Every popular songwriter and musician Paul Kelly is also on the bill for the 33^rd running of the festival at the remote Aboriginal community, 80km southeast of Katherine.

After 33 years, the event has planted itself as one of the most important cultural events in Australia, with a focus on music, art, food, culture and sport.

Barunga also holds a special place in the nation‟s history as the birthplace of Bob Hawke’s Barunga Statement which called for a Treaty with Indigenous people which was the inspiration for Yothu Yindi’s iconic anthem.

Celebrating its 33rd year, this year’s festival will include Missy Higgins, Bunna Laurie and the 40th anniversary of Coloured Stone, as well as cultural events, local sports, art and workshops.

It's previously hosted Courtney Barnett, Briggs, Emma Louise, Thelma Plumb, Paul Kelly and Gurrumul to name a few.

The Barunga Festival, one of Australia‟s most important cultural events has announced its 2017 program will be held from June 9 – 11.

The event attracts more than 4000 people to the Northern Territory, showcasing the Katherine region in all its aesthetic and cultural beauty.

With an audience of over 65 per cent Indigenous attendees, the event has become an important and immersive experience for both Australians and travellers seeking a unique and authentic experience of Indigenous Australia.

This year’s event sees an amazing lineup of musical talent including Missy Higgins, Bunna Laurie, Skinnyfish Sound System as well as a special appearance by Justine Clarke who will perform with students from the Barunga School and Coloured Stone who will be celebrating their 40-year anniversary.

“I had such an amazing experience at Barunga Festival when I attended a few years ago,” said Missy Higgins.

“I loved being immersed in the local culture and getting to see some really awesome bands from surrounding communities. I'm super excited to go back this time to be a part of the musical line up.”

More than 15 other bands from all over the Territory will also descend on Barung’‟s main stage each night including B2M, The Lonely Boys and more.

The Barunga Beats hip hop program will also culminate with the Barunga Disco run on the Friday night of the festival by students from the local school.

“This is the kind of festival that changes the way you see the world forever,” artist John Butler said.

”The meaning of the word Barunga is “a happy place for families to live‟, and that‟s exactly what we want for the festival, a happy place for people to come and enjoy themselves,” Jamie Ahfat, Barunga community member.

With sport an important part of remote community life, more than 45 teams from across the NT, East Kimberley, Queensland and Central Australia will come together to participate in Australian Rules, basketball and softball competitions, giving some of Australia‟s best up and coming Indigenous sports stars the opportunity to showcase their talent to a large crowd.

The sports program is run at all levels with both high level abilities and family groups catered for, where you may see mothers, daughters and grandmothers playing on the same softball team.

Culture is also an important pillar of the Barunga experience, with the festival offering a unique platform to pass on knowledge and experience both between generations and cultures. Audiences can engage in traditional dance, spear throwing, didgeridoo (‘yidaki’) playing, weaving, damper making, storytelling and more.

General admission price is $50 with youth (12–17) $15, (5-11) $5.