Free Open Day - Celebrate NAIDOC

Performance Platform 

11am
Smoking ceremony

The day begins with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony led by Koori Konnections, grounding us in respect and tradition.

11:30am and 1.30pm
Music and Dance Performance and workshop by Marra-Wanggan Dance Group

45 minutes

The Marra-Wanggan all-women ensemble share a vibrant performance of dance, storytelling and song celebrating Yuin culture.

Following each performance the audience are invited to an interactive dance workshop led by Emma Stewart and Ashweeni Mason. No previous dance experience is required.

12.15pm, 2.15 and 3.15pm
Live Music with Ross Knight

30 minute sets

Enjoy Baakanji Kunya musician Ross Knight as he shares his original songs and captivating lyrics.

Ben Lexcen Terrace & Boardwalk

10.30am – 2.30pm
Koori Kulcha pop-up kiosk

Join Aunty Marie and the Koori Kulcha street warriors as they serve up a delicious range of native ingredients through complementary sweet and savoury tastings and takeaway available for purchase. Enjoy traditional spices and herbs used in Aboriginal communities featured through their ranges of condiments, catering, and delicious herbal teas.

(Please note this activity features items available for purchase and taste testing. Not all items are free of charge)

10.30-12.30 and 1.30-3pm
Mixed media Workshops with Nioka Lowe-Brennan

Join Dunghutti/Gomeroi artist Nioka Lowe-Brenna for a drop-in mixed-media workshop responding to this year’s NAIDOC theme. Use paper collage, paints and mixed media to create a unique artwork you can keep or leave on display.

Terrace room

10.30am - 4pm
NAIDOC facepainting and drop-in activities in Kids on Deck

Get creative at Kids on Deck Maker Space with hands on-art making activities inspired by Brian Robinson’s Ur Wayii Incoming Tide exhibition. Create your own marvellous model watercrafts, stamp a deadly tote bag to take home, and make wondrous rubbing art using resist patterns and watercolours.

Get your face painted with gorgeous NAIDOC inspired designs curated by artist Dakota Dixon.

11.30am and 1pm
Drop in live art demonstration and activity with illustrator Dub Leffler

45 minute workshop

Learn from award winning children’s book illustrator Dub Leffler as he shares his art practice in an engaging live art demonstration and fun-filled drawing activity.

Suitable for ages 4 to 12 and accompanying adults.

11.30am – 3.30pm
Native Animals Magnet making by Haus of Dizzy

Drop in workshop

Craft your own cute-as creative wooden creature magnets using designs by the acclaimed accessory artists at Haus of Dizzy. *Capacity limited, this activity will continue while stocks last.

Suitable for ages 4 to adult.

Bamal Yarning Space

10.00am – 4.00pm
Cosmic Chase

Catch a screening of ‘Cosmic Chase’ a looping, animated battleground where ancient mythology collides with pop culture and arcade-era fantasy. Drawing on the graphic language of Torres Strait artist Brian Robinson and developed in collaboration with S1T2, the projection unfolds as a playful pursuit across a glowing field of geometric flowers, marine motifs, and bold patterning.

10.00am – 4.00pm
Bamal Gallery Book Nook

While you watch, relax with titles by award winning Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander authors or learn to create woven fish and layered paper florals inspired by Brian Robinson’s art.