Festival of Us 2024
On Friday, Jan 26, NT AUSTRALIA DAY 2024 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 2024 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.
Click here to follow our Facebook event page for updates.
Keynote Speaker
Tayla Harris Tayla Harris is a young Australian athlete making her mark on the sports field and beyond. Whilst most well known as a dual-sport professional athlete, competing in both boxing and AFLW, and an infamous kick photo that led to online trolling, Tayla Harris has many other, just as important, dimensions her story. From strong and supportive family relationships with her parents, and in particular her dad’s encouragement throughout her junior football career, to her sporting journey from Queensland to Victoria, Tayla has had to deal with more than most in the early years of her personal and professional adult life. Showing great perseverance and resilience, Tayla has displayed integrity navigating her way through numerous publicly documented situations, and places great importance and value in having a strong, supportive, and trusted network around her. Tayla uses her platform and voice in off-field advocacy for preventing violence against women and gender-based online abuse. Anyone following Tayla’s social media knows the importance of her dogs, Beans, and Elaine, in her life. She finds calm and comfort in spending time with her dogs, and they are a welcome distraction from the mental and physical demands of her public and professional life. With many sporting and personal successes and achievements to date, including being named as the 2021 Victorian Young Australian of the Year and an official ambassador for Our Watch, Tayla is an inspiring role model for future generations. |
Performances
Ngulmiya Nundhirribala The winner of the 2023 Indigenous Language Award at the National Indigenous Music Awards, an iconic and highly respected Songman and Ceremony leader from Arnhem Land. Ngulmiya’s traditional singing style has developed over thousands of years, and his stunning virtuosic singing ranges from pure beauty, to soul-stirring calls to his ancestors, to evocative power and raw emotion. |
Queen of Hearts An all-female Melbourne-based band, consisting of musicians from Canada, Colombia, and Australia. Queen of Hearts not only uniquely interpret traditional Mariachi music, but write their own original compositions with a Mariachi twist. The rich harmonies they showcase demonstrate sophisticated vocal prowess, while their original arrangements display professional musicianship that captivates audiences during their live performances. |
Katanga Junior Katanga JuniorHailing from the vibrant streets of Arusha, Tanzania, and now a musical force in Mparntwe/Alice Springs, Katanga Junior is a charismatic artist who seamlessly blends reggae, ragga and hip-hop. His sonorous voice, silky flow and multi-lingual lyricism complete this mesmerising fusion and he and his band bring joy and energy to every stage they conquer. This is a sound that transcends boundaries and unites cultures, while keeping your feet moving. |
Wairuk Band The Wairuk Band -started in 1984 a Popular Top End Band from a small community called Wairuk at Humpty Doo station in the Northern Territory the band members were Phillip Goodman and the Kenyon brother together with Jacob Rabu the original members still remind, lead vocals Philip Goodmen Rhythm and lead guitarist Graham Kenyon original members from Wairuk Band perform All originals material. |
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 2023 event below for a taste of what’s to come! |
Activities & Workshops
Clubhouse Territory Clubhouse Territory – showcasing multiple inclusive, accessible sports and activities, embracing and celebrating inclusivity across the wider community at the Festival of Us 2024! 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 connect. |
Kick Back Parlour 🚀 Get ready to vibe at the Australia Day’s Festival of Us 2024 in Kick Back Parlour! 🇦🇺 The GG Social Club is bringing the coolest games and activities for you to run wild with your imagination 🎲 Tangled Ventures is serving up locally made card game Interplanetary Battle Cards for a good time 🪐 Larrikin Interactive and The Array will have locally made video games for you to test and have a go at 🖱️ and Next Tier Enterprises is leveling up with esports and karaoke – because why not? 🎮🎤 Plus, dive into creative workshops with Kezia like button making, drawing, pom pom making and MORE! 🎨 It’s the ultimate fusion of fun and chill vibes – this is where it’s at! 🎉✨ |
Zumba Workshop Get your body moving with the Top End Zumba Crew on the main stage. |
Latin Carnival Show and Dance Lesson The whole family can get involved with this full Latin Carnival and Latin Dance Lesson and Kids Class on the main stage. |
DJ Workshops The DJ workshop aims to teach skills, provide individual support and career pathway opportunities to young people. |
Gaagudju – Kakadu Painting Workshops (Jacqui Cahill) Jacqui Cahill, a renowned Kakadu artist who does regular art activities at Bowali Visitor Information Centre in Kakadu, will provide an opportunity to learn about Aboriginal Art from Kakadu and paint a beautiful piece of their own. Jacqui will also share her knowledge on Kakadu, her bush tucker walks based in Kakadu, and the history on the Cahill Families of Kakadu/Gunbalanya. |
Block Printing Workshop with Janie Andrews, Artist and Facilitator Participants to this workshop will have a range of local flora and fauna printing blocks to print their own unique designs onto tea towels they can take home with them. |
Aly de Groot and Putu Desak Warti Weaving Workshop Weave With UsSit with Balinese dancer/choreographer, mentor and adept weaver Ibu Putu Desak Warti along with contemporary fibre artist, Aly de Groot and learn Balinese offering making and basket weaving with a twist. Photo credit: Duane Preston. |
Sweet Little Vintage Cupcake Decorating Celebrate Australia Day at the Festival of Us decorating Australian themed cupcakes with Petroula from Sweet Little Vintage. Unleash your creativity and take home your sweet creations to devour. Participants receive two cupcakes each to decorate for free. Suitable for children from 4 years old and adults too! Not suitable for those with dietary requirements. Sweet Little Vintage takes no responsibility for any allergies. Small children are to be supervised by an adult. |
Avatar Compassion Project The Avatar®️ Compassion Project is a worldwide project to help increase compassion across the planet by sharing the Compassion Exercise in 40-plus languages. Find us at The Festival of Us to receive a card in your language, and for more info about this amazing project. |
Food & Entertainment
Food & Drink Stalls A variety of local suppliers will be cooking up a storm this year with an array of cuisines available for purchase. Dry Society – Non alcoholic drinks Seashells Coffee and Treats – coffee and cookies/cakes Christine’s Exotic Eats – African Azadi Together – Persian Café Connections – Indian Hugs Panim – Thai |
Cool Kids & Co – Specialty Snow Cones Cool Kids & Co. is 100% owned and operated by young entrepreneur Layla Kirby. First debuting in November 2023, Cool Kids & Co. Specialty Snow Cones is Darwin’s newest and coolest cold treats crew and home of the theatrically chill Colossal Cool challenger cone! With a wide variety of specialty flavours, confectioneries, and sizes, Cool Kids & Co. appeals to a wide variety of people, young and not-so-young. Cool Kids & Co. Specialty Snow Cones is a must-have at your next event. |
Facepainting & Roving Entertainment Our fabulous facepainters will be back to transform you into the character of your dreams, and you’ll be amazed by balloon-twisting, stilt-walking, magicians and fairies as they roam the venue spreading joy and entertainment to everyone. |