Newcastle’s largest reconciliation event Ngarrama returns stronger than ever

Friday, 12 January 2024

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

Thousands came out for Ngarrama 2023

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.

2024 will mark the strongest support since Ngarrama’s inception by welcoming a third event partner – NGM Group - following a year that shows sharing, openness and community dialogue is essential.

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.

Wiradjuri man and University of Newcastle Pro Vice-Chancellor of Indigenous Strategy and Leadership Mr Nathan Towney said the event continues to grow.

“More than 4,000 people came down to Mooloobinba (Newcastle) last year and I’m proud to see this incredibly special night go from strength to strength,” Mr Towney said.

“This is an open invitation to connect to country and share in cultural knowledge, and I hope many more people can benefit from the safe space created by the University of Newcastle and our three deadly event partners.”

The word Ngarrama translates to ‘to sit, listen, and know,’ which embodies the night of reflection and celebration.

Held each year on 25 January, Ngarrama aims to consider traditional life before 1788 and was inspired by Sydney’s Vigil at Barangaroo.

The program includes a welcome to country, traditional dance, music, storytelling, and knowledge sharing.

Wakagetti performers at Ngarrama 2023

It will feature performances from Ngiyampaa, Yuin and Gumbangirr renowned violinist, Eric Avery, as well as Torres Strait Islander dance group, Mui Mui Bumer Gedlam - winner of NITV’s DanceRites 2023 competition. Local theatre and puppetry company, Curious Legends, will bring First Nations stories to life before Wakagetti dance group finish the night on a high.

Ngarrama celebrates the rich culture of all First Nations people, in particular the Awabakal and Worimi people, the traditional owners of the land upon which Newcastle now stands.

Awabakal Ltd CEO, Jason Smith, said he is proud to be part of Ngarrama for another year.

“Seeing people from all walks of life, young and old, come together to learn about our shared history is what makes this event so great,” Mr Smith said.

Representing event partner the City of Newcastle, Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said Council is a proud sponsor of this important event, which has become an annual highlight of Newcastle’s progressive and inclusive community.

“City of Newcastle has long been at the forefront of supporting reconciliation and truth-telling, standing shoulder to shoulder with our Aboriginal community to enact positive change together,” Lord Mayor Nelmes said.

“Newcastle was the first city to fly the Aboriginal Flag over a civic building, we were the first local government authority in the region to support constitutional recognition for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and this year our Guraki Aboriginal Advisory Committee, formed on 1 June 1999, will celebrate 25 years as the city’s Aboriginal voice to Council.”

NGM Group Chief Customer and Digital Innovation Officer and Reconciliation Action Plan sponsor, James Cudmore, said that becoming an event partner is a proud moment for the organisation.

“At NGM Group we know we have an important role to play in furthering reconciliation, and we feel honoured to support Ngarrama and promote reconciliation in an authentic and collaborative way,” Mr Cudmore said.

Ngarrama will continue to platform First Nations voices and be an opportunity for togetherness, according to the University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor and Reconciliation Champion, Professor Alex Zelinsky AO.

“The University of Newcastle has shown its continued commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander excellence, advancement and collaboration, and Ngarrama 2024 will be yet another example of how everyone can be involved,” Professor Zelinsky said.

Last year, the University of Newcastle celebrated 40 years of the Wollotuka Institute and was recognised as a national leader in gender equity and Indigenous participation.

“I hope the entire community can join us at Ngarrama to learn and celebrate more than 60,000 years of history and culture,” Professor Zelinsky said.

Register your attendance here.

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