I just got back from a long weekend festival in Barunga which is an aboriginal community in the Northern Territory.
We drove from Jabiru to Barunga which is a nice easy tarmac drive (not good for my mud tyres).
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History
Barunga Festival officially began in 1985 in the remote Aboriginal community of Bamyili instigated by the leader of the Bagala clan, Bangardi Lee.
In 1988, Barunga was the site of Aboriginal leaders coming together and presenting Prime Minister Bob Hawke with the Barunga Statement which called for a treaty. Prime Minister Hawke signed the statement in his visit to the Festival but sadly, it was never brought before Parliament. Yothu Yindi went on to write the worldwide hit ‘Treaty’ as a result of this gathering at the Barunga Festival.
About Barunga Festival
Barunga Festival, held annually on the Queen’s birthday long weekend (5-7th June, 2015) is now in its 30th year, earning its place as one of the most important community festivals in regional Australia.
The Festival has a strong history of showcasing the Katherine region and supporting remote indigenous communities to come together and celebrate the positive aspects of community life through football, basketball, softball, music (contemporary and traditional), traditional arts and culture. Visitors of all ages are encouraged to join in the festivities and enjoy this unique opportunity to engage with a remote Indigenous community.
The 2014 Festival attracted around 3000 visitors from far and wide, and garnered national and international media coverage.
In 2015, this much-loved Territory event promises to deliver an incredible program of music, sport, culture, art, dance, circus, kids activities, workshops, healthy food and many more festive treats – all of which will be revealed in the New Year.
Camp set up, limited spaces due to there being over 3000 people at this festival.
Untitled by Scott Murray, on Flickr
Food stalls
by Scott Murray, on Flickr
Workshops
by Scott Murray, on Flickr
by Scott Murray, on Flickr
Croc free swimming
by Scott Murray, on Flickr
by Scott Murray, on Flickr
by Scott Murray, on Flickr
DSC_0294 by Scott Murray, on Flickr
Dog friendly
by Scott Murray, on Flickr
Traditional owners
by Scott Murray, on Flickr
Traditional dancing
by Scott Murray, on Flickr
by Scott Murray, on Flickr
by Scott Murray, on Flickr
Large Sculptures
by Scott Murray, on Flickr
Amazing Sunsets
by Scott Murray, on Flickr
by Scott Murray, on Flickr
Live bands
by Scott Murray, on Flickr
Ground oven cooking Kangaroo
by Scott Murray, on Flickr
We drove from Jabiru to Barunga which is a nice easy tarmac drive (not good for my mud tyres).
View attachment 289412
History
Barunga Festival officially began in 1985 in the remote Aboriginal community of Bamyili instigated by the leader of the Bagala clan, Bangardi Lee.
In 1988, Barunga was the site of Aboriginal leaders coming together and presenting Prime Minister Bob Hawke with the Barunga Statement which called for a treaty. Prime Minister Hawke signed the statement in his visit to the Festival but sadly, it was never brought before Parliament. Yothu Yindi went on to write the worldwide hit ‘Treaty’ as a result of this gathering at the Barunga Festival.
About Barunga Festival
Barunga Festival, held annually on the Queen’s birthday long weekend (5-7th June, 2015) is now in its 30th year, earning its place as one of the most important community festivals in regional Australia.
The Festival has a strong history of showcasing the Katherine region and supporting remote indigenous communities to come together and celebrate the positive aspects of community life through football, basketball, softball, music (contemporary and traditional), traditional arts and culture. Visitors of all ages are encouraged to join in the festivities and enjoy this unique opportunity to engage with a remote Indigenous community.
The 2014 Festival attracted around 3000 visitors from far and wide, and garnered national and international media coverage.
In 2015, this much-loved Territory event promises to deliver an incredible program of music, sport, culture, art, dance, circus, kids activities, workshops, healthy food and many more festive treats – all of which will be revealed in the New Year.
Camp set up, limited spaces due to there being over 3000 people at this festival.
Untitled by Scott Murray, on FlickrFood stalls
by Scott Murray, on FlickrWorkshops
by Scott Murray, on Flickr by Scott Murray, on FlickrCroc free swimming
by Scott Murray, on Flickr by Scott Murray, on Flickr by Scott Murray, on FlickrDSC_0294 by Scott Murray, on FlickrDog friendly
by Scott Murray, on FlickrTraditional owners
by Scott Murray, on FlickrTraditional dancing
by Scott Murray, on Flickr by Scott Murray, on Flickr by Scott Murray, on FlickrLarge Sculptures
by Scott Murray, on FlickrAmazing Sunsets
by Scott Murray, on Flickr by Scott Murray, on FlickrLive bands
by Scott Murray, on FlickrGround oven cooking Kangaroo
by Scott Murray, on Flickr
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