“We are so privileged to be bringing our festival to life on Bidjigal, Birrabirragal and Gadigal land, and it’s wonderful to be opening this year’s festival with Marang, a celebration of our First Nations culture.” – Rachel Chant, Festival Director

Head along to Marang on the opening weekend of Bondi Festival for a deadly celebration of local First Nations knowledge and culture.

Marang delivers an incredible day of workshops, performances and stalls to kick off Bondi Festival 2023 in Bondi Pavilion’s Garu (northern) courtyard.

Meaning ‘sand dune’ in the local Dharawal language, Marang pays respect to the Country on which the Bondi Pavilion now stands, traditionally a place of sand dunes. Following a Welcome to Country from local Elder, Uncle Lloyd Walker, and performance a from the incredible Jannawi Dance Clan, book in for several free workshops over the day – including special shell-art and weaving workshops with local knowledge holders from the Gujaga Foundation, and bushtucker talks and food demonstrations from the horticulture team at Bush to Bowl. Gather in the Garu courtyard to enjoy music from local First Nations artists, check out the variety of First Nations market stalls, and enjoy a meal from  the Plate events food stall.

Times:

Sat 1 Jul 11am – 3pm

Full Event Schedule:

11am:

Welcome to Country + Performance by Jannawi Dancers
Market Stalls Open
Plate Events Food Stall Open

11.30am – 1pm:

Bush to Bowl Workshop – Sold Out
Weaving Workshop – Sold Out
Shelling Workshop – Sold Out

Live music from Akala, Blanche Music and Earl Weir!

1.30 – 3pm:

Bush to Bowl Workshop – Sold Out
Weaving Workshop – Sold Out

3pm:

Event close.

Show Info:

• Please come prepared for the weather: bring a hat, wear sunscreen, and pack an umbrella and/or raincoat, as the walk will go ahead rain or shine!

Accessibility Info:

• Click here for more information about accessibility at Bondi Festival.

Meet the Creators:

Jannawi Dance Clan is a community-based Indigenous dance company encompassing modern, urban and traditional dance styles. The name Jannawi means ‘with you, with me’ in the Darug language of New South Wales. Jannawi performs and teaches to inspire other Indigenous people to practise cultural values and identities.

The Gujaga Foundation is the peak organisation leading language, cultural and research activities within the La Perouse Aboriginal community. Gujaga works collaboratively with Elders, knowledge holders and leading academics. La Perouse locals, Kodie Mason from Gujaga will be delivering the weaving workshop and Aunty Maxine Ryan & Aunty Lola Ryan from Gujaga will be running the shell art workshop.

Bush to Bowl is 100% Aboriginal owned by Yaegl man, Clarence Bruinsma and Garigal man, Adam Byrne. Bush To Bowl is a social enterprise aimed at creating a healing space & platform for First Nations people by connecting to Country and traditional foodways. Bush to Bowl practice culture on a daily basis by giving back to Country, mob and the wider community.