Murun-Dhu, a concert featuring local Indigenous talent, is set to return to Wagga’s Riverside Precinct this Sunday (25 January). Photo: Supplied.
Murun-Dhu, a concert showcasing the talent of local First Nations performers, is set to return to the Riverside Precinct in Wagga this Australia Day weekend.
The event, which translates from Wiradyuri to ”I Live, I Breathe”, offers the Riverina community a chance to reflect and learn about local Indigenous people’s experiences through storytelling, while also celebrating emerging First Nations talent.
The concert will feature performances by hip hop artist Philly the Aboriginal, Dookie Thorne, who sings country music in language, and 2025 crowd favourite Lollipop Barlow.
One of the event’s organisers, Wiradjuri man Bernard Higgins, emphasised the importance of holding an event that focused on First Nations people, especially during the Australia Day long weekend.
“The event will be low-key and casual, giving everyone locally a chance to take part in a different side of Australia Day,” Mr Higgins said.
“For a lot of people, Australia Day isn’t a day for celebrating but a day of mourning. For many First Nations people, it isn’t easy, so they and their families often choose to stay at home and try to let it pass.
“For the last couple of years, we’ve held Murun-Dhu as a way for people to come together and enjoy being part of the community, even in light of how difficult Australia Day can be.”
Mr Higgins said events such as Murun-Dhu were a way to support First Nations people while also educating others on the history of Indigenous people.
“It can be really easy for a lot of people to say, ‘Hey, Australia Day is just a public holiday. I’ll have a barbecue with my mates, have a few drinks, and we have a day off work,” he said.
“Unfortunately, not enough people understand how difficult it is for others. It’s not really a day to celebrate.
“That’s why events like Murun-Duh are so important. It’s a chance to be a part of a community that doesn’t necessarily celebrate Australia Day but celebrates community instead.”
Mr Higgins said Murun-Dhu was all about involving First Nations people in community events, while also providing an alternative to Australia Day celebrations.
“Wagga has slowly been building its relationship with its Indigenous community. Just last year, Uncle Hewitt and Aunty Dot Whyman were announced on the Walk of Honour during last year’s Australia Day Awards.
“So, while the day can be quite difficult, we also want to be a part of the community. So, Murun-Dhu gives people the chance to come together and be a part of truth-telling and enjoying the talents of First Nations people instead.”
Two events will be held as part of Murun-Dhu, with the first being a concert at the Riverside Precinct from 4 pm on Sunday (25 January).
The second will be a community gathering at ErinEarth from midday on Monday.
