By Callum Ludwig
The 2024 edition of Yarra Valley ECOSS’ popular Ngulu Festival is set to return on Friday 14 June from 5pm to 9pm.
This year’s event is taking a slightly different angle, combining its usual festival fun with the educational opportunities of a seminar.
Community Engagement, Market and Events Coordinator at Yarra Valley ECOSS Leanne Hall said she thinks it’s really important to keep celebrating culture, bringing community together and learning from the oldest living culture about this rich country and spirit.
“As a non-First Nations-led organisation, we have felt it’s our responsibility as custodians of a site capable of hosting such events, that we do so though it’s becoming increasingly difficult for us to deliver this event, as it’s hard to access funding as a non-first nations organisation,” she said.
“We value paying artists fairly, and offer the event free to First Nations community members so while we are not sure if we can continue to deliver the event in the future, we will always continue to highlight Indigenous performances in all our events.”
Previous editions of the event have featured performances from the likes of Ganga Giri, Uncle Kutcha Edwards, Fred Leone and Carissa Nyalu among others, while Aunty Kim Wandin is also thanked for being a consistent support.
Ms Hall said feedback from the local First Nations community about previous Ngulu’s has been that they have appreciated the opportunity to gather mob together in celebration.
“This year, have embedded activities that everyone can participate in such as Wayapa Wuurrk, and Aunty Merilyn Duffs storytelling and song,” she said.
“We want to build a strong sense of community within the event, building a rich cultural experience including the Welcome to Country with Aunty Kim Wandin, the dance experience with the Djarlo Dancers, and then the beautiful vocal experience of Claire Garvey and topped off with a high vibe Yidarki dance with world-renowned Palawa man Ganga Giri,”
“We also have Proud Bijara woman Nikki Browne MC’ing with special guest Malaya Gulpilil-Monta.”
Tickets for non-First Nations attendees can be purchased at events.humanitix.com/NGULU-FESTIVAL-AND-SEMINAR.
Ms Hall said people love the connection experience and the community vibes at Ngulu.
It’s at a relatively cold time of year, so gathering by the fire with the beautiful stalls selling cultural artworks is a really warm and lovely way to spend the night as well as the delicious food on offer, the beautiful surroundings and the chance to gather with world-class performers,” she said.
“We would like to thank everyone who has made Ngulu possible and supported over the years, we feel very privileged to have such supportive relationships with our local community.”
