Brewarrina hosted its 8th Baiame’s Ngunnhu Festival from 14 to 16 April, beside the oldest man-made structure in the world, the ancient Aboriginal Fish Traps (Ngunnhu).

This site is the oldest continual meeting place of any culture around the world.

Its importance is immeasurable, and organisers of the Festival say the continuation of this amazing culture needs to be preserved and celebrated.

The Festival is a rare invitation to join the local custodians and witness the passing of cultural knowledge to the next generation.

A feature event was Friday night's sunset corroboree which attracted over 400 visitors and local community members.

The event was opened by Moogahlin’s Regional Projects Coordinator, Lacey Boney and Artistic Director, Lily Shearer, with a Welcome to Country in language, taught by Melissa Kirby.

Following a four-day Language and Dance Residency, hosted by Lacey with Milan Dhiiyaan, Ngambaa Dhalaay and Kapata Dreaming, learning, and sharing language and dances with local kids, including the Women’s Business Language Intertribal Ngurra Ngemba, Murrawarri, Yuwaalaraay dances learnt earlier this year on Yuwaalaraay Country in Goodooga.  

As the sun set Women’s Business Language Intertribal Ngurra Ngemba, Murrawarri, Yuwaalaraay opened the Corroboree with Ngiyampaa song woman, Maddy Hodgetts and head dancer, Lacey Boney. 

They were followed by Milan Dhiiyan led by Fleur and Locky Magick Dennis, sharing their songs and dances.

As the trees of Ngunnhu were lit up with a rainbow of colours, Ngambaa Dhalaay performed led by song woman, Bronwyn Spearim and song man, Paul Spearim Jnr.  

"All groups then came together with over 30 performers including the local kids, dancing songs that were worked on during the Language and Dance Residency,” said Lily Shearer. 

“We had an amazing time in Ngemba Ngurrambaa (Ngemba Country) - teaching dance to local youth over a week in the lead up to the Corroborree. Such a privilege and honour to be part of helping to keep our languages, dance, song, stories and knowledge alive for future generations. Respect to our Ngemba language teacher Melissa Kirby. Thank you to everyone who worked to make this happen for our mob,” said Milan Dhiiyaan. 

After another successful festival, next year is sure to be a spectacular event, bringing community and culture together.