Watch: The highlights from Durrungan Gathering 2025
Durrungan Gathering 2026
Whale Dreaming Festival
18 OCTOBER 2026
9:00–17:00 | Durrungan Gathering ~ Whale Dreaming Festival - Cultural festival, live music, cultural performances, wildlife and environmental workshops and stalls, cultural workshops, lighthouse tours, mech tent, food and coffee vendors.
Gold coin donation on entry
Norah Head Lighthouse, Norah Head NSW
Darkinjung Country
Mirring Hosting
Formally known as Whale Dreamers Festival (WDF)
The annual Durrungan Gathering formally known as the Whale Dreamers Festival (WDF) is organised by the Mirring Aboriginal Corporation in partnership with 5 Lands Walk Inc and Gudjagang Ngara Li-dhi Aboriginal Corporation, will be held at Norah Head Lighthouse.
The Durrungan Gathering is a celebration of our cherished traditions and to honour Durrungan, the magnificent Humpback Whale, as they embark on their annual journey north to the birthing grounds in warmer waters and their return journey to the southern feeding grounds of Antarctica. Durrungan holds great cultural significance as a powerful totem of the sea.
During the gathering, we strive to raise awareness about environmental issues that impact our oceans. We will share Aboriginal perspectives and stories to foster understanding and appreciation for our rich culture and values. We come together in the spirit of unity and joy, rejoicing in the safe passage of Durrungan.
As part of our commitment to the environment, we encourage and promote eco friendly practices at Durrungan Gathering. This includes waste education, recycling initiatives, the use of renewable energy sources, and incorporation of traditional environmental practices, such as those advocated by the National Firesticks Alliance. By adhering to these standards, we can collectively make a positive impact on our surroundings and for our beloved Durrungan.
Durrungan (Humpback whale)
Durrungan (Humpback whale) are a traditional sight and sound in the Awaba Darkinjung landscape. Over the cooler months, pods make the regular seasonal journey north, breaching waves along the coastline.
Rock engravings on the land and dreaming stories passed down between generations continue to demonstrate the strong and long-standing connection between the Awaba Darkinjung and the Durrungan. There are many different animals that are significant to the Darkinjung People. Some include the whale (durrungan), frog (gudad), kangaroo (bandar), koala (guluwayn), emu (dinam/baribari/ gunggurung), echidna (ganyi), eel (bara), and turtle (gudumang). These should be used to represent/ interpret the various environments that they come from.
The Darkinjung community want to share and invite the broader community to immerse themselves in local cultural activities, stories and traditions connected and respecting Country, the sea creatures and our Oceans. Come celebrate and join us while learning local and neighbouring creation stories, song and dance. We will be joined by our neighbouring groups Wonnarua and Guringai
Event Line Up
18 October 2026 09:00–17:00
Durrungan Gathering~ Whale Dreaming Festival
Live Music & Performances (main stage)
9:00–9:15 Welcome to Country, Smoking & Opening Ceremony
Led by Matthew Syron a Worimi, Biripi and Darkinjung Gurri. Mirring Aboriginal Corporation introductions and The Glen for Women Dance Group followed by the Gudjugang Dreaming Dancers & Interactive Workshop.
09:15–09:30 The Glen for Women Dance Group
The Glen for Women Dance Group celebrates Aboriginal culture, promotes reconciliation and helps our clients to reconnect with their spirit. They believe that culture must be shared for it to last for generations.
09:30–10:00 Gudjugang Dreaming Dancers
Led by Josef Graf Cooper a proud group of young Aboriginal dancers from Darkinjung Country. Nhangara immerses the audience in culture through contemporary and traditional Aboriginal dance. The aim is to foster childrens’ cultural and community connection and develop their dance skills while supporting community events. Josef Graf Cooper and the Gudjugang Dreaming Dancers takes you through traditional movements and rhythms that tell the stories of the Ancestors, creating an immersive experience that celebrates the beauty of Aboriginal culture.
10:00–10:25 Unbroken Whispers ~ Dr Jodi Edwards & Dr Chels Marshall and Introduction to Whale Talks with ORRCA ~ Catriona Byrne
A deadly duo of Cultural Ecological Knowledge and Cultural Education Systems. These two mighty First Nations women are ambassadors of Country, culture and non-human kin. Through their practice of knowledge sharing and rekindling of cultural practices they endeavour to protect Country and Sea Kin, the integrity of cultural knowledge and intergenerational knowledge transfer for generations to come.
Come and listen with your heart as Jodi takes you on a journey through her charismatic story sharing and cultural song voice, leading you through traditional landscapes and the importance of maintaining cultural practice and cultural evidence systems, that will leave you with goosebumps. Chels will fill your mind with First Nation Science and ecological wonders along with concepts of Cultural Sanctuaries for our Sea Kin and Sea Country. They will share details of their research project Unbroken Whispers ~ The Ripples Connecting Sea Kin.
