The City of Darebin has announced the opening of Ganbu Gulin: Gugung Murrup, a vibrant cultural event set to take place on 14 September at Bundoora Park Farm Heritage Village to kick off Darebin FUSE Festival, curated by Darebin-based artist Allara Briggs Pattison.
Ganbu Gulin, meaning “One Mob” in the Woi-Wurrung language, is an annual inclusive celebration where new citizens to Darebin are formally welcomed to Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung Country beginning with a traditional Welcome to Country by Uncle Bill Nicholson, followed by a day of immersive cultural experiences. Attendees will be treated to performances by the Djirri Djirri Dancers, founded by Mandy Nicholson, a prominent Wurundjeri, Djaara, and Ngurai illum wurrung woman.
Musical performances on the day will feature Ensemble Dutala, an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander chamber ensemble, with contributions from artists such as Mandy Nicholson, MpathSoul, and Alice Skye.
Ensemble Dutala, established in 2019 by Deborah Cheetham and Short Black Opera, represents Australia’s first Indigenous chamber ensemble. Comprising musicians from Noongar, Gamilaroi, Boon Wurrung, Yorta Yorta, and Wiradjuri nations, the ensemble is dedicated to nurturing young Indigenous musicians.
Alice Skye, a Wergaia and Wemba Wemba singer-songwriter, will perform her deeply personal music, exploring themes of healing and escapism. MpathSoul, known for her multifaceted artistic approach, will offer a blend of soulful folk and spoken-word poetry. Mandy Nicholson, with her extensive experience in reviving Woiwurrung language and culture, will further enrich the event.
The event features a Community Planting Workshop conducted by Sustain, focusing on environmental stewardship, and a panel discussion titled “Food For Thought” on First Nations Food Justice, with contributions from Zena Cumpston, a Barkandji artist, writer, and curator whose work includes contributions to major exhibitions and publications on food sovereignty and environmental justice.
Additional highlights include Aunty Brenda’s Aboriginal Cultural Experience, a traditional damper offering by Yorta Yorta educator and author Sue Briggs. Also, Aunty Brenda Fahey’s Aboriginal Cultural Experience for kids includes dot painting, drawing, creating, as well as storytelling. Families are warmly invited to join for some fabulous stories and free craft activities showcasing Indigenous culture. Activities include gum nut painting, leaf painting, ochre painting, storytelling, emu feathers and necklaces, macrame, and a range of other activities.
Ganbu Gulin
Saturday September 14
12-5PM
FREE
Bundoora Park Farm Heritage Village
1069 Plenty Rd, Bundoora VIC 3083
FUSE Festival
14 – 22 September
www.fusedarebin.com.au
