Papua New Guinea born, now Naarm/Melbourne based, Kaiit (pronounced Ky-yeet) burst onto the scene in 2017 with her debut single "Natural Woman".

Kaiit is an artist in every sense of the word, with a creative vision sustained by a deep spiritual connection with her ancestors. Her music is timeless, with its shimmery feel-good vibes and nostalgic production. The contrast between Kaiit's old soul voice and fierce, contemporary rhymes set her apart, painting a vibrant picture of gratitude and community, amidst honest and relatable story-telling relevant to her generation. Kaiit’s infectiously positive demeanour shines through in everything she creates; everything about her aesthetic is bold, beautiful and awake with colour and experimentation. Hers is a compelling and joyful world in which everyone is encouraged to be themselves and speak their truth.

Christine Anu is one of Australia’s most popular recording artists and performers of all time that uses her voice and reputation to spread a message of unity and hope. With 17 ARIA nominations, including the APRA AMCOS award - winning My Island Home and her platinum album Stylin’ Up, she has one of the country’s most enduring and recognisable voices.

Her acclaimed 27 year career spans across all forms of media including music, theatre, dance, film, television, radio, children’s entertainment, and one of the most influential keynote speakers. Her broad range of achievements include platinum selling solo albums, acting in Hollywood blockbusters such as Moulin Rouge and The Matrix - Reloaded, performing in

the hit sell - out musicals Rent and Little Shop of Horrors, and featuring roles in high - profile TV shows The Alice and Outland. Over the years, Christine has been central to a number of memorable historic moments, with her performance of My Island Home at the Sydney 2000 Olympics Closing Ceremony a notable standout. Many Australian’s consider Christine’s My

Island Home as the unofficial Australian National Anthem.

A man of Palawa and Portuguese heritage, Jony Berry was the first Aboriginal person to represent Australia at the Mr World competition, using his platform as a model and performer to advocate for causes close to his heart. Jony’s advocacy around the globe was recognised recently with his nomination for Tasmania’s Young Australian of the year award.

With his large social media following, Jony also uses his local and overseas profile to raise awareness of issues affecting young LGBTQ+ people.

Jalgany are a Mornington Peninsula based original folk rock band fronted by Nola Lauch, a Kirrae-wurrung/Bundjalung singer/song-writer who is committed to celebrating and sharing Aboriginal culture through her songs. Nola’s powerful and soulful vocals combined with an energetic and passionate band create an audience experience not to be missed. Jalgany released their debut EP Red Dust Salt Water in 2022 and it continues to receive regular radio airplay and streaming.

Ross Knight is a baakanji Kunya man that has recently begun producing his debut EP here on the Mornington Peninsula.

He has experienced healing through music through this life and this is what inspires him to play and share his original songs.

His sounds are soulful and his lyrics are captivating.

His influences include Jimi Hendrix, Jeff Buckley and Ben Howard..

Today, for most of us, we have become disconnected from our environment, from our tribe, from our food and from our Spirit. Through a combination of Earth mindfulness, narrative meditation, a series of physical movements and taking action to look after the planet, Wayapa provides a sense of belonging to the Earth while creating holistic well-being.

Rich with indigenous significance and abundant with native fauna and flora, your guide will point out the plants and areas of interest along your walk and their use and significance in medicine, bush tucker and Indigenous culture.

Join Baluk Arts for a day of family-friendly fun, solidarity and creativity aboard the artbus, courtesy of Artists for Kid's Culture.

Express your artistic side as we paint a vibrant mural together, create your very own clay bush animals, craft deadly pieces of jewelry, and for the little ones and the young at heart there's plenty of coloring-in fun to keep the creativity flowing.

This is an opportunity to celebrate survival, resilience, and unity. Join us in acknowledging the past while fostering connection and understanding in the present, in preparation for a thriving future!

Womens space to get creative and learn to weave a small basket. You will learn the techniques to continue weaving at home.

Spaces are very limited. First in best dressed.

