NAIDOC Week 2025: A Commemoration and Celebration

In July, Music and Tea at Wollongong Art Gallery welcomes Ron Callaghan and Kyarna of the Yuin Nation to share their songs and stories, honouring the strength, resilience, and creativity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Dr Joyce Donovan will open the concert with a welcome to the country.

ABOUT NAIDOC Week

On 26 January 1938, while many Australians celebrated the 150th anniversary of the landing of the First Fleet, a group of over 1000 Aboriginal people gathered at Australia Hall in Sydney to call for full citizenship status’ and laws to improve the lives of First Nations people. As one of the first major civil rights gatherings in the world, this day became known as the Day of Mourning. Since then, National NAIDOC Week has grown to become
both a commemoration of the First Day of Mourning and a celebration of the history, culture and excellence of First Nations people. National NAIDOC Week is observed annually from the first Sunday in July until the following Sunday. Find out more NAIDOC Week nd upcoming events at https://www.naidoc.org.au/

Ron Callaghan - singer/songwriter and guitarist

Ron’s sound fuses country, blues, and the earthy rhythms of the Dreamtime, grounding his music in the timeless pulse of his First Nations heritage.

A proud Walbunja and Dhungutti man from the Yuin Nation on the NSW South Coast, Ron has been performing for decades,bringing heartfelt songs and a warm spirit to stages across Australia. His music reflects his life, family and culture, carrying an honesty that draws people in.

Ron’s songs are built on soulful melodies and lyrics that tell real stories. His gentle guitar playing and the quiet power in the way he shares his songs are the perfect backdrop for a voice with a unique vibrato; one that’s as moving as it is unforgettable.

These days, Ron is also a mentor, helping young First Nations musicians on the South Coast find their own voice. Within his community and beyond, he’s respected as a performer and someone who inspires those around him.

With his band of South Coast musicians, Ron fuses Koori blues and country rock into a signature sound that’s turning heads, earning him a spot as a featured artist on the upcoming Out in the Country music series with Mark Piepers.

Ron’s debut album ‘Days in a Cave’ made waves and fans won’t have to wait long for what’s next. Whether he’s performing solo or with his band, Ron ‘Callo’ Callaghan’s music delivers; a true reflection of who he is and the stories he’s here to share.

(Copy- Adam Stokeld. Ron was Highlands FM107.1 Artist of the Month in January 2025 - follow this link to listen to his music: https://www.highlandfm.org.au/...)

Kyarna - singer/songwriter and guitarist
Kyarna is a gifted singer-songwriter from the Yuin Nation who is celebrated for her raw and authentic artistry. With an enchanting voice and a talent for weaving deeply personal stories into her music, Kyarna’s songs resonate with heartfelt emotion and powerful storytelling. Her work captures life’s essence with a vulnerability that speaks directly to the soul.

Kyarna has shared stages with Australian music legends, including Uncle Archie Roach, Casey Donovan, Paul Kelly, Troy Cassar-Daley, and Nancy Bates. She has also supported artists like Dave Wells, CJ Stranger, and Mahalia Barnes, showcasing her ability to connect with audiences and fellow musicians alike.

Her performances at festivals such as Yabun, Cobargo Folk Festival, and the Adelaide Guitar Festival demonstrate her versatility and commitment to sharing her music across diverse stages. Kyarna’s passion for community, storytelling, and culture is evident in her music and involvement in programs like the Mummaga Storytelling Program at Oak Flats High School and the Nexus Arts’ Interplay Program.

Kyarna continues to prove herself as an emerging First Nations artist whose artistry transcends boundaries. Her music is a testament to resilience, heritage, and connection, inspiring audiences from all walks of life.

Kyarna has been singing at NAIDOC Week events since she was a teenager, with the Illawarra community consistently uplifting her journey as both a singer and songwriter. Through her soulful voice and deeply personal lyrics, Kyarna honours her ancestry and shares stories that speak to love, loss, addiction, and grief. Her songs are an invitation to pause and reflect. With a natural gift for storytelling, Kyarna holds space for audiences in a way that is both moving and memorable.

https://kyarnamusic.com/home