10:25–10:45 Lamonay
Lamonay is a proud Gomeroi woman, coming from the small country town of Moree in NSW. She is currently living in Wollongong performing in and around Sydney and regional NSW. Her musical influences are Nina Simone, Erykah Badu, Otis Redding, The Supremes, Chris Stapleton, Gurrumuul and Gospel music. Watching the praise and worship band in church introduced her to a wide variety of musical sounds and styles that continue to inspire her. This love for diverse music genres, including, country, soul, gospel, musicals and pop music gives her a strong sense of independence and freedom of expression through singing, writing and performing. Lamonay finds inspiration from her Gomeroi heritage and her queer experiences, she uses these experiences to write her original songs. Lamonay has released her first song earlier this year Mission Girl and has plans to record more original songs this year.
10:50–11:20 ChillCheney
Australian band blending hip hop, soul, pop, jazz and rock. Honest storytelling, powerful vocals and expressive musicianship create a sound that's uniquely ChillCheney.
11:30–12:00 Michael Birk & The Recognisers
3 piece Deadly Yaegl front man of The Recognisers, Michael Birk says. "The Band name was inspired by the policy era of today." Michael gently tells his story through his performances and songs but every time he plays he gets more fire in his belly. "Lets all Recognise the the Land, Lore and Knowlegde to be passed on. Our people are urging to move forward from this daily hurt. Lets tell them other siders tough love ay?"
12:00–12:20 Bella Anna & Aaron White
Bella Anna is a Muruwari singer, songwriter and storyteller from North West NSW, raised on Darkinjung Country. Her music carries culture, family and Country through a voice that is soulful, warm and emotive. Bella writes about identity, love, loss, triumph and the connections that hold people together. Her journey began in musical theatre and has grown into a career that moves between the stage and the classroom. She has performed at events and venues across the country, including the Australian Training Awards and the ACT NAIDOC Ball. Her backing vocal work includes Coloured Stone, Wallabindi as well as Dale Huddleston and the Riverbank Band.
Aaron White is the guitarist, He is non-Indigenous Newcastle-based guitarist, bassist, singer-songwriter and Bachelor of Music graduate. Originally from Coolah, NSW, he began his musical journey as a busker before establishing himself in the Newcastle music scene. Aaron fronts his original country band, Aaron White & The Passengers, performs with pop covers band The Hummingbirds Collective, and is one half of Honey Duo. He has shared the stage with a range of Australian artists and performed at festivals including the Tamworth Country Music Festival. Alongside his own original music, Aaron is a sought-after guitarist and bassist, collaborating with artists across the Hunter region.
12:20–12:50 Cooee
Cooee is a musical collaboration between Gunai award-winning multidisciplinary artist Kirli Saunders (OAM) and musician-producer Mark Chester Harding, blending poetry, song, and visual art into a shared storytelling practice. The project began serendipitously in late 2023, when Kirli and Mark met performing as session musicians with Jack River on triple j's Like a Version. That same week, Kirli released her poetry collection Returning (Magabala Books, 2023) - a book that lingered with Mark and would soon form the lyrical foundation of their early songwriting sessions. A handful of Kirli's poems were set to Mark's pre-existing musical sketches, marking the beginning of a dynamic creative partnership grounded in shared values of collaboration, care, and creative generosity. Their debut album Messengers explores themes of connection to Country, language, culture, homecoming, love, grief, and blak joy, carrying Kirli's literary voice into expansive, community-led soundscapes.
13:00–13:20 Yidaki Sound Bath ~ Gene Kelaher
Gene Kelaher (Ngiyampaa Nation) Aboriginal Cultural artist, educator, Didgeridoo musician, Traditional dancer, visual artist and sound healer is bringing his Yidaki Sound Bath to Durrungan. Surrender yourself to the unique sounds of the Didgeridoo and experience the unique power of healing through sound.
13:20–14:00 Green Hand Band
Green Hand Band were born from poverty, racism and inequality are cornerstone concepts Redfern-based reggae fusion group Green Hand Band aims to break down barriers about. Drawing musical influences from soul, reggae and desert rock genres, the group uses music to raise awareness of issues such as recovering from addiction, spiritual empowerment, love, and social justice. Key writer, keyboard player and vocalist, Tim Gray leads the band bringing an infectious passion to the stage.
