Indigenous Affairs

BARUNGA: UNIQUE IN THE WORLD

At this year’s chapter, as always, music, art and sport took centre stage, with musicians and artists Yilila, Coloured Stone, Ngulmiya, Blekbala Mujik, Yung Milla, Nangu Red Sunset Band and Emu Sisters making their sounds heard across the weekend, sharing the audio issue of songline. Ever popular, the art sales, from prints to totems, tea...

Indigenous Affairs

BRINGING US TOGETHER

The Barunga Festival is a unique event that brings together remote Northern Territory communities to celebrate Indigenous music, culture and sport. This iconic event, held on the traditional lands of the Bagala clan of the Jawoyn people in Barunga, is a testament to the rich cultures, heritage, and contributions of the Aboriginal communities...

Indigenous Affairs

BAGALA STILL WAITING FOR A VOICE

It was three glorious days of proudly showing off their culture to the world. But it was more than that – the festival was also a demand to be heard. This year’s three-day event was held 35 years after the Barunga Statement was handed to Bob Hawke. Galarrwuy Yunupingu and Wenten Rubuntja presented the Barunga Statement to the then...

Indigenous Affairs

A TIME TO CELEBRATE

Held on Jawoyn land in my electorate of Arnhem, the Barunga Festival provides an opportunity for everyone from all walks of life to come together and celebrate Indigenous community life. There is always so much to enjoy – cultural events, sports, music and dance. This year’s Barunga Festival was an especially important moment in...

Indigenous Affairs

JAWOYN LOYAL TO ELDERS’ VISION

The association, which has built up a strong reputation as a dynamic, forward-thinking Aboriginal organisation, describes the festival as the “one of the most important and longest-running” community festivals in regional Australia. “It is an iconic event with a long and proud tradition of celebrating the best of remote Indigenous...

Indigenous Affairs

JAWOYN WOMEN STAYING STRONG

The Banatjarl Strongbala Wimun Grup is the brainchild of Jawoyn chair Lisa Mumbin. Since the Jawoyn Association’s beginning more than 30 years ago, Traditional Owners have invited others to “share our country”. It is a philosophy taught to them by their Elders. Jawoyn is made up of 17 clans. The Katherine-based association has become...

Indigenous Affairs

BARUNGA IS HANDED BACK

Barunga Festival is 9-12 June 2023 and it's the 35 Year anniversary of the Barunga Statement.   EOI interest is open for stallholders, information booths, sponsorshipand tickets are on sale now atwww.barungafest.com.au.  General admission is only $55 + fees for a adult three day pass.  General Manager of the Bagala...

Indigenous Affairs

BASKING IN SPORTING GLORY

Bask Event Management has created the REPRESENT! Indigenous Sports Awards. Bask Director Andrea Allen said the concept is a no-brainer. “We have so many standalone Indigenous sporting competitions,” she said, “All the major sports run Indigenous carnivals or tournaments, so why wouldn’t we have a specific awards ceremony to...

Business

CHAMBER SALUTES BEST OF BUSINESS

The program includes taking Aboriginal boys as work experience students at the port. It won the inaugural Community Collaboration and Corporate Responsibility trophy at the NT Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards. Port owner Landbridge says the partnership with Clontarf is a great success and “stellar”. The Clontarf...

Indigenous Affairs

STARLIGHT PUTS A BIG SMILE ON OUR KIDS’ FACES

He’s one of four Captains from the Starlight Express Room at Royal Darwin Hospital who flew to the Territory on a red rocket fresh from Planet Starlight. The Starlight Express Room uses fun, laughter and play to transform the often isolating and scary world of hospitals for thousands of seriously and chronically ill children from across the...

Indigenous Affairs

AN EXTRAORDINARY ENTREPRENEUR

She owns Liandra Swim, an upmarket Indigenous-themed brand of swim and resort wear that is gaining a growing following of devotees in Australia and overseas. Each piece is named after an inspirational Indigenous woman, sometimes famous, sometimes not so famous. For instance, there’s the Karlie Noon bikini, named after the astronomer who...

Indigenous Affairs

THE GREAT RED HEART OF AUSTRALIA

Those lucky enough to live in Alice Springs can schedule weekends away; the rest need to plan a lengthy tour. Everybody who holidays in the Red Centre is better for the experience. Arrange to meet your rellies in Alice. They can fly in, drive or catch the Ghan. Any time is a good time to visit. But if you want to time a visit to...