Swinburne NAIDOC Celebration 2026
Description
Our mob, our stories, our culture
Hosted by Swinburne’s Moondani Toombadool Centre, this event celebrates the power of storytelling in shaping Indigenous culture across generations through speaking, song, art, weaving and dance.
Together, we will recognise the stories that have underpinned NAIDOC for 50 years, while honouring the stories that continue to be created and shared.
Join us for a community-led experience that celebrates the beauty and diversity of Indigenous culture. Engage with Indigenous performers, artists and businesses through activities, food, art, lectures and activations.
Staff, students and community are invited to come together in respect, curiosity and deep listening.
Musical Performances
Kee'Anh
Kee’Anh is a Kuku Yalanji, Jirrbal and Torres Strait Islander artist whose rich vocals blend soul, R&B and pop to explore themes of vulnerability, resilience and healing.
Pirritu
Pirritu is a Ngiyampaa singer-songwriter and storyteller whose gentle, melodic songs explore love, loss and the human journey.
Kutcha Edwards
Kutcha Edwards is a revered Mutti Mutti singer-songwriter whose soulful music shares powerful stories of Country, survival, healing and resilience.
Richard J Frankland
Richard Frankland is an acclaimed Gunditjmara storyteller and multidisciplinary artist whose work spans music, film and theatre to honour community and inspire change.
Ganga Giri
Ganga Giri’s performances are a fusion of ancient didgeridoo rhythms and driving electronic beats, creating a powerful sonic experience that unites audiences through music and movement. His unique sound bridges the gap between First Nations tradition and modern bass-heavy grooves.
Madi Colville Walker
Madi is a proud Yorta Yorta Winyarr (woman) born and raised in Echuca/Moama. With a deep connection to her land and culture, Madi's music showcases her journey through life and her beautiful, easy-listening original works are performed with sincerity and a honey-like voice.
Djarlo Dance Group
Experience the raw power of culture and movement with Djarlo Dance Group, where ancient stories come alive through dynamic dance and the soul-stirring sounds of the didgeridoo. Led by world-renowned yidaki player Ganga Giri, this Aboriginal dance collective delivers a high-impact fusion of traditional and modern styles that captivates and educates.
Elder Performances & Yarns
Kutcha Edwards
Kutcha Edwards is a revered Mutti Mutti singer-songwriter whose soulful music shares powerful stories of Country, survival, healing and resilience.
Richard J Frankland
Richard Frankland is an acclaimed Gunditjmara storyteller and multidisciplinary artist whose work spans music, film and theatre to honour community and inspire change.
Maree Clarke
Maree Clarke is a celebrated Yorta Yorta, Wamba Wamba, Mutti Mutti and Boonwurrung artist known for revitalising cultural practices and connecting generations through contemporary Aboriginal art.
MC
Sean Choolburra
Sean Choolburra is a dynamic cultural performer who blends traditional dance, didgeridoo, storytelling and humour to share deep cultural knowledge with audiences of all ages.
Activations / Workshops
Art Workshop with Katie Bugden
Katie Bugden is Kamilaroi artist who grew up on Bundjalung land. She is inspired by the vibrant colours of the country she grew up on and ocean and rivers she spent most of her childhood in. Katie lives and works in Naarm supporting Indigenous youth. Katie began her art journey in 2020 as a way to connect to her family and country when Melbourne was in lockdown. She uses the medium to continue her connection to ancestors, family, and country.
Bush Tucker Activation with Cassie Leatham
Cassie is a Djaara multi-disciplinary Indigenous artist. Her skills revolve around weaving, fashion and jewellery design, painting, ceramics, bushtukka and cultural education. All of Cassie’s works has a deep connection to Country, biodiversity and traditional sustainable living of the past, to carry on in the present, for future generations to witness and learn. She is extremely passionate about teaching her skills to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people of all ages. Her aim is to give participants the opportunity to learn and understand Aboriginal culture and develop knowledge of both historical and contemporary Aboriginal history.
T-Shirt Customisation with Gammin Threads
Based in Naarm/Melbourne, Gammin Threads is an Aboriginal-owned fashion label inspired by culture, community, and cool aunties — blending contemporary streetwear with storytelling, language, and IYKYK humour. We create bold, ethically made tees, hoodies, and accessories that centre Blak voices, representation, and joy.
Weaving Workshop with Nikki Madgwick
Nikki Madgwick is a proud Worimi and Biripi woman with connections to Dunghutti, Wiradjuri and Kamilaroi Peoples. Taught traditional basket weaving and coiling by respected Elder Aunty Dot Peters AM, Nikki uses her weaving practice as a form of storytelling, sharing narratives of culture, community, identity and connection to Country. Living on Wurundjeri Country, she combines traditional techniques with contemporary materials to create vibrant works that honour the knowledge passed through generations. Through each piece, Nikki celebrates the strength and resilience of Aboriginal culture while contributing to the continuation of living cultural traditions.
Yoga with Sarah Brinkhege
Join proud Bundjalung woman Sarah for a grounding yoga session weaving two ancient wisdoms: First Nations connection to Country and the embodied practices of Yoga. Sarah invites you to move with breath, honouring land, waters, and ancestors while cultivating strength, softness, and presence. This holistic practice blends mindful flow, restorative stillness, and simple ritual to rebalance nervous system and spirit. All bodies and levels are welcome. Come to reconnect with yourself, community, and Country—leaving nourished, centered, and reminded of the medicines already within and around you. Respectful beginner friendly practice.
Traditional Aboriginal Sport Games with Wanyara
Wanyara provide interactive Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural experiences to help people understand and embrace an Aboriginal perspective of our country. Wanyara focus as much on physical activity as we do on cultural learning, and we teach inclusion, acceptance, connection and respect.
Men's Yarning Circle with Jake Edwards
Join Indigenous student advisor Jake in an all-welcoming yarning circle to share stories, backgrounds and reflections while incorporating an Indigenous lens. Yarning circles are an Indigenous practice that encourages everyone to participate equally, learn collectively from diverse ideas and experiences, and build respectful, appreciative relationships. They help foster accountability and honesty while creating a safe space where participants feel heard and understood.
Women's Yarning Circle with Bianca Mazzuchelli
Join Indigenous student advisor Bianca in an all-welcoming yarning circle to share stories, backgrounds and reflections while incorporating an Indigenous lens. Yarning circles are an Indigenous practice that encourages everyone to participate equally, learn collectively from diverse ideas and experiences, and build respectful, appreciative relationships. They help foster accountability and honesty while creating a safe space where participants feel heard and understood.
Schedule
- 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Official Welcome
- 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm
Elders Yarn with Richard Frankland, Maree Clarke and Kutcha Edwards
MC'd by Sean Choolburra
- 12:30 pm - 1:15 pm
Kutcha Edwards
- 1:25 pm - 1:50 pm
Madi Colville Walker
- 2:10 pm - 2:55 pm
Richard Frankland
- 3:15 pm - 4:00 pm
Pirritu
- 4:20 pm - 5:20 pm
Kee'Anh
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity