Nicky Winmar confirmed as Ngarra Jarra Noun Ambassador
Headliner Briggs joined by 10 Dance Clans
AFL legend Nicky Winmar has been confirmed as ambassador for Ngarra Jarra Noun, an annual cultural event that fosters a sense of healing and connection for mob and the mainstream community.
This year’s event held at its home at Victoria Park pays tribute to the families and communities that are living with the loss of loved ones due to deaths in custody. “It’s about healing and thinking of the families who have lost loved ones and we’re there for everyone and each other”, says Nicky Winmar.
Joining headliner Briggs is a full line up of musicians and confirmed today are ten dance clans that will elevate the energy of the event in a manner that will be both connective and healing. See below for the full line up.
“The first ceremony created the land. Next was water, fire, daylight and darkness. Life begins in the dreamtime and it continues in the dreaming. The Lores of creation binds us to the greater spirits. Our responsibilities tie us to the constitution of the earth and sky. Our testimony and scriptures are in the gumtrees. We follow the Lores of our ancestors”, says Cultural Interpreter Jason Yorta Yorta Tamiru.
“Culture evolves” says Phil Egan, aka Crooked TP. “Putting ochre on yourself around other mob is probably one of the best healing feelings ever. I feel strong and powerful. We are connecting ourselves to our ancestors from all over and the fact we still practise culture today, so our culture continues to thrive, is what culture is about – passing knowledge and wisdom to our next generation and in turn changing the mindset of the future generations to come.”
Crooked TP’s statement is echoed by hip hop brutha Briggs: “The world is changing and in this political climate I believe having all our nations, clans and families connecting in pride while showing unity and strength is exactly what the answer is”
“I’m looking forward to performing for all the blackfullas, different mobs and allies on the day. See ya there with a big language warning!”
Featuring live music performances by Briggs, Crooked TP, MPathSoul, Jayden Lillyst and Aaron Morgan; Healing ceremony by cultural dance groups Djirri Djirri, Murrundaya Yepenga, Koori Youth Will Shake Spear, Wulumbarra, Culture Evolves, Djarlo, Galnya Yebena, Ngargee, Yuloo and Ngarli Millu; Troy Benjamin’s Blak Brew, Dardi Munwurro’s community BBQ and a variety of food trucks; Mindful Mob Healing Market; Cultural dance and games for children.
Proudly presented by the Indigenous Sports Network (ISN) this incredible cultural event steeped in ceremony and celebration proudly presents the Ngarra Jarra Noun – Healing Ceremony, to be held at Victoria Park on Sunday, 13th of April 2025, from 12pm.
The third iteration of this powerful event promotes community healing and wellbeing through ceremony and culture: in partnership with the Dhadjowa Foundation, the 2025 event will pay tribute to families and communities affected by Aboriginal deaths in custody.
The Healing Market, a focal point of Ngarra Jarra Noun, is described by Mindful Mob wellness founder and Song Woman Maylene Yinarr as a sacred haven where community meets to foster healing accessibility for all.
As a family-friendly event, children’s dance workshops, traditional games and painting activities will be held, with recent Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars winner Troy Benjamin’s famous ‘Blak Brew’ tea and coffee and Dardi Munwurro’s community BBQ set up across a range of local food stalls.
Sponsors for the event include: City of Yarra, First People Health and Wellbeing, Victoria University, Fellowship of Indigenous Leadership, Pullman Melbourne on the Park Hotel, Vic Health, Songlines Aboriginal Music Corporation, Gunditj Mirring Aboriginal Corporation, Collingwood FC, Dardi Munwurro, Victorian Aboriginal Health Service and the Department of Justice.
The Ngarra Jarra Noun – Healing Ceremony promises to be an impactful experience and emphasises the Indigenous Sports Network’s continuing dedication to cultural connection and celebration. Everyone is welcome to join in for a day of cultural celebration, resilience and healing, free for the entire community.
Click here to download the Official Media Release