‘Ngarrama’ was a sunset event held on the evening of the 25th January in King Edward Park Newcastle. Organised by the University of Newcastle, in partnership with Awabakal Ltd and the City of Newcastle, the inaugural evening attracted over 1,500 attendees who sat attentively on picnic blankets across the hill.
The word ‘ngarrama’ means to sit, listen and know, and reflects the sentiment of the vigil which was about sharing, education and meaningful reconciliation.
The free public event featured truth-telling, singing and dance performances, by young and old. Two of our nib Community Sponsorship recipients performed; Renae Lamb danced with Midnight Dreaming and Ray ‘Bud’ Kelly from Wollotuka played the didgeridoo.
The final performance was by musician Millie Mills who sang Christina Anu’s ‘My Island Home’ while hundreds of torches lit up the park like stars.
The Newcastle region has a rich history dating back thousands of years, well before ships arrived in January 1788. Ngarrama was an opportunity for all residents, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, across the region to come together and to reflect on the land, people and culture that has come before.
Thank you to everyone who performed, shared their stories and helped to organise the event. And thank you too to those that came to sit, listen and know with us.