KOBIE DEE

Rapper & Master Storyteller

Kobie Dee is a Gomeroi artist from Maroubra in South Sydney, Bidjigal Land. With an innate gift for storytelling and connecting with young people, Kobie Dee is one of the exciting new voices in Australian hip hop.

He’s coming to us fresh off his nationwide tour with 80M+ streams!

As an artist, Kobie is deeply engaged in his community through performance and community work, and his passion for his culture and people is inspiring new generations.

In 2023 Kobie kicked off the year supporting US rapper Joey Bada$$ on his Australian Tour, backed up by hosting the Triple J Hip Hop Show and was nominated for Artist of the Year at the 2023 National Indigenous Music Awards. Alongside serving as an Ambassador for Weave Youth & Community Services and being named “The Voice of a Generation” by GQ Australia Kobie also wrapped up several national live appearances, including performances at VIVID LIVE, SXSW SYDNEY, LISTEN OUT, and BIGSOUND 2023.

In 2022 following on from the release of his AIR Awards-nominated debut EP, Gratitude Over Pity Kobie embarked on a huge headline regional tour through Gomeroi Country in NSW, and played his first headline shows in both Sydney and Melbourne in September, joined by UK rapper and The Guardian’s Ones To Watch artist, Jords. Kobie also showcased his new material in Germany in September as part of the Import Export Open festival program, Wor(l)d Connects presents: Conscious HipHop, Roots & Spoken Word between Sydney, London and Munich.

Kobie closed off 2022, with winning FBi SMAC Award for Best Live Act, the triple j Done Good Award for Enriching First Nations Communities and performing at the inaugural First & Forever Festival at Hanging Rock.

Kobie was signed to Bad Apples Music in 2019 and has performed alongside artists including Briggs, Jessica Mauboy, Nooky and Barkaa as part of Yabun, Sydney Festival and at the Bad Apples House Party at the Sydney Opera House.

NOOKY

FUTURE MAYOR OF NOWRA

Nooky is one of the most vital voices in the Australian music landscape, known for his no-holds-barred, hyperactive brand of rap. He’s worked with brands from G-Shock to Geedup while also making beats and producing.

In 2021, the proud Yuin man started hosting triple j’s‘Blak Out’,showcasing Indigenous excellence on one of Australia’s biggest radio stations and began hissocial enterprise We Are Warriors, a platform that allows the next generation to see it, and be it.

NOOKY will not only perform this year, he will join the Youth Panel discussion during the day.

Nooky is no stranger to the Giiyong Festival stage, he was there with Briggs in the mud for us in 2022.

BENNY WALKER

THE REAL DEAL

Yorta Yorta singer/songwriter Benny Walker is the real deal. He's got the lot; the voice, the songs, the showmanship and the looks to kill. His love songs and epic tales are mixed with passion for people, the land, summer vibes and deep grooves that reach the soul. Said to possess one of the best voices in Australia, Benny Walker never fails to take you on a emotionally driven sonic journey.

Back in 2018, at our first Giiyong Festival, Benny wowed the audiences and in 2024 Benny is bringing back the band - for a big blues-rock sound. We challenge you not to dance!

In recent years, Benny has played some of the country’s favourite festivals including Woodford, Festival of King Island, Deni Rhythm, Blues and Jazz, Blue Mountains, St Kilda Festival and Byron BluesFest in 2018 & 2019. He has performed alongside some of Australia’s finest, including Archie Roach, Alex Lloyd, Baker Boy, Blue King Brown, Mo'Ju and Tim Rogers.

SEAN CHOOLBURRA

bringing it all this year

He’s back. We love him and he’s part of the family now! Sean Choolburra is returning for his fourth Giiyong Festival, but this year he’s bringing something special.

Not only will Sean be MCing our main stage in the afternoon and evening, he will be performing his special cultural show for kids and adults alike in the morning program.

Charismatic, vibrant and captivating, Sean fuses his engaging energy and humour with historical facts, spiritual wisdom, depth of ancestral understanding and knowledge; he is one very exciting and talented cultural ambassador.

Dance – stories – painting – fire creation – didgeridoo playing: all are presented with a wonderful array of artefacts, from fishing nets to hunting shields.

Everyone is encouraged to dance, sing and participate!

Sean Choolburra was born and raised in Townsville and his ancestors are Gu-Gu-Yalanji, Kalkadoon, Kandju and Bwgcolman from around Townsville and Palm Island.

Sean trained and toured internationally with the Bangarra Dance Company and was the creator and leader of the Naroo Dancers.

His performances are hugely entertaining and filled with humour, and as his career continues to flourish, he is in demand for corporate and public events as an accomplished professional MC and comedian.

