Bass Coast Reconciliation Network is excited to announce the very first Ngangga on Milawul (Phillip Island) - a free event celebrating NAIDOC Week on Sunday July 6.
The event, run in partnership with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community, will see First Nations-owned stallholders, volunteers, community organisations, musicians and artists come together to celebrate culture through fun activities, games, live music, deadly (great) information and support, arts, crafts and more.
Aligning with the 2025 NAIDOC theme of Next Generation, Strength, Vision and Legacy, Ngangga aims to empower young people and families to celebrate, experience and learn more of our shared history.
The one-day festival will run from 12pm - 5pm at Berninneit in Cowes starting with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony.
Everyone is invited to come along and be part of the great First Nations' stalls, music, workshops, activities and family fun across the day that will be followed by an evening performance from Uncle Kutcha Edwards (tickets required) in the theatre at Berninneit.
It will be a treat to see First Nations artists Candice Lorrae and Fonzie (Paul) Patten performing as part of the free festival along with local business WKY events running cultural games along with a variety of First Nations stallholders and activities.
The event is support by Aboriginal-led partnership Dhelk Dja. Paul Patten is part of the event organising committee and also Chairperson for the Inner Gippsland South Coast Dhelk Dja Action Group.
"We wish everyone a happy NAIDOC week. What better way to celebrate than to be together. There are so many events happening across Bass Coast, come along and celebrate with us," Paul said.
Leslie Briggs, Owner of WKY Events, will be running traditional games and an artefact display on the day. "To me, the festival means togetherness and recognising our
Indigenous Culture and opportunities to gain knowledge and respect," said Leslie.
"We bring cultural activities and give our community the opportunity to learn and get hands on experience in Aboriginal Culture. People should come along to learn and engage with our culture to then spread awareness for others," Leslie said.
First Nations Community member and co-Chair of the Network, Dr Bev Munro said the NAIDOC event on Milawul (Phillip Island) holds immense significance, both for her and the wider community.
"It's an opportunity to celebrate and reflect on the rich culture and heritage of First Nations Peoples. For the community, it is a chance to come together, learn, and foster understanding through shared experiences.
"It's also a powerful reminder of the importance of reconciliation and the ongoing journey towards healing and recognition for First Peoples."
Ngangga (meaning to hear, to understand, to listen in Boonwurrung language) welcomes First Nations Peoples together with our allies and supporters, residents and tourists to share our history; celebrate our culture, ancestors and Elders; elevate the voices and visibility of First Nations Peoples and create an exciting future for next generations through empowering and supporting our young people to work towards self-determination and economic prosperity.
Bass Coast Reconciliation Network has run many major reconciliation events including a Bridge Walk for Reconciliation in 2022 where over 1000 community members walked across the bridge from San Remo to Milawul.
Want to come along to Ngangga?
We are asking people to register on Try Booking for their free ticket to Ngangga! This is not essential - you can just turn up on the day - it just helps us with planning. See ad for details and more at: www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/ngangga-festival
There are many events happening across Bass Coast this NAIDOC Week including the annual NAIDOC Art Exhibition in Wonthaggi, Birdz & Fred Sounds at Wonthaggi on Saturday July 5 at 7.30pm and a special performance by Uncle Kutcha Edwards at Berninneit in Cowes on Sunday July 6 following the Ngangga Festival (paid tickets for this performance are required).
Get your full guide in next week's papers and on Bass Coast Shire Council's website and socials: www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/reconciliation