DHF 2025 Digital Program

Mappu Apikarni Wilyarra-kka Payinti Wanjjal Warnaparrta We come together to celebrate today, yesterday and tomorrow.

AUGUST 1-4

Welcome to Country Director’s Address

Hello, everyone.

My name is Shalee James Nakkamarra. I am a local Warumungu woman, with connections to this Manu (Country) through my father and great grandfather.

I acknowledge the Patta Warumungu Manu Waljji (traditional owners) of this Manu (country) and pay my respect to Anyinginyi Marlunguku manu warinyi (the elders) past, present and emerging.

A Welcome to Country is undertaken as a mark of respect and traditional owners welcoming people to the land.

The Patta Warumungu peoples’ traditional rights and interests for Tennant Creek were recognized by the Federal Court in 2007. Justice Mansfield handed down a determination of Native Title, and we signed an Indigenous Land Use Agreement which allowed for the future development of the town, and the recognition of our rights and interests in this land.

On behalf of Barkly Regional Arts, it is my great pleasure to welcome you to this year’s Desert Harmony Festival.

Here in Tennant Creek on Warumungu Country, we are privileged to celebrate the stories, music, art and culture of this extraordinary region. The festival is a unique meeting place where artists, audiences and communities from across the Barkly – and beyond – come together to share and connect.

On behalf of the Patta Warumungu People of this Manu (Country), I welcome you all to the Desert Harmony Festival.

Desert Harmony is a major yearly event that happens in Tennant Creek to celebrate the many cultures that all thrive together in this town, with the theme of “Mappu Apikarni Wilyarra-kka Payinti Wanjjal Warnaparrta” “Coming together today, yesterday and tomorrow.”

This year’s program reflects the creativity and resilience of the Barkly, featuring local voices alongside visiting artists in a vibrant exchange of ideas, traditions and experiences.

It is also an opportunity to honour the legacy of the many language groups and cultures that make this region so special.

These words have the backing behind it with the amazing line up of local artists from Tennant Creek as well as national acts and the variety of activities happening in town it will be a festival not to be missed.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Traditional Owners and custodians of the lands on which we gather, and we pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging. Their cultural knowledge and generosity continue to guide us in building an inclusive and respectful festival for everyone.

Whether you are joining us for the first time or returning to experience the magic again, we invite you to immerse yourself in the music, performances, artworks and stories that make Desert Harmony such a joyful and unforgettable celebration.

I thank Barkly Arts, the local organizations and everyone involved to make this year’s Desert Harmony a great success.

Welcome – and enjoy!

Kamata.

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James Winwood Operations Director, Barkly Regional Arts 2

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Celebrating the cultural roots of Tennant Creek, Friday will mark the start of Desert Harmony Festival with dancing, a smoking ceremony and a kangaroo cook up.

Pujjali Dancers Possum Dancers Jarra Jarra Dancers Fijian Dancers Samoan Dancers 4 3

Fri 5pm, Karguru Centre

AUG 1 4

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AUG 2 8:30am, Karguru Nusery Tour Kaguru Land and Environment Centre, Karguru Camp Rd

Tickets: $10

Duration: 2 hrs

Join Warumungu elder and bush tucker expert Jerry Kelly for a tour of Karguru Nursery.

Experience the Barkly’s local flora and its many varied uses. Learn about Karguru Centre’s famed seed store, its sustainable practices and its youth and mental health programmes.

Enclosed shoes are compulsory.

Bookings required (see page 9).

DHF 2025 Playlist

7pm, Dustyfeet Dance Collective Tennant Creek High School Gym, 38 Stuart St Tickets: free

Come to the Edge:

10:30am, Drag Storytime

A bold and uplifting fusion of contemporary dance, aerial choreography and physical theatre. Created and performed by four women from Mbantua/ Alice Springs, Come to the Edge invites audiences to take a leap of faith and discover joy in the unknown.

Tennant Creek Public Library, 41 Peko Rd

Tickets: free

Duration: 1 hr

Katherine’s own Queen Constantina Bush is set to dazzle us in her glamorous best on a journey down the highway, bringing an enchanting session of inclusive storytelling.

Featuring an evocative soundtrack and soaring aerial work, this poetic piece explores transformation, courage, and the beauty of flight.

Join her for captivating tales of excitement, love, and acceptance, celebrating diversity and joy with one of the Territory’s finest queens!

Barkly AFL Fun Day 10am onwards Purkiss Reserve Oval Tickets:

Scan the QR code for a little taster!

$6 Adult $3 Concession/Students

Duration: 1 hr

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For the first time, Desert Harmony Festival is teaming up with the Barkly Region’s favourite Saturday pastime — local footy!

The Barkly AFL Fun Day will Feature:

Come down to Purkiss Reserve for the Barkly AFL Family Fun Day, where the energy of the game meets the spirit of the Festival. Held during the regular footy rounds, this event will feature pop-up performances, games and family-friendly activities happening between matches and around the grounds.

- Boomerang throwing

- Sprint races

- Live music - Children’s activities

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AUG 3

Sun, Karguru Centre

12pm, Songwriting Workshop

Tickets: Free, RSVP required (see page 9)

Duration: 2

Join Troy Cassar-Daley, proud Gumbaynggirr/Bundjalung man and multiaward-winning country music legend, for a songwriting workshop at this year’s Desert Harmony Festival.

All are welcome – from seasoned songwriters to aspiring artists – to learn from one of the best in the business. Bring your guitar or use one of ours and jam along! Lunch provided. Open to all ages and genders.

Supported by the National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Music Office of APRA AMCOS.

3:15pm, Beading Workshop Tickets: $75

Duration: 2 hrs

Work with Warlmanpa artist Lorraine Gibson Napaltjari to craft jewellery made with locally sourced natural materials.

Bookings essential (see page 9).

MUSIC:

3:15pm, Carving Workshop

3pm Onwards

Tickets: $75

Family Shoveller Band Desert Diamonds Arlywarre Desert Reggae Michael Connell WMC All Stars Troy Cassar-Daley Katanga Junior Amy James Sarah Pope Bousta 8 7

Duration: 2.5 hrs

Join Warumungu master carver Joseph Williams Jangarrayi for a hands-on boomerang carving workshop. Guided

by Joseph’s deep cultural knowledge and years of experience, participants will learn traditional techniques for shaping and carving a wooden boomerang. This workshop offers a rare opportunity to connect with Warumungu culture and craftsmanship, hear stories from Country, and create a unique handmade object to take home. All materials provided. No experience necessary.

Bookings essential (see page 9).

AUG 4

MUSIC:

DEVAURA Honky Tonk Disco GK Desert Eagles Desert Melody Makers Jameson Casson Work Camp Band Sandridge Band Barkly Nomadics

Mon 3pm, Karguru Centre

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Thanks to our Sponsors

Keen to join a workshop?

Major Supporters:

Scan the QR code to save your spot – spaces fill up fast!

Official Media Partner:

Silver Sponsors:

Bronze Sponsors:

General Sponsors:

Mappu Apikarni Wilyarra-kka Payinti Wanjjal Warnaparrta We come together to celebrate today, yesterday and tomorrow.

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Gold Sponsors:

www.barklyarts.com.au