Celebrating First Nations at McClelland

McClelland is once again hosting a celebration of First Nations Culture and Community.

We invite all First Nations communities, businesses and allies to join us. The day will feature performances by leading First Nations artists including Ganga Giri, Charlie Needs Braces, Carissa Nyalu, Djarlo Dance Group, Trudy Fatnowna Edgeley and MC'd by Jony Berry. Enjoy market stalls from local creatives and businesses and a fun native animal experience with the Funky Farm

We invite families and friends of all ages and cultures to experience an afternoon of celebration, empowerment and education within our spectacular sculpture park. This unique and inclusive experience will be an alcohol-free, family-friendly event.

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Jony Berry is a multi-talented individual, excelling as a model, actor, comedian, MC, and dedicated activist. Hailing from Bruny Island Tasmania, a proud Melukerdee and Portuguese man, he has not only graced global runways from the tender age of three but also embraced roles that define his advocacy and educational endeavours.

Jony's journey in the modelling world began early, and his career has since traversed continents, establishing him as one of Australia’s esteemed Indigenous male models. Complementing his modelling prowess, he completed rigorous studies in Screen Acting at NIDA, nurturing a deep-seated passion for the performing arts that continues to drive his aspirations.

Beyond his remarkable career in entertainment, Jony's commitment to activism shines through his impactful work. He played a pivotal role in the Free the Flag movement, elevating the issue to a global stage. Advocating for various causes such as youth homelessness, LGBTIQ+ rights, and supporting refugees, he has leveraged his platform to amplify marginalized voices and effect meaningful change.

As a staunch advocate for survivors of Child Sexual Abuse, Jony has fearlessly shared his own story, inspiring others and fostering a culture of support and healing. Furthermore, his dedication extends to the medical realm, with over a decade of service in Aboriginal health. He developed crucial modules addressing child sexual abuse among vulnerable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, alongside spearheading initiatives for Stroke prevention education in these communities.

Jony's accolades reflect his multifaceted impact on society, from being crowned Mr. Australia and Mr. World Australia to earning a nomination for Young Australia of the Year. His journey encapsulates resilience, passion, and a profound commitment to using his talents and influence for positive change. Jony Berry is not just a rising star in entertainment but also a beacon of advocacy and empowerment, embodying the ethos of a true modern-day Renaissance individual.

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Ganga Giri

(Gun-Gah Gear-Ree)

No matter where he plays, Ganga Giri literally blows audiences away. For 30 years the Yidaki (didjeridoo) virtuoso has taken his one-of-a-kind sound worldwide, electrifying millions. Driven by spirit, power and connection to country, this Pallawa man does extraordinary things with Australia’s oldest instrument, forging new musical boundaries. The word ‘unique’ is overused in music circles, but rightly applies to Ganga’s various guises at festivals, corporate events, schools and more.

The Ganga Giri Band was formed after years of stage hopping; Ganga hand-picked spirited musicians who nail the live sound and energy he seeks. The eclectic lineup includes soulful vocalist Aishah Espinosa, who weaves in and out of Michael Diamond’s harmonica and Tai Jordan’s trumpet, all bedded down with Dan Pearson’s pulsating drums. With Ganga and a floating roster that includes noted song-man Gumaroy, and the mesmerizing Djarlo Dance Group, it’s an aural and visual experience like no other.

The Ganga Giri Band mixes red natural elements with fa,t tribal beats and funky bass lines to create a unique tribal-technological deep earth dance experience. Explosive and pulsating, at times ambient and flowing, the music is a pumping percussive multi-layered experience of complex grooves and raw, deep natural sound. Ganga himself is a rhythmic didgeridoo virtuoso and percussionist – an inspired music creator who’s passion brings people together in celebration of nowness, in newness; a modern day experience for all!

Representing key elements and inspirations of Australia now, the shows are a modern/primitive multi-cultural celebration, a ‘melting pot’ unifying many musical genres and cultures, bringing audiences world-wide a reflection of today’s multicultural Australia.

Ganga Giri’s music has been widely & wildly appreciated by music lovers in many countries across the globe including Australia, Japan, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Netherlands and New Zealand igniting audiences in clubs, world music festivals and outdoor dance events. Carving a niche in the DJ dominated world of dance music, Ganga Giri is an energetic, innovative and incredibly live act.

