Issuu

Apikarni Wilyarra-kka Payinti Wanjjal Warnaparrta

We come together to celebrate today, yesterday and tomorrow.

AUGUST 1-4

Mappu

Welcome to Country

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 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.”

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Welcome – and enjoy!

James Winwood

Operations Director, Barkly Regional Arts

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

Fri 5pm, Karguru Centre

Samoan Dancers AUG 1

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).

10:30am, Drag Storytime

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.

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

7pm, Dustyfeet Dance Collective

Barkly AFL Fun Day

10am onwards

Purkiss Reserve Oval

Tickets:

$6 Adult

$3 Concession/Students

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

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.

Tennant Creek High School Gym,

Tickets: free Duration: 1 hr

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

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.

The Barkly AFL Fun Day will Feature: - Sprint races - Boomerang throwing - Live music - Children’s activities

AUG 3

12pm, Songwriting Workshop

Sun, Karguru Centre

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: 3pm Onwards

3:15pm, Carving Workshop

Family Shoveller Band

Desert Diamonds

Arlywarre Desert Reggae

Michael Connell

WMC All Stars

Troy Cassar-Daley

Katanga Junior

Amy James

Sarah Pope

Bousta

Tickets: $75 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).