14:00–15:00 Gambirra & Illume Girls
The ILLUME Girls Led by Gumatj Matriarch Gambirra alongside her daughters Gatiwoy and Gitjaki (the captivating voice of Ena Malibu), The ILLUME Girls are a family of cultural connections and beautiful contemporary expression. Backed by a tight rhythm section of diverse multicultural musicians, the ensemble weaves "Smokey Honey" harmonies seamlessly between Yolŋu Matha and English. More than a performance, their music is a genuine invitation to connect. Perfectly aligned with the healing spirit of the Durrungan Gathering, the set culminates in an interactive dance, welcoming the audience to join in, move together, and celebrate the joy of the gathering.
15:00–15:45 Paul Mason
Paul Mason is an Australian guitarist, composer and performer of Wiradjuri and convict descent with ancestral ties to the Southern Highlands of New South Wales. A highly versatile musician working across jazz, rock and contemporary music, he is recognised as one of Australia’s most accomplished modern guitarists. Paul has performed along side artists including Sting, Harry Connick Jr., Jessica Mauboy, and James Morrison as well as the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. As a solo artist, he is an established figure in Australia’s live music scene. His concert presentation “Paul Mason Plays the Music of Jeff Beck” has drawn strong audiences across the country and received widespread acclaim. He has also headlined major festivals including the Adelaide International Guitar Festival, and the Girrakool Blues Festival. He was also a finalist in the National Jazz Awards at Wangaratta. An ambassador for the Make Music Day Australia Foundation Paul continues to perform nationally as one of Australia’s leading musicians.
15:45–16:30 Marrungbung
Marrumbang is a deadly all-Indigenous band founded on Gadigal lands, performing fresh originals, traditional songs in language and a new soulful take on popular music. Marrumbang, meaning ‘love and kindness’ in Wiradjuri language features soulful sultry & power vocals from proud Ngiyampaa woman Darlene Proberts with singer/songwriter musicians Worimi woman Lizzie Keys on bass and Wiradjri man Phillip Bragg’s electrifying riffs guitar, & Kamilaroi man James McAuley deadly on percussion.
16:30–17:00 Closing Ceremony
Cultural Activities
10:00–14:00 Traditional Bark Canoe Workshop (in the open)
Take home a mini bark canoe. Learn the traditional methods of sourcing resources, curing the bark. Learning about traditional glues and preparing your resources with Uncle John Kelly and Uncle Terry.
10:00–11:00 Gunya Creation ~ Deb Swan (depart Mirring marquee)
Come and learn how to make a Gunya from Gymea Lillies and other natural resources depending where you are on Country. Learn the basic techniques cultural practices and responsibilities when taking natural resources learn different types of Gunya’s and shelters made by First Nations people.
10:30–11:30 Yarning Circle (Bell tent)
Health and Wellness Yarning Circle: will focus on Natural preventative lifestyles and ways of being. "What is my Health Story? Is the Country Healthy and am I? How can I not become a statistic? A yarn that assists with looking at how we can enhance our health through better understanding of our connection to Country and the economy. How to stay healthy in a fast-paced world and reclaim ourselves from the deficit narrative.
Come to the Mirring Marque and inquire about Cranio massages - neck, shoulder and scalp with can be negotiated 1:1 sessions 12:00 – 3pm
11:00–13:30 Traditional Weaving (Mirring marquee)
Mirring Practitioner Aunty Daniella Chedzey is a proud Ngiyampaa Wangaaypuwan woman of the Pilaarrkiylalu Pliar tree Mayi Elder who is a master weaver and dancer. You will learn what traditional fibres were used, how to gather and prepare your natural fibres through to a discussion on the materials needed and where to obtain them. You will then learn about sustainable practices, online resources and how to finish your piece.
Lenore Lovegrove is a lifelong musician, dancer and artist who learnt her cultural weaving from her Ngarrindjeri aunties, master weavers and family in Southeast South Australia over twenty years ago. Sydney born, she has spent the better part of her life within the performing/expressive, creative and healing arts spaces, singing, dancing, creating music and artworks and providing education within her areas of knowledge and experience. She has also spent much time over the years learning from elders and sharing with or performing for niche communities in our local regions, across the country and internationally.
12:30–13:00 Cultural Walk ~ Jessica Wegener (depart Mirring marquee)
Join Jessica Wegener Ngiyampaa Wangaaypuwan Pilaarrkiyalu Mayi and recognised cultural fire practitioner and member of Mirring Aboriginal Women’s Group. Jess will take a group to a shell midden area for a sharing about what cultural fire practices are and how the balance helps our Coastlines.
13:30–14:30 Yarning Circle ~ Uncle Phil Bligh (Bell tent)
Phil Bligh was born Bourke, a small town in the north-west of New South Wales, his father is a Kullilli/Wakka Wakka man and mother a Kalkadoon woman. a member of the Kullilli Bulloo River Native Title Aboriginal Corporation established in 2014 to facilitate native title rights and interests of the Kullilli community, Queensland. He acknowledges the NSW Central Coast as his home and is an active long-standing member of the Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council. Prior to living on the Central Coast, Phil worked as a senior consultant with the NSW Department of Aboriginal Affairs and senior policy analyst with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC) where he directed the Education Portfolio. He holds a BA (Liberal Studies) degree from Charles Sturt University.
