Festival of Us 2025

On Sunday, Jan 26, NT AUSTRALIA DAY 2025 will be again held at the Territory Netball Stadium in Marrara, promising an inclusive celebration of the NT’s incredible diversity, and inviting all Territorians to feel a part of this significant ‘Festival of Us’.

Building on the “Reflect. Respect. Celebrate” theme, the 2025 Festival of Us has an incredible program of local entertainment, workshops, and multicultural market food offerings.

Kicking off at the Darwin Waterfront bright and early with a Welcome To Country and the Oz Run, followed by a smoking ceremony by Larrakia families, the Festival of Us will then move to the Territory Netball Stadium in Marrara, for the afternoon program of events.

The “Festival of Us” program commences at 11 AM and concludes at 8 PM and is a FREE event.

Follow the event on Facebook for program announcements and updates!

Keynote Speaker

Rana Hussain
Rana Hussain is the keynote speaker for Festival of Us 2025

Rana Hussain is a trailblazing advocate for inclusion and belonging, renowned for her transformative work in elite sport and media.
As one of the most prominent women of colour in these arenas, her journey from a brown Muslim girl navigating underrepresented spaces to a respected leader exemplifies resilience, advocacy, and cultural change.
Rana has made a significant impact as a sports administrator, working with major brands nationally and internationally to amplify diverse voices and champion social inclusion.
Her expertise as a consultant and board member of Reconciliation Australia equips organisations with strategies to foster leadership, inclusion, and organisational transformation. She also founded Good.Human, an initiative dedicated to creating environments where everyone feels a sense of belonging.
Her media presence further amplifies her mission. As a regular on the ABC and various sports broadcasts, Rana provides thought-provoking commentary on critical social issues.
She co-hosts Broad Radio, engaging audiences with her insights on representation and equity, rooted in the belief that diverse stories strengthen the social fabric.
What sets Rana apart is her deeply personal connection to her work.
Growing up as the child of Indian migrants in suburban Melbourne, she experienced firsthand the complexities of identity and belonging. These experiences fuel her authentic, empathetic approach to creating meaningful change, making her a relatable and inspiring figure.
Rana’s dynamic speaking style and exceptional facilitation skills have established her as a sought-after keynote speaker. Her engaging narratives resonate with diverse audiences, driving conversations that inspire action. Whether addressing corporate leaders or community groups, Rana’s message is clear: inclusion is not just an ideal but a vital practice for building stronger, more compassionate societies.
Through her work, Rana Hussain continues to break barriers, empowering individuals and organisations to embrace diversity and champion equity. Her story is a call to action, inviting all to join her in building a world where everyone can thrive.

Performances

Arrkula Yinbayarra (Together We Sing)	Arrkula Yinbayarra (Together We Sing), is a cultural force hailing from the remote Gulf of Carpentaria. This empowering community-driven project breathes life into critically endangered languages. Created by Marlene Timothy and co-led with Dr Shellie Morris AO, the debut album Waralungku features 10 songs in Yanyuwa, Garrwa, Gudanji, and Marra is a journey of women’s empowerment and linguistic preservation. Each track resonates with the vibrant history and traditions of the Gulf’s diverse community. From standing ovations at Woodford Folk Festival to Port Fairy Folk Festival, Arrkula Yinbayarra has garnered acclaim and accolades, captivating audiences with its harmonious fusion of tradition and modernity. This musical journey, a harmonious blend of cultural pride and artistic expression, beckons festival-goers to join in the celebration of resilience and heritage. Experience the powerful synergy of Arrkula Yinbayarra, where the spirit of community, language, and culture converges in a captivating performance that transcends time and resonates with the heartbeats of the Gulf’s people. Arrkula Yinbayarra stands as a powerful example of how communities can take ownership of their cultural narratives, ensuring that they are not only preserved but also celebrated and passed on to future generations.
PHLtheBeat ft. Yung Milla	PHLtheBeat dance troupe will burst onto the AUS DAY stage and open a showcase of the freshest rising rappers. Keep your finger on the local rap scene and check out Darwin fave Riley P who will be joined by brand newbies Jimmy Rambes and Lordndoro. The showcase will be MC’d by the NTs fastest rising rapper Yung Milla. Each rapper gets 10 minutes to show their stuff and the event closes with a collaboration between PHLthebeat and Yung Milla. This will be a blast for all the family.
OzFusion	Run by the Multicultural Council of the Northern Territory (MCNT) which promotes multiculturalism, social inclusion, community harmony and celebration of diversity, OzFusion aligns with the Australia Day Council’s Festival of Us theme, and includes everyone as part of the story. Some images of the performances at the 2024 event below for a taste of what’s to come!

Activities & Workshops

The Clubhouse Project

The Clubhouse Project is excited to showcase a snapshot moment of the Be-Inclusive Games, embracing and celebrating inclusivity across the wider community at the Festival of Us 2025!
The Be-Inclusive Games Community Fun Day vibe offers a gentle introduction to sport and a range of activities that are geared towards friendship and family connection.
We will be showcasing multiple inclusive, accessible sports and activities, that are suitable for everyone of any age and ability; that are coordinated by The Clubhouse Project and supported by Integrated Disability Action, Inc. (IDA) along with our community partners, known as the Clubhouse Collective.