After winning the NSW Raw Comedy final in 2002, Sean headlined the Dreaming Festival 2005–2008, and has performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the Scottish Storytelling Festival, and the Adelaide Fringe Festival. He appeared on TV in the NRL Footy Show, Thank God You're Here and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Gala. He has hosted and recently performed at Deadly Funny in Melbourne, Adelaide & Perth.

He has previously performed at the Sydney Opera House and the Melbourne Comedy Festival with his one man show Oil of my Land, which drew on his life experiences as an aboriginal growing up and gave perfect opportunity for blending his skills as a dancer and didge player.

BUSH TUCKER BUNJIE

Gabriel Willie is a proud Wulli Wulli man born and raised in Rockhampton Queensland.

Gabriel has been working in the film industry for over 11 years in a number of different roles. Starting off as a trainee at Bush TV, a private production company he gained a variety of different skills from presenting to camera operator, lighting, sound, editing and script writing.

As a freelance filmmaker now his creativity and skills have allowed him to be involved in a wide range of materials including short films, documentaries, music clips, corporate material, web content and video sketches. Recently his status has gone viral online through the comedic video sketches of a character he has created called the Bush Tucker Bunjie. Which lead to gaining writing and acting roles on ABC’s Black Comedy season 3 and 4.

Gabriel says, “My Indigenous heritage and Culture mean a lot to me, I currently live on the Gold Coast and perform as a traditional dancer and didgeridoo player for the Yugambeh Aboriginal dancers.”   

Gabriel will MC the main stage during the morning of Giiyong Festival.        

PUNKALIYARRA: Ancient Matriarchies, New Leadership

Punkaliyarra is a project celebrating matriarchal power and leadership developed in Ieramugadu (Roebourne) WA. For this very special cultural exchange presentation at Giiyong Festival, senior and young women from Roebourne will guide the audience in the Monaroo Bobberrer Gudu Keeping Place (Aunty Elaine Thomas Stage) through a creative presentation of women’s culture, expressed through performance, music, narration and dance.

This exploration of culture, relationality and leadership sparks discussion that helps us to see leadership in a new light, and rethink the societal models of power that no longer serve us.  

The session will be introduced by Walbunja woman, Aunty Sharon Mason, who has been involved in cultural exchange with the project since early 2024. The presentation will be followed by a facilitated Q&A with the audience. 

Punkaliyarra is produced by Big hART, and has been in development since 2020. Locally in Roebourne, Punkaliyarra focuses on connection to country, skills transfer and story content creation, to support wellbeing, safety and visibility for senior and young First Nations women. Big hART is a national arts and social change company who have also been working in Eden, Wallaga Lake & Nowra since 2021 on the Bulla Midhong project. 

BAALANG MILLINGBALOO BUGAN

Image by David Rogers

Baalang Millingbaloo Bugan is a program currently underway that has an exciting outcome at Giiyong Festival on Saturday 9 November. Young women from the region have been working with Emma Stewart and Ashweeni Mason from Marra-Wanggan Cultural Services, connecting with cultural knowledge, learning some local language and participating in sacred women's practices that have been passed down through generations.

The team have been taking participants through the process of making beautiful wearable art pieces from natural materials and equipping them with modelling and dance skills to feel confident, comfortable, and proud when showcasing their art and language to their community. Recently the group were lucky enough to have Aunty Amanda Reyonds visit to share some of her incredible skills and traditions.

Baalang Millingbaloo Bugan means "Young women paint up on Country" - translation provided by Aunty Ellen Munday.

See the results of this intensive program in the Bunaan Ring in the Uncle Phillip Manton Gayna (Camp) on Saturday 9 November. 

Ashweeni Mason and Emma Stewart, Gulaga by David Rogers

Image by David Rogers

Image by David Rogers

RON ‘CALLO’ CALLAGHAN

SOUTH COAST LEGEND

Where Country, Rhythm & Blues, Rock and Pop music collide you will find Ron ‘Callo’ Callaghan.

This unique Indigenous singer/songwriter from the Yuin Nation on the east coast of NSW has been entertaining audiences across Australia for decades with his heartfelt songs and positive spirit.

Ron’s honest lyrics and soulful emotion are perfectly expressed through well-crafted songs and strong melodies. His gentle guitar is complimented by a vibrato voice that is both dreamy and dynamic.

Now a mentor to many young emerging First Nations musicians on the south coast of NSW, Ron is highly regarded within his own community and amongst the broader arts sector in the southeast as a seasoned musician and performer, and someone who can hold an audience in the palm of his hand. He has an on-stage presence that demands a quiet respect and keeps people engaged through the story of his songs.

Recent gigs include National Multicultural Festival, Cobargo Folk Festival, Canberra NAIDOC awards, Luminous Festival in Moruya and Bermagui Survival Day.

