Bayira: Catching songs, stories and dreams
An event celebrating the creativity and stories of First Nations Novocastrians by focusing on dreams for the future was hosted by Purai Global Indigenous History Centre at the Newcastle Conservatorium of Music in September 2023.
As the nation moves towards the Voice referendum, University of Newcastle staff, students and members of the public were invited to immerse themselves in a range of activities, from yarning circles to musical and dramatic performances, panel discussions and mini lectures.
Some of the highlights included presentations on urban dance and activism, supporting language renewal initiatives and a paint and yarn workshop where participants coloured their own sticks.
Special guest Angelina Joshua travelled from the community of Ngukurr in Southeast Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory to take part in a Youth Forum where she spoke about learning from the past to change community futures.
“We need a voice,” We need to take control. We need to work effectively with Munanga (non-Indigenous people) in collaboration,” Ms Joshua said.
Ms Joshua was adamant that to do this effectively Australian First Nations people need an education system that works for them and young people taking on leadership roles.
“We need to engage with culture and language and have pride in who we are,” she said.
Bayira means ‘a performer, dancer or singer’ from the Dhangatti (Dharrigarri) language on the south-east coast, around Kempsey/Nambucca Heads.
The Bayira event has been recorded and is available for screening on the University of Newcastle's YouTube channel. Here is a rundown of the full program with approximate times:
5:30pm | Opening, Concert Hall Ray Kelly Snr– Acknowledgement of Country Opening Address - The meaning of Bayira Rod Noble and the People’s Chorus |
5:45pm | Session 1, Concert Hall, Catching Dreams Youth Forum Chloe Cox, Ethan Fox, Kayla McKenzie, Rheya Clelland, Lilly Clifford, Zander Samson, Reid Smythe Teigha Bevan, Crystal Leigh, Kynan Tindall, Lily Vodic- Senior, Matilda Marchant, Rosie Tattam Cooks Hill Students, UON Students - Bayira song Cooks Hill and UON students & Brian Joyce Drama performance Kerri Clark and Mitch Mahoney. Telling a Newcastle and Ngukurr story through a possum skin cloak Angelina Joshua. Learning from the past to change community futures. |
5:45pm | Session 1, Concert Hall, Catching Dreams Youth Forum Chloe Cox, Ethan Fox, Kayla McKenzie, Rheya Clelland, Lilly Clifford, Zander Samson, Reid Smythe Teigha Bevan, Crystal Leigh, Kynan Tindall, Lily Vodic- Senior, Matilda Marchant, Rosie Tattam Cooks Hill Students, UON Students - Bayira song Cooks Hill and UON students & Brian Joyce Drama performance Kerri Clark and Mitch Mahoney. Telling a Newcastle and Ngukurr story through a possum skin cloak Angelina Joshua. Learning from the past to change community futures. |
6pm | Break- light refreshments available During break: Concert Hall, Carole Johnson Urban dance and Activism film |
6.30pm | Session 2, Program 1: Catching Stories Program 1: Concert Hall Prof Kate Senior, Janet, Merv and Dexter, intercultural collaboration for Indigenous rights Mr Paul Walshe: ‘Going back to Yallarah’ Ms Samantha Dagg: “The process of walking and working together”: Union ally-ship and the Stan Masterson Archives Ms Carole Johnston: Urban Dance and Activism Dr Jean Harkins & Nicholas K Watson: Supporting language renewal initiatives. |
7.15pm | Session 2, Program 2: Foyer Adam Manning Paint and Yarn Colour your own sticks. Small workshop. |
8pm | Session 3, Concert Hall, Catching Dreams Yarning Circle by the fire Cooks Hill Students, UON and People’s Chorus: Reprise of Bayira |
8.30pm | Finish |
Contact
- Dr Jacqueline Wright
- Phone: +61 2 4921 7408
- Email: jacqui.wright@newcastle.edu.au
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The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.