The inaugural Yirriwinari Festival took place at Pirlangimpi community, Melville Island from Sunday 30 April to Monday 1 May, 2023.

A community event first and foremost the 2 day event program had a focus on inter generational learning by young Tiwi people, from Tiwi Elders of Tiwi culture through workshops, and performances from weaving, carving and painting to traditional dancing, and singing, as well as bush food demonstrations and cooking.

The Yirriwinari Festival Committee consists of Senior Tiwi Elders Simply Tipuamantumirri, Carol Puruntatameri, Marius Pirrrawayingi, Tony Pilakui and Osmond Pangiraminni. Also on the Committee are NT Health staff Joel Ikupu and Natalie Sarsfield, Tiwi Islands Training and Employment Board (TITEB) CEO Maria Harvey, and Stefan Carrillo Artback NT’s Remote Events Manager.