Now in it’s second year, Bega’s Festival of Daring Possibilities will see a simultaneous event held in the American city Minneapolis.
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Speaking at this year’s festival on Friday will be Djiringanj and Ngarigo woman Tamika Townsend, Bega Valley Shire councillor Jo Dodds, and Funhouse Studio director Cayce Hill.
“It's about the possibility of doing better and being better,” Ms Townsend, a former Bega resident said.
Ms Townsend will be discussing what Australia would be like if colonisation had been approached differently, and what the nation’s future could look like.
“I'm keen to test ideas about a range of issues. It’s an opportunity to share some thoughts and learnings I've had with my community, and I see it as a way to put ideas out there and have a discussion on some important issues,” she said.
The 25-year-old has been in the midst of Indigenous issues in the political heart of Canberra working in the Indigenous Affairs space, and is currently focused on employment and economic development.
"I feel I'm where I'm meant to be but the coast is home and where the heart is,” she said.
I hope to one day bring what I have learnt back to the South Coast, especially Bega.
“It's essential to have Indigenous voices in everything, well beyond events, because I want to see Indigenous Australians represented across business, communities, governments and schools.
“This make us richer in knowledge and brings new ideas and perspectives, and I have high expectations when it comes to ensuring our mob’s voices are heard. I think this type of leadership is how we make change.”
Now living in Canberra, Ms Townsend said Australia faces “complex, multifaceted and intergenerational” issues.
“Indigenous Australians are falling short across all social and economic indicators, including health, suicide, education, employment. A young Indigenous person is more likely to go to jail then finish high school,” she said.
“I do think Bega could develop a deeper appreciation, better understanding and promote more visibility of Djiringanj culture, Original owners, Elders and history.
I think creating a safe space for people to share ideas on issues important to them is a deadly initiative, because it enables solutions to issues and to share experience and new ways of thinking.
“I love hearing new ideas and being challenged.”
Festival organiser Sue Andrew said live online streams of both the Bega and Minneapolis events will be shared on the night.
“Native American author Marcie Rendon was inspired after hearing about our festival last year, and after my recent visit to Minneapolis I supported her to create one for her community,” she said.
The festival will start on Friday, from 4pm to 10pm at Bega’s Funhouse Studio.
This weekend will be the first of three parts of the festival, to be held over one weekend each month.