‘We’ll dance alone, out into the moonlight”, Bunna Lawrie from Coloured Stone recites from the newly installed Malandarri Festival stage as the last dancers sway under the night sky and festoon lights of what was once a full showground, now slowly emptying as the Malandarri Festival 2024 comes to an end.

Named after Borroloola’s traditional name, Malandarri, which translates to ‘freshwater spring,’ this year’s festival was a testament to the region’s vibrant cultural heartbeat. Under the guidance of festival coordinator Lia Pa’apa’a and Festival Director Marlene Timothy, the lead-up to the event was a  full of community spirit. Lia, along with various local groups, provided sewing, dance, and craft workshops while local musicians including local legend Barnabas Timothy rehearsed in preparation for their performances under the direction of music engineer Liam Budalasia.

“We need this festival because we’re losing language, we’re losing our elders, and we tell stories through music, and try make these younger generations to listen.” Barnabas Timothy explains. The festival’s significance extends beyond entertainment; it is a vital cultural archive and a bridge between generations.

The festival gates opened on Friday, 14 June, with performances from the children of Borroloola, and a capivating dance by dancer Angela Wurramara. Traditional dance groups from the Yanyuwa, Garrwa, Gudanji, Wandangula, and Nara peoples from around the Roper Gulf Region shared their heritage through dance, song, and stories.

Kicking off the first night of entertainment was Arrkula Yinbayarra featuring Shellie Morris, who are working hard to preserve their languages as the last remaining speakers and have been touring Australia promoting the preservation of these languages. Among the local stars, Sandridge Band, Barnabas Timothy and the High Tides, and the evening was bought to a close with the legendary Malandarri Band

The festival’s final night continued with traditional dance, followed by a memorable performance by local rapper Big T, who graced the Malandarri stage after a long hiatus and left a good impression on audience members. He was followed by the dynamic Yung Milla, who used his platform to engage with the youth on addressing shame and building confidence by inviting the youth on stage with him. Then, Coloured Stone, whose nostalgic hit ‘Black Boy’ ended the night in a united communal singalong.

The Dance Site, established in 2013 as part of the Indigenous Traditional Dance Program (ITDP), has flourished under the stewardship of Artback NT’s Marlene Timothy for the past decade. Marlene’s commitment to preserving local languages and traditions is a cornerstone of the festival’s success. Marlene Timothy was honored with a slideshow celebrating her decade of dedication to Malandarri Festival, created by longtime festival photographer Benjamin Warlngundu Bayliss. The tribute was a fitting acknowledgment of Marlene’s tireless dedication to her community.

“This festival is important because it gives us a chance to shine, and let people know that we have our stories, we have talents, and here we are.” Maria Pryo of Arrkula Yinbayara.

In the end, the Malandarri Festival 2024 wasn’t just a series of performances and workshops; it was a living, breathing embodiment of community spirit and cultural preservation.

The Malandarri Festival is a family friendly, drug and alcohol-free event. Entry each day is by gold coin donation. Seniors and children are free. Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy the food available to purchase from the market stalls. Gates open at 5pm on Friday and 3pm on Saturday.

The 2024 Malandarri Festival was supported by The McArthur River Mine Community Benefits Trust, The Northern Territory Government, The Australia Council for the Arts (now Creative Australia), Roper River Gulf Regional Council, Mabunji Aboriginal Resource Indigenous Corporation and Mawurli and Wirriwangkuma Aboriginal Corporation (MAWA).

Malandarri Festival 2024 Video by TFJ Productions

Malandarri Festival 2023 Video by TFJ Productions

Malandarri Festival 2022 Video, by Good Well Productions

Duwarra Wujara (Two Young Men) Video, a collaborative project by Yanyuwa families with long-term friend and anthropologist Dr. John Bradley of Monash University

Official Malandarri Festival 2024 Program