Ngarrama 2026

Now proudly celebrating its fifth year, the University of Newcastle looks forward to welcoming the community to Ngarrama.

This much-loved free public event – proudly supported by Awabakal Ltd, Port Waratah Coal Services, the City of Newcastle, NGM Group and the National Indigenous Australians Agency – will once again transform King Edward Park on 25 January.

Five years on, Ngarrama has become a vibrant community gathering on Awabakal/Worimi Country. Through truth-telling, performances, dance and song, the evening honours both the past and the enduring strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, as well as providing a powerful opportunity to reflect on traditional life in Mooloobinba/Newcastle before 1788.

In this milestone fifth year, we invite you to come along to listen, reflect and celebrate the cultures, stories and knowledges that have shaped our region for tens of thousands of years.
FEATURING:
- Sharnee Fenwick (Winner - 2025 Newcastle NAIDOC Music Award)
- Redfern's Brolga Dance Academy
- Winanga-y Dreaming Dancers
- Minimbah Dancers
- Curious Legends illuminated puppets
- A lantern parade for the kids - come along and make your own lantern from 6pm!

EVENT INFORMATION:
- T-shirts featuring the Ngarrama artwork by Guuguu Yimithirr artist Belle Leonard will be available to purchase on the night (adults and kids sizes available - cashless payments only)
- Ngarrama is a free event but please book a ticket in advance
- Ngarrama will be Auslan interpreted
- Please BYO a picnic blanket/chairs and all food and non-alcoholic drinks, food will not be available to purchase
- This is an alcohol-free event
- The use of mosquito repellent is recommended

Artwork created by Belle Leonard, Guuguu Yimithirr artist, designer and University of Newcastle Bachelor of Visual Communication Design graduate.

The Ngarrama artwork is a digital painting of the Nobbys coastline and surrounding landscape before European settlement. Throughout the artwork are traditional Aboriginal symbols (campsites, animal tracks, and fish) to acknowledge how the traditional custodians of this land would have depicted their surroundings in art.

Belle is passionate about producing unique branding and imagery for clients as well as creating art that holds meaning and tells stories.

Instagram: @dontbebelle

Photos by Eddie O'Reilly, University of Newcastle

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