Watch: The highlights from Durrungan Gathering 2025
Durrungan Gathering 2026
Whale Dreaming Festival
16 OCTOBER 2026
9:00-16:30 | 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
16 October 2026 09:00-16:00
Durrungan Gathering~ Whale Dreaming Festival
Live Music & Performances (main stage)
WELCOME TO COUNTRY, SMOKING & OPENING CEREMONY
Led by Matthew Syron. Mirring Aboriginal Corporation introductions and The Glen Women cultural dancers.
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.
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?"
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.
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.
Cultural Activities
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.
GUNYA CREATION ~ Deb Swan (depart from 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.
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.
CULTURAL WALK ~ JESSICA WEGENER (depart from 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.
Educational Stalls & Talks
NORAH HEAD NATIONAL SURF RESERVE ~ Protect our surf w. Leo McBride and Cassie Ives
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 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
Matthew Syron - Worimi, Biripi and Darkinjung Gurri
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.
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.
