Federal government invests $250,000 in Barunga Festival
The Aboriginal cultural festival takes place next weekend, with a stellar line up of culture, music and sport.
The federal government has put in $250,000 to support this year’s Barunga Festival, celebrating First Nations art, music, dance, sport and culture.
The annual festival takes place next weekend in the remote Northern Territory community near Katherine, on the lands of the Bagala clan of the Jawoyn people.
Barunga Festival holds a key place in Australian history as the home of the Barunga Statement, presented to then Prime Minister Bob Hawke at the festival in 1988.
Indigenous Australians Minister and NT Senator Malarndirri McCarthy said festivals such as Barunga were crucial to promoting understanding and respect for Indigenous culture, and played an important part of the Closing the Gap target to ensure First Nations culture and languages were strong, supported and flourishing.
“The power of people from all corners of the Northern Territory and northern Australia coming together to celebrate First Nations culture is inspiring,” she said.
“Each year, Barunga Festival reminds me of the enduring strength of our communities and cultures.”
Barunga Festival chief executive Steve Smith thanked the Labor government for the support.
“This year’s event would not happen without this crucial funding,” he said.
“Barunga Festival is about celebrating, supporting and sharing Aboriginal culture and Indigenous rights.”
Around 4000 people are expected to attend the 2025 Barunga Festival between June 6-9.
This year is headlined by Gamilaraay woman and award-winning singer Thelma Plum – the only NT show on her national tour.
She will be joined on the line-up by Northeast Arnhem Land rock-royalty East Journey, performing a special reunion show after almost a decade since their last performance.
Territory icon Sammy Tjapanangka Butcher and the Warumpi Band he helped form will be honoured when the live theatre phenomena Big Name, No Blankets.
A modelling initiative will also be launched for the first time, led by internationally acclaimed Tiwi model Cassie Black.
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Originally published as Federal government invests $250,000 in Barunga Festival
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