Program
The Barunga festival program celebrates the cultural diversity of the region and features a range of activities, including music, dance, sport, traditional art and cultural workshops.
The festival is proud to preserve ancient rites, customs and skills, and engage the broader community to offer a platform for passing on knowledge and experience to the next generation, as well as to the non-Indigenous community.
The traditional cultural program presents many once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for audiences to engage in traditional dance, spear throwing, didgeridoo playing, bush medicine, cooking, weaving and Dreamtime storytelling.
The Barunga Festival program may vary from year to year, but it always provides a vibrant and engaging celebration of Indigenous culture and community.
A digital program guide is available to download, providing useful information to help you plan your visit to Barunga Festival. The guide includes a festival map, event timetable, and important logistical details.
We recommend downloading the guide to your phone before arriving, as mobile reception at the festival is limited and offline access may be required.
| VISITING STALLS | |
| Barunga School | Support the local stars! The Barunga School stall features clothing and apparel with original designs created by the students, celebrating their artistic talent and community pride. |
| Darrikardu Art Collective | Featuring handcrafted products from Wadeye and surrounding homelands, including beautiful screen-printed fabrics, apparel, woven pieces, and hand-carved items. |
| Djilpin Arts Aboriginal Corporation | Located in the Art Shed, Djilpin Arts features a vibrant collection of paintings, traditional carvings, and didgeridoos. Explore beautiful fibre weavings, seed jewellery, and artist-designed textiles like sarongs and picnic rugs. |
| Gapuwiyak Culture & Arts | Experience the renowned craftsmanship of the Gapuwiyak community. We are offering a diverse and beautiful range of fibre art, hand-woven baskets, traditional paintings, and wood carvings from the heart of Arnhem Land. |
| Marrawuddi Arts & Culture | Representing the West Arnhem Region, Marrawuddi Arts & Culture offers a stunning selection of Indigenous paintings on canvas and paper, alongside traditional weavings and sculptures. |
| Ngukurr Art Aboriginal Corporation | Representing the Ngukurr community, this stall features a vibrant collection of contemporary and traditional art, including bold paintings on canvas and unique sculptures. |
| Numbulwar Numburindi Arts | NNA artists are champions of fibre art, blending locally harvested pandanus with reclaimed ghost nets and fishing lines. Discover our contemporary Wulbung (baskets) and Yir (dillybags) that tell a story of land and sea. |
| Waralungku Arts | Explore a diverse selection of original art, jewellery, and crafts. Our stall also features unique textiles, apparel, silk scarves, prints, and books celebrating local culture. |
| Warnayaka Arts | Featuring artists from the Lajamanu community, Warnayaka Art presents a curated selection of artworks for sale. |
| Dalabon Aboriginal Cultural Experiences | Immerse yourself in tradition with didgeridoo-making workshops, ground-oven cooking demos, and guided walking tours. We also offer art sales and relaxing head and shoulder massages. |
| Jawoyn Association | As the traditional owners of this country, the Jawoyn Association welcomes all festival-goers. Visit us to learn about our cultural heritage, land management, and community-led initiatives. |
| Outback Stores | Partnering with remote communities to provide food security, Outback Stores is on-site to discuss healthy food initiatives, local employment, and our commitment to sustainable retail services. |
| Wurli-Wurlinjang Health Services | Leading community-focused wellness, our Health Promotion team provides education and engagement programs to support the long-term health and wellbeing of the Katherine region. |
| 54reasons | Bringing mobile programs to the heart of the festival, 54reasons (Save the Children) offers fun, interactive games for children and families. Experience our Baby Play2Learn and Kids Connect programs while learning how we support child development in Rockhole, Binjari, and beyond. |
| Aboriginal Investment NT | Learn about investment and grant opportunities designed specifically for Aboriginal people, communities, and businesses. Visit us to see how our funding can support your next project or enterprise. |
| ADF Careers | Explore your potential with over 300 diverse career opportunities across the Navy, Army, and Air Force. Visit the ADF Careers stand to learn about recruitment pathways and pick up some gear—including posters, toys, and water bottles—while our team provides operational support and assistance throughout the festival. |
