country, at Jigamy, between Eden and Pambula.
It is recognised as southern NSW’s biggest celebration of Aboriginal arts and enduring culture. The festival brings together Aboriginal creative and cultural practitioners from across Australia.
Co-CEO and cultural advisor of Twofold Aboriginal Corporation (Twofold) Alison Simpson said this year’s program was jam-packed.
“The scope of what festivalgoers will see and experience, all in one day, cannot be found anywhere else in southern NSW,” Mrs Simpson said. “Giiyong Festival is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in Aboriginal culture and a great chance for the community to get together.”
Headlining the program is First Nations supergroup 3%. The hip hop group and ARIA Award winners share contemporary stories and driving beats.
Then there’s Australia’s premier Aboriginal band Coloured Stone. This is the 48th year of constant touring by the iconic pioneers of desert rock, reggae and country.
Docker River Band returns after last appearing at Giiyong in 2018. With strong desert reggae vibes, the Northern Territory band have an unforgettable live sound. In the lead-up to the festival, they will also be working with local young artists on an exciting song project, supported by Campbell Page and Grow the Music.
The full main stage music program has everything from country, soul and RnB to hip hop and electronica. Aboriginal musicians from across Australia now see Giiyong Festival as a highlight on their festival calendar.
Dhilwaan Yarkural (Nightfall Dance), when all the dancers come together, is a heady and emotional highlight. Photo: David Rogers Photography.
They will be joined by some local artists such as Yaala, Boondi, Kunda and Prodikal-1 who will get to perform in front of a wide audience.
Eight dance groups from up and down the coast will bring storytelling and passion throughout the day. One of the festival’s highlights is when all the dancers come together for the emotion-packed Dhilwaan Yarkural (Nightfall Dance) just before sunset.
Alongside the music, Giiyong Festival offers free workshops and presentations. Festivalgoers can learn about stone tools, bush tucker, spear-making, weaving, cultural wearable art, and native plants, to name a few.
The speakers program is not to be missed. From authors to activists and astronomers, the program covers fascinating and sometimes controversial topics. Sessions include Whale Dreaming, the healing powers of music, and youth issues.
Author, poet and musician Kirli Saunders will lead conversations throughout the day with Aboriginal astronomers, cultural burning practitioners, elders and experts on a range of topics.
Throw the hands-on activities into the mix and there is something for all ages and interests throughout the day.
It is the first year that Twofold has been lead producer of Giiyong and Mrs Simpson has been on a massive learning curve.
“It is deeply satisfying knowing this amazing cultural festival is being presented by an Aboriginal corporation which was the dream of South East Arts when it first started,” Mrs Simpson said. “The fact we have reached that point that we can take it over is so fulfilling, knowing that we have this, and we can do it, and we will keep on doing it.
“We are so proud to be leading Giiyong into its next chapter and sharing this incredible cultural experience with the whole community.”
Dancers from schools in Eden and Pambula performed at Giiyong Festival in 2024. Photo: David Rogers Photography.
She is also proud to be providing employment and education opportunities to the community this year through Twofold’s partnerships with Studio Jaanda and Grow the Music, as well as within the festival team itself.
Mrs Simpson said Giiyong’s dedicated volunteer team was also a key part of its success. Applications are now open for anyone interested in contributing to the event and being part of a professionally-run, full-day festival with many moving parts.
A vibrant celebration of Aboriginal culture, creativity and strength, Giiyong Festival is an event for everyone. Giiyong means “come to welcome” in the languages spoken by South Coast elders.
So, rather than any one thing in the festival’s program, for Mrs Simpson the highlight is everyone coming together over culture.
“When you are out there on the day with the buzz in the crowd and seeing people you haven’t seen in a while, those are the highlights for me.”
Mrs Simpson said buying tickets early helped them with planning and helped set the stage for a truly successful event.
The Giiyong Festival will take place on Saturday 22 November. Tickets and details of the full ever-growing Giiyong Festival line-up are available on the event’s website.
