Australia’s premier destination for Indigenous music, sport and culture, Barunga will again play a key role in the future of the nation as a meeting place for Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australia to discuss Treaty.

Guests include all Northern Territory Land Councils, Federal Minister for Indigenous Affairs Senator Nigel Scullion, Northern Territory Chief Minister Michael Gunner and Federal Opposition Leader Bill Shorten. 

As the birthplace of Bob Hawke’s Barunga Statement and the inspiration for Yothu Yindi’s iconic anthem, Barunga’s elders, all NT Land Councils plus national and territory politicians will advance discussion on progressive reconciliation measures, while the community comes together to celebrate the world’s oldest living culture. 

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 more than 65% Indigenous attendees, the event has become an important and immersive experience for both Australians and travellers seeking a unique and real experience of Indigenous Australia. 

The event will play host to Galiwin’ku’s Saltwater Band and dancers in a moving tribute to Gurrumul as well as the first Australian performance from Taiwanese artist Suming and a twelve-piece Taiwanese Choir, bringing two proud Indigenous cultures together for the first time 

This year traditional dancers will take pride of place at the event, hailing back to the Barunga of old, with more than ten groups flying and driving in from all corners of the Territory, including Numbulwar’s Dhumbul Dancers, Mowanjum Dancers (WA), Tanami Kamina-Kamina Wirntija-Ku (Tanami Girls Warlpiri Dance), Rirritjingu Clan Dancers, Wadeye, Gumatj, Bulman and Beswick dancers.

This year’s all-Indigenous musical lineup will include talent from across Australia and beyond including Shellie Morris and Dhapanbal Yunupingu, Yirrmal (Yirrkala, NT), B2M (Tiwi Islands), Mambali (Numbulwar, NT), Tasman Keith (Bowraville NSW), Lonely Boys (Ngukurr, NT), Dewayne Everettsmith (Palawa , Tasmania), Ripple Effect (Maningrida, NT), Tjupi Band (Papunya, NT), Blek Bala Mujik (Bulman, NT), Black Rock Band and many more.

Special guest Justine Clarke will again visit Barunga to collaborate and perform with the local kids.

Men and Women’s AFL, softball and basketball will again showcase the skills of both the top end’s finest athletes, alongside community competitions for the participation of families and communities of all ages and ability levels.

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 playing, weaving, damper making, storytelling and more. BARUNGA Junior Guides (Barunga School students) design and lead walking and bike tours of their community and the surrounding bush, providing an authentic Barunga insight as well as a unique learning experience for the students.

The event has a healthy food policy, with a range of cuisines on offer as well as a 100% drug, smoke and alcohol-free policy to ensure the family spirit of the Barunga community is maintained.

For the first time, sugary drinks will not be available in the town for the duration of the festival including from both food vendors and Indigenous-owned and operated Bagala Community Store, making a big statement about both the festival and town’s commitment to community health.

Tickets Are Available Now via Moshtix or at the gate http://www.moshtix.com.au/v2/event/barunga-festival/99249 General Admission - $50 (+ bf) General Admission youth 12 – 17yo - $15 (+bf) General Admission child 5 - 11yo - $5 (+bf)