Tell us about the concept behind Yabun Festival.
Yabun was created and took over ‘Survival Day’ in 2003, a significant day for Aboriginal Australia. Yabun was created to keep the tradition and significance of the Survival Day concert but to also enhance other elements of our culture.
How did you come to select the musical acts for this year’s event?
We do Yabun artist call-outs early in the year and also keep in the know of any new artists or new music coming through. We always like to bring an acclaimed act every year and celebrate their long continuance in the music industry. We also like to cover all areas of music and try to have artists of all eras to give all music lovers a great experience.
Apart from the music, there’s a great arts and performance aspect to the program. What are some of the highlights?
We have the Corroboree ground back for the second year running. We have up to 16 traditional dance groups from all over New South Wales that will come and perform as well as run dance workshops all day. We have the Speak Out tent back for the more socially conscious, focusing on some of the heavier issues and opening up spaces for conversation on key issues our community face. The Young Black and Deadly stage and section is back; an area dedicated to our youth, all-day performances, workshops and discussions.
How important is this kind of event in celebrating the art and culture of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community?
Yabun is a key event for the Sydney Aboriginal community. We need to be able to continue and grow and have platforms for our people, and to also showcase our culture, as well as educate the wider community of the issues we still face today. Although the day is a sad one and of mourning, we must stand proud and celebrate and show we are still standing strong, and events like these showcase that.
What other work does the Gadigal Information Service do in the community throughout the year?
Tune into Koori Radio 93.7FM to hear the latest in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music and programs. We also have music gigs all year round called Klub Koori; they are monthly music gigs all over Sydney. Keep in the loop through the website (kooriradio.com).
[Yabun Festival photo by Michelle Lake Photography]
Yabun Festival 2016, with Bart Willoughby, Radical Son, Yarwah, Evie J Willie and more, happens at Victoria Park, Camperdown on Tuesday January 26.