Ganga Giri’s full show blends an array of tribal percussion that includes Ganga’s uniquely percussive style didj playing, congas, djembe, bougarabou, Nigerian talking drum, mbira and more– add to this a drizzling of authentic indigenous moves with aboriginal dancers and hold on tight as Ganga Giri sends audiences through the roof.

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The latest music project Charlie Needs Braces comes from Naarm musician Charlie Woods. Charlie is a proud GuriNgai woman, a direct descendant of Bungaree and Matora.

The lands running from the Central Coast of NSW along the mouth of the Hawkesbury river and into Northern Sydney.

Having played on stage with bands such as The Teskey Brothers, Casey Donovan, The Seven Ups, and TEK TEK Ensemble, Naarm based musician Charlie Woods is venturing out to launch the project-Charlie Needs Braces.

In 2022 Charlie has been awarded ‘First Place’ from the ‘Upstart Awards’, and in 2023 received the 'Archie Roach Foundation Award for Emerging Talent' through Music Victoria.

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Carissa is a Yorta Yorta Dja Dja Wurrung singer/songwriter and storyteller based on Bunurong/Boonwurrung Country on the Mornington Peninsula.

Growing up sitting around the campfire playing music with family and friends and her love for being out on Country, is where she draws her inspiration from.

She expresses her stories through singing in language as well as taking you on a journey where you can feel her deep connection to her ancestral roots.

Carissa has had a huge 2023, being nominated for Music Victoria's Archie Roach Award, releasing her second single, Big Sky Country, and supporting some of the countries biggest artists such as John Butler, Lisa Mitchell, Dan Sultan, The Waifs and Ash Grunwald to name a few.

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Djarlo Dance Group

Get ready to be blown away by the inspiring didgeridoo rhythms accompanying the dynamic & expressive dances of Djarlo, the Aboriginal dance group that’s captivating audiences through Victoria! Featuring talented brothers from multiple tribal backgrounds , Djarlo delivers a high-impact fusion of modern and traditional dance styles that are guaranteed to leave you entertained.

The name “Djarlo” comes from the Jandai language and means “fire,” a powerful element that was central to the everyday lives of First Nations people. In the same way, Djarlo’s performances ignite a fiery passion within their audience, bringing people together in a meeting place of cultural exchange and celebration.

Led by the world-renowned yidaki player Ganga Giri and backed by dance experts with over two decades of experience, Djarlo’s performances are educative and interactive. With each move, they showcase the rich cultural heritage of First Nations people, telling stories through their fluid and expressive movements.

Whether you’re an avid lover of dance or just looking for an unforgettable experience, Djarlo is a must-see. With their captivating blend of music and movement, they’ll leave you wanting more and eager to learn more about the First nations culture.

Get ready to be mesmerized by the fire that is Djarlo!

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Trudy Fatnowna Edgeley is a Yidinji & South Sea Islander who is currently based on Wadawurrung Country. She has spent the last few years touring as a Professional Musician, playing as part of the duo act Phil and Trudy Edgeley, performing throughout Australia, the UK & the USA. Trudy's desire is to tell stories of her rich ancestry thru Music, Art & Acting.

TFE has opened shows for Neil Murray (Warumpi Band) on his May/June 2022 “Keep Rollin On” & April 2023/March 2023 “The Telling” Album Launch Tours and Support Act for Liz Stringer returning from her Europe/UK Tour in August 2023.

Also has performed along side Kavisha Mazzella. She will be releasing her 1st album in May.

TFE is a past member of a Ballarat Indigenous Art group called “Pitcha Makin Fellas”. Her last collaboration was part of “Melbourne Now/NGV/2023” Exhibition. Also will continue as a solo contempary visual artist. Her current work is part of “100 Faces” at “Playing in the Attic” (Talbot, Vic) which she has been invited to participate with other artists for the past 4years.

Currently performing in the play “Facing Up" written by Lynden Nicholls. 2 weeks of shows at Theatreworks (St Kilda, Vic) for their Season 2023 and will be continuing thru schools in Victoria in 2024.