Radical Son - from the Kamilaroi nation and the South Pacific nation of Tonga he is a strong man with a stronger stage presence and a mesmerising voice that at once seduces the soul and punches the heart.

Emma Donovan is one of Australia’s most revered voices. She first appeared on the stage with her renowned family band The Donovans, performing church song renditions with her mother Agnes, her five uncles and maternal grandparents Micko and Aileen. In all, Emma has been touring the country for over 20 years, performing soulful songs, and sharing powerful stories with audiences around the globe.

Call the Pambulance! Sean Choolburra is back. At Giiyong Festival 2018 & 2022 Sean had us laughing our butts off. He’s back to co-MC Giiyong Festival 2023 and we couldn’t be more stoked. Frankly he’s the funniest man alive (according to our Festival team!).

Coming to Giiyong Festival for the first time, Steph Tisdell is as funny as they get. She’ll be co-MCing our main stage with Sean Choolburra and she’s also in our speakers program.

Dance, singing & violin - Eric Avery is a contemporary artist keeping traditions alive through his immense, mesmerising talent.

J-MILLA’s lyrical content swings between deep societal commentary and bangin’ club vibes. With a huge list of awards under his belt and powerful stories to tell, we can’t wait to see J-MILLA on the mainstage at Giiyong Festival 18 Nov 2023.

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 to Giiyong 2023.

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 Sunset Dance Ceremony 18 Nov 2023

The Djaadjawan Dancers are a traditional female Aboriginal dance group from the Yuin Nation of NSW, Australia. The group includes girls, women and Elders from multiple generations from Wallaga Lake, Narooma and La Perouse in NSW. When the Djaadjawan Dancers perform, they are dancing, singing, sharing, wearing and expressing their culture.

The Djinama Yilaga Choir is an intergenerational Yuin choir, establish in 2019 and led by renowned Walbunga/Ngarigo artist, Cheryl Davison. Djinama Yilaga perform songs in Dhurga language.

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.

Asmi Wood’s current research and publications have centred around two main topics - Constitutional recognition of Indigenous people in Australia and Indigenous Participation in Higher Education.

Kerrie Saunders is a Kamillaroi/Gomeroi woman from the northwest of NSW. What started out as a hobby for gardening and bush walks has turned into a passion for highlighting bush tucker in the local and surrounding areas of Moree.

Black Duck Foods join us at Giiyong 2023. Uncle Noel Butler and Chris Harris - teaching and practising food sovereignty.

Environmental and cultural educator

Mudjingaal Yangamba means Spirit Singing in Dhurga, one of the original languages spoken on the South Coast. This multi-generational choir will bring beautiful stories through song to Giiyong 2023.

Wolgalu Footprints, featuring Shane Herrington - brings you practical cultural learning and demonstrations - including traditional axe making, stone tools and ropemaking at Giiyong Festival 2023.

A very special guest at Giiyong Festival this year is Myangah Pirate, a respected professional multi-disciplinary artist who uses traditional materials on a contemporary base to create sculptures, weapons, tools, totemic items, paintings and so much more.

Of Mununjali heritage, Ellen van Neerven is an award-winning author, editor and educator and will feature in the Giiyong 2023 speakers program.

Join Amanda for her presentation Mother’s Heartbeat in the Aunty Tina Bobbins Ganya at Giiyong Fesival 2023.