The Kalat dancers consist of three cousins- Skyla Lauch, Carla Lauch and Jamillah Roberts, who are proud Gunditjmara Kirrae Wurrung Bundjalung women, born and raised on Boon Wurrung Bunurong land. They are passionate about storytelling and connection through the art of dance, using a combination or traditional and contemporary movements. The word ‘Kalat’ means ‘older sister’ in Gunditjmara language, which was a perfect fit as each of them are older sisters. Their passion for culture and connection with one another shines through in their powerful, engaging & entertaining performance.

This is Mai Katona's story about her remarkable life. She describes it as her journey from the bush to the city.

Mai, a child of the Stolen Generation, was taken away from the loving care of her aunt and uncle, who lived in Pine Creek in the Northern Territory of Australia. She was institutionalised at Retta Dixon Home near Darwin, until she planned her own further education by secretly enrolling in Secretarial School. Hear all about her life and achievemens.

Join Aunty Deb Mellett as she interviews Aunty Yvonne Luke about their recently released book, Telling.

Aunty Yvonne is one of the storytellers in Telling, a book that gathered Elders who are part of the Nairm Marr Djambana Gathering Place to tell their stories.

The 12 short life stories in Telling are grounded in First Nations storytelling traditions and reveal the diverse and complex nature of the experience of living in the wake of colonialisation. Telling fits with this year’s NAIDOC theme, For Our Elders. It also speaks to the contemporary political movement for truth-telling and Treaty in Victoria and nationally. The voices of First Nations Elders living in Victoria are prioritised and honoured in this work.

These stories are from all over Australia. Each Elder reflects on intergenerational trauma, Stolen Generations, reconnection and resistance, demonstrating their deeply felt Black pride and joy and celebrating their stories of survival.

Aunty Yvonne Luke recounts her epic journey of reconnecting to Alyawerre country after several generations of removal. Koori leader Uncle Mik Edwards describs his brave story of survival after being removed forcibly from his family in 1967, and Marion Hansen tells of her surprise at being crowned Miss NAIDOC in 1969.

The evocative photographs provided by the authors bring an intimacy to this vital historical testimony that will be enjoyed by Indigenous and non-Indigenous readers alike.

Lionel Lauch is a Gunditjmara Kirrae Wurrung-Bundjalung man, residing on Boon Wurrung Country on the Mornington Peninsula,

The Peninsula has been home to Lionel since he was 6 years old, here he was drawn to exploring the land and natural environment developing a deep connection and understanding of Country. "I had my first experience of meditation walking in nature, listening to the land" Lionel now runs a cultural engagement business and has a high demand for his yidaki-led healing mediation & yarning sessions. The yidaki produces deep rhythmic sounds, which Lionel uses specifically for healing practices. Senses are heightened and this allows for deep listening as the vibrations flow over and through your body, connecting you to the earth and creating a space for powerful healing to take place.

Mark Lumley is a proud Wiradjuri man who is an artist, educator, gardener, wellbeing practitioner and leader. He works as a Koorie Engagement Support Officer (KESO), co-founded the Marrung Education Community Network, guides Marrung Leads and most recently stepped into the acting role of a Koorie Education Coordinator. Mark is also one of the co-founders of the Murnong First Peoples Gathering Place in Glen Iris, co-ordinates the Murnong Art Gallery and oversees the Wominjeka Reconciliation Garden. As an artist, Mark works wonders with wood, creating pieces that are thought provoking, creates connection and shares stories and culture. Mark is also a Wayapa Wuurrk practitioner, amongst many other talents and contributions.

Emily Hui is an ally, primary school teacher and university tutor/lecturer on Wurundjeri Woiwurrung Country. Having taught for nearly 20 years, she also has teaching experiences in early years, secondary and as an education innovation consultant. Emily is the school's Marrung Lead (Koorie ally in school), a Department of Education Campfire Conversation convenor, co-founded the Marrung Education Community Network with the Inner East KEW (Koorie Engagement Workforce) and is part of the Aboriginal Self Determination in Education Reform Community of Practice. She also volunteers with Murnong First Peoples Gathering Place and Art Gallery, and is Our Survival Day's Volunteer Lead.

Together Mark and Emily will share their experiences working in the education environment, connecting community and creating a hopeful future!