Yarn About You Podcast / MC (roaming interviews)
My name is Clay Williams and I have been acting in TV and on stage (in both professional and amateur productions) for over 40 years. I also have experience doing medical role-plays (at exam level) and I host a podcast called ‘Yarn About You’.
9:00-17:00 JD Leather workshops ~ Journey Man (Leather Stall)
Join JD for a yarn and guidance on creating your own leather work.
Educational Stalls & Talks
Koori Curriculum ~ Jessica Staines (stall)
The Koori Curriculum is a multiple award-winning Aboriginal early childhood consultancy based on the Central Coast, NSW. Our team facilitates a range of professional development programs and workshops that support educators to meaningfully embed Aboriginal perspectives within early childhood curriculums.
Founded and led by Jessica Staines, a Wiradjuri woman, early childhood teacher, and passionate educational advocate, the Koori Curriculum works alongside educators and organisations across Australia to strengthen cultural inclusion, understanding, and practice.
Jessica and the Koori Curriculum team continue to innovate and create diverse ways to reach educators through podcasts, educational resources, exclusive publications, webinars, online summits, conferences, planning days, and professional learning experiences.
ORRCA inc. ~ Whale Yarns - Catriona Byrne (near front entrance)
Catriona Byrne will present three marine mammal talks on the rescue, conservation, protection and welfare of whales, dolphins, seals, and dugongs.
Catriona Byrne is a trained marine mammal rescuer and committee member with the ORRCA Society for almost 20 years. She has participated in many rescues’ workshops and event throughout the year and regularly conducts whale watching tours to raise funds for marine mammal conservation and research. ORRCA are the only volunteer wildlife rehabilitation group in New South Wales licensed to be involved with marine mammal rescue, rehabilitation, and release. ORRCA offers the community one of the most experienced and successful whale, dolphin, seal and dugong rescue teams in Australia. We are also proud that today, we have rescue trained members in Western Australia and Queensland available to support the local authorities should a marine mammal incident arise.
Norah Head National Surf Reserve ~ Protect our surf w. Leo McBride and Cassie Ives (stall)
Norah Head National Surf Reserve’s mission is to preserve Norah Head’s rich surfing culture and heritage. Our intention is to support respectful and sustainable use of the fragile coastline from Hargraves Beach to Pelican Point by establishing a Norah Head National Surfing Reserve and promoting the values of: “Share, Respect and Preserve” in the community.
Sea Shepard ~ Marine conservation (stall)
Sea Shepherd is an international, non-profit marine conservation organisation that campaigns to defend, conserve and protect the world’s ocean.
Norah Head Lighthouse Tours
10:00–14:00 Norah Head Light House Tours
Climb to the lofty heights of the historic Norah Head Lighthouse on a tour that will take you back in time. Climb all 96 steps of this remarkable tower to the very top. Take in the breathtaking 360-degree views of the Central Coast from the tower balcony as a reward for your effort. Learn about how the lights worked back in the day, catch a glimpse of a passing pod of dolphins, humpback whales or a gliding eagle or kestrel and hear some incredible shipwreck stories.
Tour Prices: Adults $10 / Children $5 / Family 2 Adults & 3 Children $28
Logo Design Inspiration
Logo Designer
Natalia Baechtold, is a Ngarrindjeri Mimini living on Gumbayngirr Country and born on Darkinjung Ngura. Natalia designed the Durrungan Gathering logo from the stunning painting ‘Whale comes with Wattle’ by Matthew Syron.
Matthew Syron - Worimi, Biripi and Darkinjung Gurri
Artist
My name is Matthew Syron, I am a proud Worimi, Biripi and Darkinjung Gurri.
I'm also a father of 4 young boys and a veteran of MTF-2 Afghanistan.
I was born and raised on Darkinjung Ngura, although I also have spent a lot of time on Worimi/Awaba Barray. I have a very strong connection with the coast and have surfed my whole life.
My painting depicts the connection between the land and water, flora and fauna. Doorroongang (Durrungan/Humpback whale), Maragay Mananbang.
Whale comes with Wattle.
Over the years I have spent a lot of time at the beach and walking country. I noticed the different wattle that blooms when the whales migrate north for warmer water to give birth and the migration back to the cooler water in Spring with a new addition to the pod. It also shows the humble beginnings we all share with our time with our Mother.
From nurturing us in our formative years under her protection as we grow into powerful self sustainable creatures. It is our Mother who gives us the gift of life and to her we owe our lives. These were my inspirations for this painting.
