SEAN CHOOLBURRA

bringing it all this year

He’s back. We love him and he’s part of the family now! Sean Choolburra is returning for his fourth Giiyong Festival, but this year he’s bringing something special.

Not only will Sean be MCing our main stage in the afternoon and evening, he will be performing his special cultural show for kids and adults alike in the morning program.

Charismatic, vibrant and captivating, Sean fuses his engaging energy and humour with historical facts, spiritual wisdom, depth of ancestral understanding and knowledge; he is one very exciting and talented cultural ambassador.

Dance – stories – painting – fire creation – didgeridoo playing: all are presented with a wonderful array of artefacts, from fishing nets to hunting shields.

Everyone is encouraged to dance, sing and participate!

Sean Choolburra was born and raised in Townsville and his ancestors are Gu-Gu-Yalanji, Kalkadoon, Kandju and Bwgcolman from around Townsville and Palm Island.

Sean trained and toured internationally with the Bangarra Dance Company and was the creator and leader of the Naroo Dancers.

His performances are hugely entertaining and filled with humour, and as his career continues to flourish, he is in demand for corporate and public events as an accomplished professional MC and comedian.

After winning the NSW Raw Comedy final in 2002, Sean headlined the Dreaming Festival 2005–2008, and has performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the Scottish Storytelling Festival, and the Adelaide Fringe Festival. He appeared on TV in the NRL Footy Show, Thank God You're Here and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Gala. He has hosted and recently performed at Deadly Funny in Melbourne, Adelaide & Perth.

He has previously performed at the Sydney Opera House and the Melbourne Comedy Festival with his one man show Oil of my Land, which drew on his life experiences as an aboriginal growing up and gave perfect opportunity for blending his skills as a dancer and didge player.