90
kilometres south-east of Katherine, the Barunga communityis well known for its
annual Indigenous cultural and sporting
festival which is always held on the
Queen's Birthday long weekend in June. The Barunga festival has a long history of
cultural activities, contemporary Indigenous music, emerging bands and is
famous for its music program.
The 2008 Festival marked the anniversary 20th anniversary of the presentation of the Barunga Statement to then Prime Minister Bob Hawke.
The Road Safety Song Competition for Indigenous musicians grew out of
the popularity of the Battle of the Bands, harnessing and encouraging
musical talents while spreading the important message of Road Safety in
remote Indigenous communities. An initiative of the Indigenous Road
Safety Officer of the Northern Territory Office of Road Safety, in
collaboration with Top End Arts Marketing and supported by Skinnyfish
Music and the Barunga Festival, participants of the competition are in
the running to win cash prizes and a recording of their song.
Image: Left to right, Shellie Morris, Djilpin Dancers, Galiwin'ku dancer, Ruby Hunter, Roy Ashley, Daguragu dancer by Anne Brandt
Barunga Statement
The Barunga Statement of 1998 called of compensation for lands that
had been lost forever to Aboriginal People coupled with a national
framework for asserting and insuring Land Rights, the fulfillment of
the promise of self-determination, and full participation for the
indigenous population in the civic life of Australia, including
economic, social and cultural rights.
Taking inspiration form the Yirrkala Bark Petition of
1963, the Barunga Statement was the product of several years
negotiations between Galarrwuy Yununpingu, then chairman of the
Northern Land Council, Mr Rubuntja (who Passed in 2005) the then chair
of Central Land Council, Prime Minsiter Bob Hawke and Minister for
Aboriganl Affairs Gerry Hand.
The Barunga Statement of 1998 called of compensation for lands that
had been lost forever to Aboriginal People coupled with a national
framework for asserting and insuring Land Rights, the fulfillment of
the promise of self-determination, and full participation for the
indigenous population in the civic life of Australia, including
economic, social and cultural rights.
