The GiIYONG FESTIVAL LINEUP 2025
The first of our 2025 Giiyong Festival lineup is here. Deadly musicians, dancers, comedians and presenters from across Australia. More being added daily. Check back often!
COLOURED STONE
The original and the best - Coloured Stone was formed in 1977 by Bunna Lawrie, lead singer and songwriter, combining rock, ska, reggae with a unique First Nations sound.
KIRLI SAUNDERS
From the Opera House to the Australian Consulate in Chennai, Corporate to the local community, Gunai Woman Kirli Saunders (OAM) has had experience speaking, facilitating, and teaching across a multitude of stages and settings. Kirli is an award winning writer, visual artist, and consultant.
DOCKER RIVER BAND
DRB come from Kaltukatjara (Docker River) — a small desert community near the WA/NT border surrounded by gum trees, red dirt, cliffs, and spirit. Their 1st big gig outside of Kaltukatjara was in 2018 at Giiyong Festival and they are back for 2025!
JASON LEE SCOTT
A gifted and successful singer/songwriter, Jason Lee Scott is regarded as one of Australia’s leading Indigenous musicians, excelling as a songwriter, guitarist, drummer, bass and didgeridoo player.
WALLABINDI
Wallabindi is a Noongar, Yamatji and Burmese woman with a powerful and soulful voice, she’s a favourite on the Canberra arts scene and has supported big names like Casey Donovan, Busby Marou, Bumpy, Icehouse, Dan Sultan and Coloured Stone.
DANE SIMPSON
Funny, funny Gamilaraay man Dane Simpson is coming to us from Walgett via Wagga Wagga. He’ll be MCing the main stage and bringing pure joy to Giiyong Festival.
BOW AND ARROW
Bow and Arrow is a Contemporary First Nations (Wiradjuri/Gamilaraay/Walgalu/Ngunawal) electro-soul trio. They fuse modern and Traditional instruments which create a unique sound and notable rare live experience. Expect monster vocals, big rhythms and electro beats, live sampling and looping and the traditional languages of the Wiradjuri and Gamilaraay peoples.
THE BLACK OLIVE
Yes Chef! He’s back - because we love him. Chef Mark Olive, aka ‘The Black Olive’ is bringing his unique fusion of native foods and culture - and his wicked sense of humour - to Giiyong 2025.
BUNNA LAWRIE
Bunna Lawrie is a proud Mirning Elder from his homelands on Ngargangurie, the Nullarbor Plains, on the southern coast of South Australia. Bunna will appear on the Whale Dreaming discussion panel and perform with his band Coloured Stone.
CLARENCE SLOCKEE
Clarence is an environmental and cultural educator. He's a performer and a gardener and native plant expert! You might know him from Gardening Australia.
DUURUNU MIRU DANCERS
Duurunu Miru is an Aboriginal dance group that tells story of the Dhawa/Thaua Country in the Yuin Nation. To be Welcomed to Country by Duurunu Miru is special. See them at the opening ceremony and the Dhilwaan Yarrkural (Nightfall Dance)
DJINAMA YILAGA
The Djinama Yilaga Choir is an intergenerational Yuin choir, establish in 2019 and led by renowned Walbanja/Ngarigo artist, Cheryl Davison. Djinama Yilaga perform songs in Dhurga language.
WARREN FOSTER & THE GULAGA DANCERS
Warren Ngarrae Foster, a respected Yuin Elder, cultural leader, and artist from the Far South Coast of New South Wales, is the founder and leader of the Gulaga Dancers. Named after the sacred Gulaga Mountain, the dance group was formed to keep Yuin culture strong and to pass it on to future generations.
Fire, Knowledge and Caring for Country - CUltural Burning Panel
Fire, Knowledge and Caring for Country - Cultural Burning Panel - led by Dr Vanessa Cavanagh, featuring Nathan Lygon, Lynne Thomas, Luke Hyatt and Kate Williams.
WHALE DREAMING - PANEL DISCUSSION
As the majestic whales complete their annual migration along the South Coast, Giiyong Festival presents a profound discussion exploring the ancient and ongoing significance of Whale Dreaming. Facilitated by Amanda Jane Reynolds, featuring Aunty Vivian Mason, Bunna Lawrie, Yaraan Stewart-Bundle.
WALK-IN WORKSHOPS
WALK-IN WORKSHOPS will run all day at Giiyong Fesival. Join in at anytime. Free of charge. Includes: Shell Work, Traditional Stone Tools, Fishing Spear Making, Weaving, Weavable and Wearable Cultural Art, Possum Skins Drums for Mums and Kids.