2024 Giiyong Festival

Giiyong Festival, the largest multi-arts Aboriginal cultural festival in southern NSW, is set to take place on Saturday 9 November, at "Jigamy," an Aboriginal-owned property between Pambula and Eden. Nestled on the shores of Pambula Lake, home of the Thaua people, the festival promises a day filled with cultural immersion, music, and celebration.

Organised by South East Arts, Twofold Aboriginal Corporation, and Eden Local Aboriginal Land Council, this year's Giiyong Festival marks its fourth edition, following its successful debut in 2018. "Giiyong" means "come to welcome" in the south coast languages spoken by Elders, and true to its name, the festival invites everyone to experience the rich cultural history of the region.

Alison Simpson from Twofold Aboriginal Corporation shares her excitement, stating, "This year's live music lineup at Giiyong has something for everyone. From local favourites to classic country and award-winning superstars, we've curated a diverse range of artists that are sure to entertain."

The festival's all-ages appeal is a key focus, ensuring that everyone has a memorable experience. This year’s evening program is a particular highlight, featuring the who’s who of Aussie hip hop, all artists deeply connected to their culture and vital voices in the Australian music scene.

Headlining the festival is the powerhouse rapper BARKAA, a Malyangapa, Barkindji artist who has earned the title "Blak Matriarch of Aussie Hip Hop" and recently took home the Artist of the Year at the National Indigenous Music Awards. 

Gomeroi artist Kobie Dee is hitting the Giiyong Festival stage, straight from his nationwide tour, on the back of the release of his new EP, Chapter 26. Kobie is an exciting new voice in Australian hip hop with a rapidly growing following, racking up 80M+ streams worldwide. 

South Coast favourite Nooky, the self-appointed “Mayor of Nowra” and host of triple j’s “Blak Out,” returns by popular demand. Nooky, a Yuin man, is also the driving force behind the social enterprise We Are Warriors, dedicated to celebrating Blak excellence and empowering First Nations youth. BARKAA and Kobie Dee are proud members of Nooky’s Warrior crew, inspiring the next generation of Aboriginal leaders.

During the day, festival-goers can relax by Pambula Lake and enjoy performances by Ron “Callo” Callaghan and his band, The Djidjarns from Bega, Ripple Effect Band from Maninigrida in the Northern Territory, Michelle Russell from Cooma, and Dale Huddleston. 

In addition to the stellar music lineup, Giiyong Festival offers a dynamic speakers program featuring some of the country’s leading thinkers, along with cultural presentations, workshops, dance, and the vibrant Guganyala Arts Market. Women from the community of Roebourne in the Pilbara in Western Australia will be visiting to share their project Punkaliyarra, produced by BighART, telling stories, sharing language and practices.

Sean Choolburra will be putting on a special kids show. Chef Mark Olive is returning. Clarence Slockee’s popular native plants sessions are sure to fill up again and Shane Herrington’s traditional tools demonstration is a huge drawcard. Amanda Reynolds and other Cultural presenters will focus on traditional womens’ practices like weaving and the use of possum skins.

“I’m really looking forward to Bidhu ba Gadhu (Mountains and Sea) performance,” said Ms Simpson, “Young local women are working with mentors Emma Stewart, Ashweeni Mason and Bee Cruse, learning about wearable art and also modelling and photography. They are using traditional methods to create amazing pieces that they will parade at the Festival.”

The evening’s Dhilwaan Yarrkural (Nightfall Dance) will deliver that special moment that every Giiyong Festival-goer should experience, with multiple Aboriginal dance groups from the region coming together for a massive celebration.

Giiyong Festival is a unique opportunity for the South East NSW community to come together in celebration of Aboriginal arts, Culture, reconciliation, and resilience. The festival is proudly supported by Create NSW, local sponsors, and community supporters.

Tickets are now available, and volunteers can register at www.giiyong.com.au.