The City of Darebin proudly announces the opening of Ganbu Gulin: Gugung Murrup, a vibrant cultural event set to take place on 14 September at Bundoora Park Farm Heritage Village. This event kicks off the Darebin FUSE Festival, and has been thoughtfully curated by Darebin-based artist Allara Briggs Pattison.
Ganbu Gulin, meaning “One Mob” in the Woi-Wurrung language, is an annual inclusive celebration where new citizens to Darebin are formally welcomed to Wurundjeri Woi-WurrungCountry which will begin with a traditional Welcome to Country by Uncle Bill Nicholson, followed by a day of immersive cultural experiences. Attendees will be treated to performances by the Djirri Djirri Dancers, founded by Mandy Nicholson, a prominent Wurundjeri, Djaara, and Ngurai illum wurrung woman.
Musical performances on the day will feature Ensemble Dutala, an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander chamber ensemble, with contributions from artists such as Mandy Nicholson, MpathSoul, and Alice Skye.
Ensemble Dutala, established in 2019 by Deborah Cheetham and Short Black Opera, represents Australia’s first Indigenous chamber ensemble. Comprising musicians from Noongar, Gamilaroi, Boon Wurrung, Yorta Yorta, and Wiradjuri nations, the ensemble is dedicated to nurturing young Indigenous musicians.
Moreover, Alice Skye, a Wergaia and Wemba Wemba singer-songwriter, will perform her deeply personal music, exploring themes of healing and escapism. MpathSoul, known for her multifaceted artistic approach, will offer a blend of soulful folk and spoken-word poetry. Mandy Nicholson, with her extensive experience in reviving Woiwurrung language and culture, will further enrich the event.
The event features a Community Planting Workshop conducted by Sustain, focusing on environmental stewardship, and a panel discussion titled “Food For Thought” on First Nations Food Justice, with contributions from Zena Cumpston, a Barkandji artist, writer, and curator whose work includes contributions to major exhibitions and publications on food sovereignty and environmental justice.
Additional highlights include Aunty Brenda’s Aboriginal Cultural Experience, a traditional damper offering by Yorta Yorta educator and author Sue Briggs. Also, Aunty Brenda Fahey’s Aboriginal Cultural Experience for kids includes dot painting, drawing, creating, as well as storytelling. Families are warmly invited to join for some fabulous stories and free craft activities showcasing Indigenous culture. Activities include gum nut painting, leaf painting, ochre painting, storytelling, emu feathers and necklaces, macrame, and a range of other activities.
Poorneet Tadpole Season explores the intricacies of Country and its changing seasons. Drawn from the Darebin Art Collection, the exhibition features work by Aunty Frances Gallagher, Aunty Gwen Garoni, Aunty Bunta Patten, Deanne Gilson, Marlene Gilson, Moorina Bonini, Peta Clancy and more a special display of the Poorneet Tadpole Season from the Darebin Art Collection.
Ganbu Gulin: Gugung Murrup is an exceptional opportunity for the community to engage with and celebrate the rich cultural heritage and contemporary expressions of First Nations peoples. The event is open to all, promising a day filled with educational, cultural, and artistic experiences. FUSE is the City of Darebin’s multi-arts festival—providing a platform for local artists, designers and performers to transform our amazing city into a dynamic hub of creativity. FUSE allows artists and audiences alike to enjoy Darebin’s streets, parks, venues, theatres, galleries and public spaces as transformative zones—infused with the power of art, culture, and creativity.
Ganbu Gulin
Saturday September 14
12-5PM
FREE
Bundoora Park Farm Heritage Village
1069 Plenty Rd, Bundoora VIC 3083
FUSE Festival
14 – 22 September
www.fusedarebin.com.au
