Ulladulla Community Trip to Giiyong Festival
On November 9, 2024, Walking Together in the Milton Ulladulla District brought community members to the Giiyong Festival, the largest Aboriginal cultural festival on the southeast coast.
Thanks to support from FRRR for Walking Together’s ‘Together We Thrive’ project, attendees received free transport and tickets to experience the vibrant celebration of Giiyong Festival at Jigamy Aboriginal Corporation near Pambula, NSW.
The trip successfully engaged First Nations and non-Indigenous members of the local community, creating a shared space for culture, learning, and joy.
Celebration and Connection
For Ulladulla High School’s youth didgeridoo group, Miribi Bunbal, the trip was more than just a festival visit—it was part of a two-day cultural camp with their teachers Hamish Richardson and Michael Lloyd. The students gathered bush tucker, crafted spears, created art, and practiced together before joining the didg’ jam session at Giiyong.
Beyond the performances and workshops, the festival reignited cultural pride.
First Nations attendees shared how the experience motivated them to reconnect with cultural opportunities: "This has been so amazing. I want to get more involved in our dance group."
Another reflected: "Coming here and sharing my cultural knowledge again, I’ve realised that it’s been a while since I’ve done that. It has been really good to do it again. I feel like it is time for me to step up into that role again."
Giiyong’s impressive lineup included Barkaa, Kobie Dee, Nooky, Benny Walker, Chef Mark Olive, Sean Choolburra, Clarence Slockee, Amanda Reynolds, Bush Tucker Bunjie, Shane Herrington, Duurunu Miru Dancers, Punkaliyarra, Baalang Millingballo Bugan project with Marra-Wanggan Cultural Services, Dale Robert Huddleston, Djaadjawan Dancers, Ron Callaghan, Vivian Mason, Ripple Effect Band, Ray Timbery of Gadhungal Marring, and the Djidjarns—each bringing their own unique contribution to the festival’s energy.
Non-Indigenous attendees also reflected on their learning and personal growth. One shared, "It’s not just that the dancers and performers are so powerful, but it’s stepping into their world. The site itself feels different because it is owned and run by the Aboriginal community. Everything about the day is immersed in their own ways of being and doing things."
Looking Ahead
This trip successfully fostered cultural pride and deeper community connections, with many expressing interest in future participation in local Aboriginal cultural groups. Walking Together in the Milton Ulladulla District is grateful for the support of FRRR and the Giiyong Festival organisers, and hopes to expand involvement next year.
The Giiyong Festival is a transformative experience. Looking forward, Ulladulla’s community is ready to grow, participate, and celebrate with even greater strength.