Ron joins the Giiyong Festival lineup as part of the Yuin Nation South Coast regional tour supported by MusicNSW. The three-date tour begins in Batemans Bay (Walbunja) and culminates in Ron performing at Giiyong Festival.

Ron will be promoting his new album Days in a Cave at Giiyong Festival - pick up a copy and don't miss this local legend!

RAY TIMBERY

Ray Timbery is a proud Bidjigal Dharrawal  / Monero Jaitmatang man. He was born and raised on Dharrawal Dhurga country and is the founder and CEO of Gadhungul Marring, a cultural education and service organisation based in Dharawal Country on the south coast of NSW.

In his session at Giiyong Festival, Ray will deliver a presentation about the fundamentals of Cultural practice and the philosophy behind it all. He will dive into the how, what and why of traditional Cultural practices and connection to Country, offering  the audience an opportunity to learn about the rich Cultural history and practices of Indigenous communities on the south coast.

Ray and his team at Gadhungul Marring are Dharawal Traditional Custodians on the south coastal waters and Country of NSW.

Gadhungal Marring are developing and delivering Australian Indigenous educational and Cultural programs, training and immersive experiences into Indigenous Culture such as smoking ceremony, dance, and mangrove walks with bush food knowledge.

We are thrilled to have them join the Giiyong Festival program this year.

THE DJIDJARNS

sisters in song

Michelle Dixon (guitarist, vocals) and Tamika Townsend (pianist, vocals) are proud Djiringanj Ngarigo women. They are excited to be performing on Dhawa/Thaua Country, as they share a special ancestral connection to country.

The Djidjarns have been performing in Djiringanj and Ngarigo languages for over 12 years. They are storytellers of country, family, and community.

Djidjarns means ‘sisters’, representing the bond between two cousins since childhood. Their passion for music started at an early age, which is now a tool to learn the language of the land and teach others along the journey.

Michelle has over 10 years experience working in education as a teacher, and Tamika has worked to shape Indigenous policy and programs for the last 10 years. Some career highlights include a cultural exchange with the Polish community (Sydney and Jindabyne). They were an opening act at the University of Wollongong graduation ceremony, and a support act at Pambula Beats by the Beach (youth festival).

Find them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083842607034

EMERGING LEADERS - PANELLISTS

At Giiyong Festival this year we are excited to welcome a panel of remarkable young Koori leaders from Eden and Bega - Will Herbert-Scott, Falyn Scott-Stewart, Kayne Thomas-Woods and Shakaya Aldridge - who have all been part of the transformative My Voice, My Journey program delivered by Campbell Page.

Our young people play a critical role in the future wellbeing of our Culture, Communities, and Country.

These young trailblazers are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are making waves today by addressing issues that matter to young Koori people and charting their own paths toward fulfilling their life goals and dreams.

The panellists will be joined by our special guest, NOOKY, a talented hip hop artist, radio host, and entrepreneur from Nowra. As the founder of We Are Warriors, NOOKY is dedicated to celebrating Blak excellence and empowering Indigenous youth, making him a powerful voice in our conversation.  

Facilitating our discussion will be Juanita Scott-Funaki, a proud Bega local and now a Social Media Producer with ABC Indigenous in Sydney. Juanita’s passion for storytelling and her commitment to amplifying Indigenous voices will guide our panel in exploring the important themes of resilience, identity, and cultural pride.

Join us at the Aunty Elaine Thomas Stage venue for what promises to be an inspiring and enlightening conversation directly from these Young People. Their insights and experiences are sure to inspire us all.

Will Herbert-Scott - Yuin/Kamilaroi - lives in Bega.

I would like to see a youth-lead space in Bega, somewhere safe for youth to do programs and connect wth each other and services that can support them.

Shakaya Aldridge -

Yuin/Kamilaroi - from Eden.

I would like to see more cultural programs and workshops for young indigenous kids in the community.

Falyn Scott-Stewart - Yuin/Kamilaroi/Bunjalung - lives in Bega.

I’d like to see more opportunities for young indigenous youth like jobs, programs etc. to showcase the amount of talent & creativity the young people in our area have, which can then help keep young people engaged & connected to their community & out of trouble.

Kayne Thomas-Woods - Yuin/Djirringanj/Ngunnawal - lives in Eden.

I would like to be able to help my community engage in more cultural practices and share a better understanding of my culture to educate.

LANGUAGE REVIVAL

Across our region and further afield, programs that support the revitalisation and maintenance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages are currently underway.

In this conversation, our guest panellists will share insights about the different projects and approaches happening amongst various communities to explore and revive traditional languages, why this work is important and where it can lead for future generations.

Facilitating the panel is Alison Simpson (Wiradjuri) Joint Interim CEO of Twofold Aboriginal Corporation. She will be joined by Aunty Ellen Munday (Djirringanj), Aunty Vivian Mason (Walbunja), Jacob Chant-Morris (Gumea-Dharrawal) and Darren Wighton (Wiradjuri).