| Ahvana | Ahvana delivers wellbeing programs focused on movement, resilience, recovery, and community connection. Supporting Indigenous communities, men’s and women’s wellbeing, veterans, frontline workers, families, workplaces, and people experiencing stress or isolation, our programs combine fitness, mobility, recreation, breathwork, recovery practices, and strengths-based mentoring to support healthier and more connected lives. Visit our space for movement sessions, breathing practices, recovery experiences, and community connection activities. |
| Amnesty International Australia | Join the movement for a fairer justice system! Sign our petitions to #RaiseTheAge and advocate for First Nations rights. Come and have a friendly chat and explore ways we can do this. Grab some free stickers and temporary tattoos! |
| Australian Bureau of Statistics | Get ready for the 2026 Census in August 2026! Chat with our team to find out why it’s so important to participate to support your community! We have local jobs available so come see us and pick up some promotional factsheets and giveaways too! |
| Australian Electoral Commission | Get support to register to vote, check your enrolment, or update your details on the electoral roll through the Indigenous Electoral Participation Program (IEPP). We are also recruiting for the Temporary Election Workforce—visit us to learn how you can work in remote communities during election periods. |
| Batchelor Institute | Connect with the Batchelor team to yarn about educational pathways and student support. We’ll have program information, merchandise, and interactive activities—including a football goal for those wanting to test their skills! |
| CDU First Nations Strategies | Explore your future with Charles Darwin University. Connect with our team to learn about higher education pathways, scholarships, and the dedicated support available for First Nations students. |
| Department of Housing, Local Government & Community Development | Visit our team to discuss community housing initiatives and local government support. This stall also features Aboriginal Interpreter Services (AIS) to assist with professional language support and equitable access. |
| Department of Logistics and Infrastructure (DLI) | Come and have a yarn with the team at the DriveSafe and Road Safety hub. Find out more about DriveSafe programs, Road Safety and the “Towards Zero” initiative, and pick up some handy tips to help keep you and your community safe on our roads. |
| Families as First Teachers (FAFT) | Visit our Pop-Up Playgroup in the Little Kids Zone! We provide a welcoming space for families to engage in interactive learning games, reading, drawing, and calm sensory activities designed for early childhood development. |
| Mob Strong Debt Help and Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) – Indigenous Outreach Program | Get free, independent financial and legal advice from our accredited First Nations Financial Counsellor. Discuss your rights and pick up some handy merchandise, including UV sunglasses, pouches, and phone grips. ASIC enforces the law for banks, super funds, credit providers, and insurers. Their Indigenous Outreach Program (IOP) is a specialist team ensuring ASIC’s work is culturally appropriate and sensitive. The IOP also collaborates with industry and government to influence system change and drive positive financial outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. |
| Flinders University | Come and have a yarn with Flinders University staff and students about the Flinders experience, health education, study pathways, Indigenous Entry Stream into Medicine, including hands-on activities that celebrate learning, connection and community. |
| Headspace Katherine | headspace Katherine will be providing information and some merchandise related to supports available at headspace and regarding our outreach program for Youth Mental Health. |
| Indigenous Allied Health Australia | Join us for healthy food talks with an Aboriginal nutritionist, fresh fruit distribution, and local store vouchers for healthy products. To keep the energy high for the whole family, we’re providing face painting and giveaways while promoting exciting career and training pathways for mob in the NT. |
| Katherine West Health Board | The Big Rivers Tackling Indigenous Smoking program, we’re here to promote a smoke- and vape-free Barunga. Visit us for health messaging and to join in the Barunga Marathon! |
| Katherine Women’s Information and Legal Service | KWILS provides free, confidential, and culturally safe legal help for women. Visit our stall to yarn with staff about family law, domestic violence support, and our outreach services in the Katherine region. |
