Ngarrama returns to light up Newcastle
Ngarrama will illuminate King Edward Park on Saturday 25 January when the University of Newcastle proudly welcomes the community back for its annual event.
Now in its fourth year, the free, public event is held in partnership with Awabakal Ltd, Awabakal Local Aboriginal Land Council, City of Newcastle, Newcastle Greater Mutual (NGM) Group and Port Waratah Coal Services.
The evening is a chance for all to pack a picnic and bring along their family and friends to engage in meaningful reconciliation through truth-telling, performances, open dialogue, and historical acceptance.
This year, children are encouraged to help shine a light on the rich culture of the region by joining the first Sea Creatures Lantern Parade led by Curious Legends Illuminated Puppets – a popular attraction of the night.
The University of Newcastle’s Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Strategy and Leadership and Head of the Wollotuka Institute, Nathan Towney, said Ngarrama is about bringing people together to connect to country, reflect, and share in cultural knowledge.
“Ngarrama is an incredibly special event, and we hope everyone is able to come down and join us in lighting up the park for a family-friendly evening of reflection and celebration,” Mr Towney said.
“At the University of Newcastle, we believe we are all enriched by cultural knowledge and a connection to country.
“The word Ngarrama translates to '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, with the help of our amazing event partners.
“This year, we will be having a lantern parade for the children to complement the illuminated puppets. We only have 400 lanterns available – so make sure you register online and get in early to collect your DIY kit from the lantern tent at 6.30pm.”
The evening also includes a Welcome to Country, traditional dance, music, storytelling and knowledge sharing. It will feature performances from Mari Mayi, Midnight Dreaming, Winanga-y Dreaming, Minimbah Dancers, and the much-loved Curious Legends giant puppets will be there to delight young and old.
Held on the 25 January each year, the night of reflection aims to consider traditional life before 1788 and was inspired by Sydney’s Vigil at Barangaroo.
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.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge said City of Newcastle has been a proud supporter of Ngarrama since its inception.
"We are committed to recognising, acknowledging and celebrating the history of the Awabakal and Worimi people," Cr Kerridge said.
“From a personal perspective, I am proud to celebrate our University’s achievements in training Indigenous doctors, particularly my former colleagues at John Hunter Hospital.
"In the spirit of reconciliation, this event is a chance for the community to enjoy the Australia Day long weekend with an evening of education and reflection in the heart of the city."
University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alex Zelinsky AO said Ngarrama is an opportunity to listen, learn and reflect – together.
“The University continues its longstanding commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander excellence, advancement and collaboration, and Ngarrama is such an important part of that,” Professor Zelinsky said.
“As our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student enrolments continue to grow, the University of Newcastle is proud to be celebrating a strong, continuing culture and leading the way in community engagement.
“I invite everyone in our community to join us at Ngarrama to connect with, and learn from, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and celebrate more than 60,000 years of history and culture.”
Ngarrama will be held from 7pm to 9pm on Saturday 25 January at King Edward Park.
The evening is an alcohol-free event and no food is available to purchase on the night. Event-goers are encouraged to bring a rug, pack a picnic, and book a ticket in advance. Register here for Ngarrama
Contact
- Melanie Sutton
- Phone: 0417 646 007
- Email: melanie.sutton1@newcastle.edu.au
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Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
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.