The wonderful success of the Giiyong festival held at Jigamy Farm last Saturday has left festival guests, participants and organisers hoping for more.
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According to South East Arts managing director Andrew Gray, more than 5000 people attended the Indigenous cultural festival, travelling from all over the country – some from as far away as Queensland and Darwin.
“The benefits of the cultural and spiritual value of our Koori community were highlighted, people came from all over to share their respect and enjoy the significance of our Indigenous culture,” Mr Gray said.
After trialling smaller lead up festivals, including the Giiyong Writers Festival in 2017, Mr Gray said the organisers – Twofold Bay Aboriginal Corporation, Eden Aboriginal Land Council and South East Arts – felt confident that a large festival could successfully be held.
“We couldn’t really predict the number of people that would be attending, but we are delighted with the outcome,” he said.
Headline acts included Yolgnu hip hop sensation Baker Boy, rockers No Fixed Address, poet Ali Cobby Eckerman, singer/songwriter Benny Walker and writer Bruce Pascoe among numerous local acts.
“One of the key aims of festivals such as these is to showcase local artists,” Mr Gray said.
“Wonderfully talented local creatives were able to meet and make connections with significant people. The flow on effect is going to be interesting.”
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Mr Gray reported renowned guest artists’ responses to the event were also encouraging.
“Some said it was one of the best festivals they have been to – saying this festival has the potential to become a significant event in Australia.”
Those views were shared by many audience members who raved about the experience on social media.
Also having an alcohol free event really contributed to the success of the day, Mr Gray added.
“People were really respectful and took the cultural values of respecting the land to heart.
“No alcohol made it easier to achieve the objective of a family and supportive environment also making the role for the local police, paramedics and security very easy.”
Although it’s early days to think of planning another Giiyong Festival for coming years, Mr Gray said that the seed has been planted and it is something the region should be thinking seriously about for the cultural calendar.
“South East Arts are the first out of 14 NSW regional art development organisations to present an Aboriginal arts and cultural festival,” Mr Gray said.
“It ran so smoothly and was such a success, I think it is definitely something to be proud of and worth considering again for the future.”