Aunty Elaine Thomas Stage, Monaroo Bobberrer Gudu Keeping Place 1:40PM Saturday 9 November 2024

JACOB CHANT-MORRIS

Gumea-Dharrawal man Jacob Chant-Morris is the language consultant and creative director at Gadhungal Marring, where he plays a pivotal role in the revitalization and preservation of Aboriginal languages and culture. With a deep understanding of linguistic traditions, Jacob works closely with the community to ensure that language remains a core part of the cultural education offered by Gadhungal Marring.

In his role as creative director, Jacob also oversees the artistic vision and development of the organisation’s workshops, tours, and educational programs. His creative input ensures that the programs not only convey cultural knowledge but also engage participants in meaningful, immersive experiences.

Jacob will be part of the Language Revival panel discussion on the Aunty Elaine Thomas Stage in the Moneroo Bobberrer Gudu Keeping Place at Giiyong Fesival on Sat 9 Nov.

ELLEN MUNDAY

Ellen Munday was born in 1964 in Bega as a Fringe Dweller on the outskirts of Bega township. At the time, racism and racial segregation was very common and in full view. The Munday's and Margret Dixon (nee Munday) were the first Aboriginal families housed in Bega in 1969-1970. 

Aunty Ellen says, “I am the co-author of the book ' Aboriginal people of Monaro', published in 2000. The book was an introduction into the Ngarigu people of Monaro and the Delegate Aboriginal Common Reserve history.

I am now working along with Emma Stewart in the pre-schools introducing a Cultural Connection Program on Djiringanj language flash cards. The aim of the program is to educate children of all races on Aboriginal culture and history. I am also researching documents on oral history and history on Djiringanj local language for a local Djiringanj dictionary.”

Aunty Ellen is part of the Language Revival panel discussion on Sat 9 November at 1:40pm at Giiyong Festival.

GUDU DANCERS

Image by David Rogers Giiyong Festival 2023

The Gudu Dancers are a group of men and boys from Bermagui and Wallaga Lake Koori Village on the Far South Coast of NSW. Gudu means 'sea' and members of the group all have a special connection with the ocean.

They meet regularly with older community members to learn stories, history and culture. They also learn traditional dances from the local area. The Gudu Dancers and community mentors spend time together on weekends practising dance as well as learning traditional fishing skills, making boomerangs, spears, fire-making and traditional ways of living on the land.

All the dances that the Gudu men and boys perform have been handed down through generations and they are very proud to share their culture and knowledge. Trey's teaching has been handed down to him by his Grandfather, the late Max Harrison. The Gudu Dancers always bring a powerful Cultural performance to Giiyong Festival.

VIKKI PARSLEY

Photo by Rhett Wyman, Palawa man.

Vikki Parsley is a Murramarang Walbunja Yuin and Wiradjuri woman from the south coast of NSW.

As a child Vikki spent time on country listening to her Elders and family members learning the stories for country across Yuin lands.

The early teachings inspired Vikki to attend University where she studied B. Applied Science (Parks, Recreation and Heritage) developing a career path in conservation and heritage spanning more than 25 years across Australia and internationally, having worked in NSW NPWS and now in her current role with Bush Heritage Australia as one of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnership Executives.

With a keen passion and love for her culture she has learnt traditional weaving techniques from countrymen and the importance and deep significance of the possum skin cloak making and revival. In 2011 Vikki was one of 12 custodians in Batemans Bay who worked to create the Walbunja guungara baraan (Walbunja possum cloak). She shares knowledge developing workshops with youth and community groups to pass on the practice.

These workshops have seen the creation of birthing cloaks (for mothers and buri groups), children’s cloaks, belonging and reconnecting to culture with victims from the former Cootamundra Girls Home to create healing through possum cloak making, academic cloaks celebrating graduations, displays and talks at various schools, Yuin djama dhugan – Speak of country 360 Virtual reality experiences, Art Galleries and festivals.

‘Passing on these practices is sharing the hopes and dreams of our ancestors for future generations, keeping country and our people strong’

TONI HILL

Toni Hill is a Walbunja woman based in Narooma NSW. Toni is an experienced weaver and cultural facilitator, and we are thrilled to have her join the Giiyong Festival program this year to deliver a hands-on weaving session for all ages.

Toni says:

'Weaving for me is like a kind of therapy, My Aunty Deidre introduced it to me. Over the years I have been involved in facilitating women's groups where my skills have grown. This practice has allowed me to feel closer to my culture. I feel great joy in sharing my practices and at the Giiyong Festival, I'll be demonstrating weaving techniques using contemporary materials'.

Don't miss Toni's session in the Cultural Demonstrations tent between 11.15am - 1.30pm.