Ngarrama returns to shine light on reconciliation

The night of reflection on 25 January invites people to consider traditional life before 1788. It brings local community together to connect to Country and reflect and share in cultural knowledge. Traditional dance, music, storytelling and knowledge sharing celebrated the rich culture of the Awabakal and Worimi people, the traditional owners of the land upon which Newcastle now stands.

At the University of Newcastle, we believe we are all enriched by cultural knowledge and connection to Country. We look forward to exploring new opportunities to expand this family-friendly evening of reflection and celebration in years to come.

“The word Ngarrama translates to ‘sit, listen, and know’, and I think that truly captures the essence of the safe space we’re trying to create and share with our community,” says alumnus Nathan Towney, Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Strategy and Leadership and Head of the Wollotuka Institute.

Sincere thanks to our generous event partners Awabakal Ltd, Awabakal Local Aboriginal Land Council, City of Newcastle, Newcastle Greater Mutual Group, Port Waratah Coal Services and supporters for bringing our community together to engage in meaningful reconciliation.

Enriching cultural knowledge through art

Ngarrama’s eye catching artwork was created by Guugu Yimithirr artist, designer and proud Bachelor of Visual Communication Design alumna, Belle Leonard, who was also the recipient of the BMG Indigenous Music Industry Scholarship - Creative Industries in 2021. The digital painting of the Nobbys Coastline and surrounding landscape before European settlement uses traditional Aboriginal symbols (campsites, animal tracks, and fish) to acknowledge how the traditional custodians of this land depicted their surroundings in art.