Aaron Bunch Journalist with Australian Associated Press | Collection of published work | + 61 484 008 119 | abunch@aap.com.au
NT’s Garma Festival back after two years
Australia’s largest Indigenous festival is set to return to the Northern Territory after a two year absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
April 1, 2022
Australia’s largest Indigenous gathering, Garma Festival, is back on in the Northern Territory after it was cancelled for two-years in a row due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The festival, which usually attracts 2500 visitors, is scheduled to run from July 29 to August 1 in northeast Arnhem Land at Gulkula, a significant ceremonial site on the Gove peninsula.
“There’s always a lot of excitement in the air ahead of Garma but it feels extra special this year after so much time apart,” Yothu Yindi Foundation chief executive Denise Bowden said on Friday.
Garma is a celebration of the cultural, artistic and ceremonial traditions of the Yolngu people.
In the past, it has also been an event to discuss the many issues facing Indigenous Australians.
Attendees often include high-ranking politicians, business leaders, and academics.
This year’s event theme is Nhanga Ngathilyurra, which is a Yolngu phrase which means to look ahead, or look toward the future.
“Our art centres are bursting at the seams with new work to share with our guests, and local bands and musicians are jumping at the chance to get back onstage and perform again,” Ms Bowden said.
The 2021 festival was cancelled in May last year over fears visitors to Gulkula could spread COVID-19 into the Top End’s many Indigenous communities.
The Gove Peninsula is about 1000 kilometres by road from Darwin.