| Landcare NT | Discover how we support community-led conservation! Visit Landcare NT to learn about local environmental projects and how you can help protect the Territory’s unique landscapes. |
| Life Education NT | Partnering with Big Rivers Tackling Indigenous Smoking and Sunrise Health, we’re bringing a unified health presence to Barunga! Look out for the iconic Healthy Harold and join in on our family-friendly wellbeing activities. |
| Life Without Barriers | Come and visit our information stall to learn about our community services and social programs. Enjoy a range of merchandise and take part in hands-on activities that are fun for all ages! |
| Menzies School of Health Research | Join the Menzies AoD and HealthLAB/SHELab teams for interactive activities focused on the R4NT road safety project, and vital health and wellbeing messages for all ages. |
| NAATSIHWP | Promoting career pathways for Aboriginal Health Workers and Practitioners, this stall offers info on professional development. Stop by for a chat and a free “icy cold” water station to keep you refreshed! |
| National Immunisation Program | A welcoming, “no-shame” space to discuss on-time vaccinations for bubs and littlies. Drop by for educational resources and free kids merch. |
| National Indigenous Australians Agency | The NIAA stall provides resources and updates on the Agency’s programs and ongoing work to support First Nations communities across the country. |
| North Australian Aboriginal Family Legal Service (NAAFLS) | NAAFLS provides culturally safe legal assistance for those affected by family violence. Visit us for free information on family law and child protection, or to yarn with our team about our support services. |
| North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA) | NAAJA provides information and consultations regarding criminal, civil, and youth crime. Drop by to discuss our Community Legal Education and Throughcare programs, and pick up some giveaways. |
| Northern Land Council (NLC) | Come by for games, giveaways and a yarn, and learn how this powerful, community-led approach is boosting school attendance and empowering young people to walk strong in both worlds through two-way learning, cultural connection, and meaningful experiences and qualifications that last well beyond the classroom. |
| NT Health | Explore Aboriginal workforce opportunities and career pathways in health. NT Health staff on-hand to discuss how you can join the team and kick-start your career in health. |
| NT Police | Providing an operational community presence and recruitment info, the NTPF highlights the professionalism of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees. Drop by to say hello and learn about a career in policing. |
| Ropa Woda Governance Council: Living Spirit, Living Water | Last year, Traditional Owners along the Roper River came together to form the Ropa Woda Governance Council, speaking as one voice for the Roper River. Come have a “yarn about water”, see maps and videos, and get updates on the Council’s work to protect the Roper River system. |
| Sea Shepherd Australia | Learn about the Remote Marine Debris initiative, partnering with Indigenous Rangers to clean Arnhem Land beaches. Support the cause by picking up T-shirts and stickers—all proceeds go toward marine conservation. |
| Selena Uibo | The stall for Selena Uibo, Member for Arnhem, provides a culturally safe space for constituents to share feedback and discuss local priorities. Connect with your MP to ensure your voice is heard and represented. |
| Sunrise Health Services | Located at the Wellbeing Centre, Sunrise Health offers smoothie bikes, games, and giveaways! Join us for fun activities focused on nutrition, chronic disease prevention, and social-emotional wellbeing. |
| TeamHEALTH | TeamHEALTH provides a supportive space focused on mental health and social-emotional wellbeing. Visit us to access practical tools for a balanced lifestyle and learn about our community-based support services. |
| Traditional Credit Union | Traditional Credit Union provides on-site banking support and financial wellbeing guidance. Visit our team for culturally appropriate financial services for families and local businesses. |
| University of Melbourne | We are providing a range of interactive educational activities specifically designed for primary and secondary students to encourage curiosity, learning, and community connection. |
| Victims of Crime NT | Victims of Crime NT (VOCNT) offers practical and emotional support for those affected by crime. Visit our stall for a safe space to engage with staff, learn about our advocacy work, and access helpful resources and merchandise. |
The festival features a diverse range of music and stunning buŋgul dance performances, showcasing the talents of local Indigenous artists, as well as world-class performers from across the Northern Territory.
