Voices of oldest living cultures shape shared future

Some of Australia’s most renowned Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander musicians and dancers will take to the stage at a free City of Sydney event in Hyde Park on Saturday 13 July.

The annual NAIDOC in the City event for all ages shares the rich diversity and histories of First Nations cultures through music, dance, food and art.

Hosted by Elaine Crombie and Luke Currie-Richardson, this year’s main stage line-up includes soul group The Merindas, singer-songwriter Alice Skye, and hip hop duo Nooky and KobieDee.

Now in its seventh year, NAIDOC in the City also features an earth oven and Indigenous themed food stalls, a healing tent, a marketplace selling local Indigenous art, craft and produce, weaving and jewellery-making workshops and a gallery of artworks that interpret this year’s NAIDOC Week theme.

Kids can learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and have fun with dance lessons in the sand circle, sports clinics, paperbark canoe making sessions and song workshops with local cultural educators.

NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. Its origins go back to the emergence of campaigning Aboriginal groups in the 1920s, who sought to increase awareness of the status and treatment of Indigenous Australians in the wider community.

This year’s national NAIDOC Week theme ‘Voice. Treaty. Truth. Let's work together for a shared future’ reflects the three key elements set out in the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

“The City understands the importance of self-determination, truth-telling and justice, and we are committed to listening to the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,” said Lord Mayor Clover Moore.

“NAIDOC in the City gives people of all ages the chance to experience the richness of the world’s longest living cultures in the spirit of unity and respect.”

The 2019 main stage line-up includes:

Nooky and KobieDee – Nooky burst into the Sydney hip hop scene in 2010 with his technical rap style and thought-provoking lyrics. Nooky’s Yuin bloodline and culture inspires his music and he remains unapologetically honest when his people and culture are under fire. Kobie Dee is a Gamilaroi artist based in Sydney, ready to share his skill with rhythmic structures, captivating storytelling and empathy for the human condition with a home crowd.

The Merindas – Blending soulful tones, hypnotising melodies and an energetic stage presence, The Merindas’ music is a tribute to their cultural heritage. Alongside the mastery of Jake Steele’s mixing skills, the duo create an atmospheric fusion of Aboriginal and electro pop sounds.

Alice Skye – Originally from country Victoria, Alice grew up alongside the sandstone mountains and wildflowers of the Grampians. Singer-songwriter, Wergaia woman and universal little sister, Alice is still inspired by her roots and is set to soar as music lovers learn more about this young yet mature new music talent.

Muggera Dancers – Muggera and students from the Chifley College Bidwill Solid Ground Program will give the crowd a crash course in hip hop. Muggera group members come from a long line of cultural leaders, song men, world-class dancers and didgeridoo players with a formidable respect for culture.

Chris Tamwoy – A self-taught ‘guitar virtuoso’, Chris has a unique playing style and sound. Chris grew up in the Torres Strait Islands and travels nationally and internationally with his music as a proud ambassador for his culture and country.

Kiris An Tharan Torres Strait Island Dance Troupe - Currently residing in Sydney, Kiris An Tharan share their love and passion for their culture through performances at community events, schools, corporate events and festivals.

The full program will be available closer to the date at whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/naidoc-in-the-city

NAIDOC in the City is produced by 33creative.com.au

Learn more about NAIDOC Week at naidoc.org.au

When:11am to 3pm, Saturday 13 July Where: Hyde Park, Sydney Cost: Free

For media inquiries or images, contact Roxanne Macara or Claire Thompson. Phone 0438 554 640 or email [email protected]

For interviews with Lord Mayor Clover Moore, contact Julia Lenton. Phone 0410 748 039 or email [email protected]