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.

Fire, Knowledge and Caring for Country - Cultural Burning Panel - led by Dr Vanessa Cavanagh, featuring Nathan Lygon, Lynne Thomas, Luke Hyatt and Kate Williams.

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.

NATHAN LYGON is a proud Yuin Dharrawal and Wolgalu man. Nathan has a deep love and respect for fire and country. Nathan will be part of our Cultural Burning discussion panel at Giiyong Festival.

Peter Swanton is a Gamilaraay man from Mackay, QLD. He has aa Bachelor of Science, majoring in Physics, specialising in Astronomy and Astrophysics. Peter’s work highlights the scientific importance of Indigenous star knowledges, and what we need to do in order to preserve these knowledges on Country, as well as in the night sky.

Vanessa Cavanagh is a Bundjalung and Wonnarua Aboriginal woman from NSW, Australia. Vanessa is a strong advocate for Aboriginal women in caring for Country.

Join Dyagula (Wiradjuri|Gamilaraay|Ngunawal|Walgalu) for our Possum Skin Drum Workshop for Mums and Kids at Giiyong Festival as part of our walk-in workshops program.

Aunty Vivian Mason is part of the Whale Dreaming panel. She is bringing her vast experience in reviving, sharing and protecting Culture to the discussion.

Yuin-Biripi traditional knowledge holder, Lynne Thomas, will take part in the Cultural Burning panel discussion at Giiyong FEstival.

Ray Timbery is a Bidjigal Dharrawal  / Monero Jaitmatang man, born and raised on Dharrawal Dhurga country . He is the CEO and founder of Gadhungal Marring and will be sharing stories through dance and presenting a Fishing Spear workshop.

Luke Hyatt is a proud Wotjobuluk , Gunai-Kurnai, Minang man who works at Birrigai Outdoor School as an indigenous ranger. With years of experience in cultural burning, land and Cultural heritage management, Luke is passionate about sharing his knowledge and connection to the land with others. He will form part of our Cultural Burning panel discussion.

Kate Williams is a proud Darug and Yuin woman raised on Ngunnawal Country. She is passionate about helping create opportunities for Aboriginal people to strengthen their skills in environmental restoration and cultural land management, ensuring this knowledge continues to be shared with future generations. She will be part of the Cultural Burning Panel.