Join the City of Parramatta for Burramatta NAIDOC Day

Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! for NAIDOC celebrations in 2022.

NAIDOC Week (3 – 10 July) is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and the City of Parramatta will join the activities with Burramatta NAIDOC on Sunday 10 July. The event is a family-friendly celebration for the whole community featuring children's workshops, market stalls, delicious food as well as some great performances by Budjerah, Kobie Dee, The Merindas, Tilly Tjala Thomas and more, and Uncle Col Hardy and MC Luke Caroll hosting the celebrations of Burramatta NAIDOC.

Performances

Budjerah

Budjerah is a Coodjinburra singer-songwriter from the Bundjalung nation. Budjerah draws inspiration from his culture and the people around him, combining sleek R&B beats with dreamy melodies and soulful lyrics. With an Ed Sheeran collaboration and an ARIA award already under his belt, Budjerah is destined for big things. 

Kobie Dee

Kobie Dee is a 23-year-old 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. 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.

Castlereagh Connection

Castlereagh Connection are a proud First Nations 4-piece family band from Gomeroi/Wailwan country, Coonamble NSW made up of Travis (12 year old) on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Braydon (13 year old) on drums, David Jnr (14 year old) playing lead guitar and their father/carer David Snr on bass guitar. This young band plays an array of classics featuring their traditional language, Gamilaraay as well as a mix of well known country, pop and rock songs and also a few originals.  

They have been travelling all over NSW and performing together for just over 4 years and have worked with the likes of Buddy Knox, Fitzroy Xpress and Mop and the Dropouts. 

Their latest appearance on the Voice spin-off series The Voice: Generations has seen them tally up thousands of new followers and millions of views on social media platforms and has given them renewed energy to perform.

The Merindas

The Merindas are the collective force of Ballardong Whadjuk and Nyoongar woman Kristel Kickett (from Tammin, WA) and Candice Lorrae of Jawoyn and Thursday Island heritage (born in Darwin, NT). 

Now based in Melbourne, these soul sisters are trail-blazing with their innovative style of Indigenous music.

Tilly Tjala Thomas

Hailing from the Fleurieu Peninsula, emerging songwriter Tilly Tjala Thomas has been writing and performing her own songs around Adelaide since the age of 11. The past year has seen Tilly complete her final year of high school, electing to undertake a creative mentorship with Memphis LK as her major school project. 

Tilly’s debut single ‘Ngana Nyunyi’ was released digitally and on a split 7” in November through indie label Part Time Records. The music video directed by Larrakia artist and producer Jimblah was filmed on Nukunu country in the Southern Flinders and tells the storyline of the song. 

Tilly states “It started as a game that my dad would use to help my little sister and I learn Nukunu language.” She continues “On long drives Dad would ask, ‘Ngana Nyunyi (what’s that?)’ and we’d reply ‘Nyunyi kulpi/yirta/thartu (that’s a cloud/bird/hill)’.
Tilly’s father would use the exercise as a way to connect his daughters to their culture whilst also instilling a sense of pride and appreciation for her Nukunu heritage that is ever present throughout her work. 

‘Ngana Nyunyi’ earned Tilly radio adds to Triple J, Sydney’s FBI, Unearthed Radio, and was recently featured as FBI Radio’s Independent Artist of The Week. She has opened shows for Archie Roach, Bernard Fanning and will be soon take to the stage at Wayville Showgrounds for Groovin The Moo’s Fresh Produce event in October. She is currently developing new material for release later this year.

Uncle Col Hardy

Col Hardy is an Indigenous man from the Kamilaroi tribe, who was born and raised in Brewarrina NSW. Col was proud and honoured to be recognized by his own people during NAIDOC Week 1990, when he was voted ‘Aboriginal Artist of the Year for NSW’. He now performs with his own band, and also at numerous Country Music Festivals.

MC Luke Carroll

Luke Carroll is a seasoned theatre, film and television performer. Recent projects for Luke include Total Control for ABC, Black Cockatoo for Ensemble Theatre, plus many more credits.

 

When:    Sunday 10 July 2022, 10.30am - 5pm.
Where:   Pavilion Flat, Parramatta Park.
Cost:      FREE!

For more information please visit City of Parramatta.