Ngarrama

This event was held on Thursday 25 January 2024

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Building on two successful years of reflection, the University of Newcastle is proud to welcome the wider community once again to Ngarrama.

The free public event, in partnership with Awabakal Ltd, the City of Newcastle and NGM Group (Newcastle Greater Mutual Group), will return to King Edward Park on 25 January.

Ngarrama is an invitation for all to bring along your friends, family and a picnic blanket to engage in meaningful reconciliation through truth-telling, performances, song, and historical acceptance.

Ngarrama is an opportunity for the Newcastle community to come together on the eve of Australia/Survival Day to reflect on traditional life in Mooloobinba before 1788 and to celebrate the richness and resilience of First Nations culture - in particular the Awabakal and Worimi people, the traditional owners of the land upon which Newcastle now stands.

Ngarrama translates to 'to sit, listen, and know’. As the name captures, it will be a time for listening and quiet reflection through the sharing of stories, knowledge and culture.

Ngarrama is a free event but please register your attendance in advance. We hope you can join us.

Register here

Food & drink

Please note this is an alcohol free event. It is encouraged to bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages.

Water bottles can be filled at the Hunter Water station.

Food will not be available to purchase on the night.

Order of events

7.00pm - Event opening

7.05pm - Welcome to Country

7.20pm - Speech: Reconciliation and Responsibility

7.25pm - Rhythmic Acknowledgment: Adam Manning and students

7:35pm - Violin and Language Performance: Eric Avery

7:55pm - Mui Mui Bumer Gedlam Torres Strait Islander dance group

8:15pm - Curious Legends Puppets

8:30pm - Wakagetti dance group

9pm - Closing remarks and event close

Artwork

Created by Belle Leonard, Guuguu Yimithirr artist, designer and University of Newcastle Bachelor of Visual Communication Design graduate.

The Ngarrama artwork is a digital painting of the Nobbys Coastline and surrounding landscape before European settlement. Throughout the artwork are traditional Aboriginal symbols (campsites, animal tracks, and fish) to acknowledge how the traditional custodians of this land would have depicted their surroundings in art.

Belle is passionate about producing unique branding and imagery for clients as well as creating art that holds meaning and tells stories.

Instagram: @dontbebelle

Event Information

  • Date:  This event was held on Thursday 25 January 2024