YAALA

Yaala means river red gum in the languages of the South East Coast. She is a sacred medicine tree, symbolising the healing that comes from singing in the languages of Country, and the strength of our women and girls.

Yaala is revitalising local language through song featuring the powerful musical duo of Tamika Townsend (Ngarigo, Jerrinja, Djiringanj) song woman from the South Coast, who has been learning and sharing language through song since childhood and Emma Stewart (Bidjigal, Gweagal, Dhurag, Dharawal, Yuin) song woman who has been practicing culture and learning from Elders since childhood and continues to teach culture & language in collaboration with local Elders & community.

Yaala will perform on the Aunty Alice Moore Stage (speakers tent) at Giiyong Festival in 2025.