Ashweeni Mason from Marrawanggan will conduct workshops in shell work and weaving. Image David Rogers.
Hands-on cultural workshops, an evening concert and a week of community-based creative development will bring Aboriginal artists, knowledge holders and audiences together at Giiyong Ganya at the end of November.
Bookings are now open for a series of small-group cultural workshops on Saturday 28 November at Giiyong Ganya, the new Aboriginal-led cultural event taking place at Jigamy on Thaua Country, between Pambula and Eden.
Presented by Twofold Aboriginal Corporation, Giiyong Ganya offers an opportunity to connect with Aboriginal culture through art, storytelling, music and practical cultural experiences, culminating in a free evening concert from 5.30pm to 9pm on the day.
The public workshops will be led by experienced Aboriginal artists, cultural practitioners and creative facilitators, with opportunities to explore traditional practices, learn new skills and connect more deeply with Culture and Country.
The free evening concert features Radical Son, KYARNA, Pirritu and Wallabindi, with storytelling and performances by Uncle Noel Butler and Trish Butler, Uncle Bunja Smith, Nathan Lygon, The Poetry Company and local Grow the Music youth participants. The evening will include Lighting Up Culture, digital projection art created by local Aboriginal artists presented by Aboriginal Regional Arts Alliance NSW.
The day’s workshop program includes:
Djinjima Barin (Shellwork) Experience: Yuin, Dharawal, Monero and Gunai Kurnai artists Ashweeni Mason and Bella and Arianna Landini will share the significance of shellwork to the Yuin people as participants create their own piece.
Bush Foods and Native Plants: Budawang Elder Uncle Noel Butler and Chris Harris from Black Duck Foods will explore native plants, grains and bush tucker in a small-group session.
Dance for Mums and Kids: Kerry Johnson, Founder and Artistic Director of Burrundi Theatre for Performing Arts, will lead a workshop exploring traditional and contemporary dance techniques. No previous experience is necessary, and participants do not need to bring a child.
Traditional Fibre and Weaving: Ashweeni Mason from Marrawanggan and Shane Herrington from Wolgalu Footprints will introduce traditional weaving practices used by both women and men, including techniques for making nets, dilly bags, baskets and traps.
Writing Local: Experiments in Poetry and Place: Nicole Smede and Luke Patterson from The Poetry Company will lead a creative workshop exploring the connections between writing, place, memory and local histories.
All public workshops require advance bookings, with fees applying. Places are limited, and walk-ins will not be accepted on the day.
Twofold invests in local Aboriginal creative development
The preceding week includes a community-based Aboriginal cultural skills development program being delivered by Twofold Aboriginal Corporation in the lead-up to Saturday event.
These activities will create opportunities for local Aboriginal community members to develop their creative skills, strengthen cultural connections and support emerging artists and cultural leaders.
This program includes:
Giiyong Youngstars music program with Grow the Music, presented by Twofold Aboriginal Corporation and supported by Campbell Page.
Dance Development for Aboriginal Women and Girls, with guest dancers from Burrundi Theatre and choreographer Kerry Johnson.
Traditional Stone Tools, a men's workshop led by Shane Herrington from Wolgalu Footprints.
Poetry workshop for Elders, delivered in partnership with The Poetry Room.
Lighting Up Culture, digital art and projection workshop for Aboriginal artists, presented by the Aboriginal Regional Arts Alliance. Ages 16+ BOOK IN HERE
The program reflects Twofold Aboriginal Corporation's commitment to building creative capacity within the local Aboriginal community, supporting cultural knowledge to be shared between generations and creating pathways for emerging artists.
Twofold Aboriginal Corporation Co-CEO Alison Simpson said Giiyong Ganya was designed to bring people together in a more intimate setting while creating meaningful opportunities for cultural learning.
Radical Son will perform as part of the free concert on Sat 28 November 2026 at Giiyong Ganya. Image: Tim Leha
“Giiyong Ganya is about creating opportunities for people to come together, share knowledge and strengthen their connections with Culture and Country. We want to support our local Aboriginal community through creative development while also welcoming the broader community to learn from our artists and cultural knowledge holders.
“The public workshops offer a chance to spend time with experienced practitioners and learn about the stories, skills and traditions behind their work. We encourage people to book early and make a day of it, finishing with the evening concert here at Jigamy.”
Plan a visit to Giiyong Ganya
The day of public workshops will culminate in a free evening concert on the lawns at Jigamy, bringing audiences together for live music, storytelling, digital art and cultural performances in an intimate, in-the-round setting.
Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic, a chair or picnic rug and settle in for the evening. Limited food options will be available, so a picnic is advised.
Giiyong Ganya is not a traditional festival format. There will be no markets; instead, the focus is on cultural experiences, creative exchange and gathering together on Country.
The event continues the spirit of Giiyong Festival, which will next take place in 2027 as a biennial event. Giiyong Ganya provides an opportunity to maintain connections between the larger festival while supporting Aboriginal cultural practice and community-led creative development.
Event details
What: Giiyong Ganya – Aboriginal culture, workshops and evening concert
When: Saturday 28 November 2026
Where: Jigamy, 4381 Princes Highway, Broadwater, on Thaua Country, between Pambula and Eden, NSW
Workshops: Various sessions throughout the day; bookings and fees apply
Evening concert: 5.30pm–9pm, free entry
Bookings and information: Giiyong Ganya is a drug and alcohol free event. No dogs allowed on site. More details at www.giiyong.com.au
Workshop places are limited, so visitors are encouraged to explore the program and book their preferred sessions ahead of time. All public workshops incur a cost. Everyone is welcome to attend the free evening concert.
Media enquiries:
Kate Howarth
Twofold Aboriginal Corporation
Email: giiyong@twofoldjigamy.org.au
Phone: 0447 006 913