Yarra Valley ECOSS was brimming with energy on Friday 14 June as they held the 2024 Ngulu Festival and Seminar.
The event aimed to both entertain and educate through through the theme: Care for Self, Care for Country.
Executive Officer at Yarra Valley ECOSS Chelsea McNab said these events are always incredibly humbling and full of warmth, heart and cultural connection.
“As allies, we put this festival together to celebrate our First Nations communities with an all First Nations line up, and also to help increase cultural competency and understanding in our community, creating a space of connection, heart and sharing,” she said.
“The heart shone bright on Friday night, a beautiful opening ceremony by Aunty Kim Wandin set the scene followed by a gentle connection space with Wayapa Wuurrk led by Michelle Maxwell. We then enjoyed listening to Merilyn Duff’s life stories and songs- with her 3 cute dogs on stage,”
“After this the live music kicked in with the incredible voice of Claire Garvey and Sam Berry, followed by the wonderful Djarlo dancers, all coming together for a high vibe dance with the infamous Ganga Giri with Leanne Hall on percussion.”
The feedback was positive from the attendees as well with Merilyn Duff remarking that it was ‘so good to be in a place that is so culturally safe’ while event MC Nikki Browne said ‘thanks so much to ECOSS for bringing mob together.’
As usual, the event was an extension of The ECOSS Valley Market with a range of stalls including Indigenous services, local art, craft, food and local produce.
Yarra Valley ECOSS would like to thank all the First Nations Community members and families who came, all of the broader community, the stallholders who provided delicious food and craft, and all the Volunteers who made this event possible to run with special thanks to Yarra Ranges Council’s Community Recovery Grants and Vic Health who sponsored the event and who it would not have been possible without.
