Supporting Barunga Festival and strengthening culture

The Federal Government is to invest $250,000 to support the 2025 Barunga Festival and its celebration of First Nations art, music, dance, sport and culture.

The festival is an important annual event held in the remote Northern Territory community of Barunga, on the lands of the Bagala clan of the Jawoyn people.

“The Government is pleased to provide funding for the Barunga Festival,” Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy said.

“The power of people from all corners of the Northern Territory and northern Australia coming together to celebrate First Nations culture is inspiring.

“Each year, Barunga Festival reminds me of the enduring strength of our communities and cultures.”

Barunga Festival holds a key place in Australian history as the home of the Barunga Statement, presented to then Prime Minister Bob Hawke at the festival in 1988.

The Barunga Statement was the result of years of discussion between Aboriginal leaders and the Australian Government, with Traditional Owners calling for recognition of Indigenous rights.

Barunga Festival is a celebration of the strength, resilience and pride of First Nations people, and the Albanese Government is honoured to contribute to its operation and success.

“We thank the Government for supporting the Barunga Festival, this year’s event would not happen without this crucial funding.” Barunga Festival CEO, Steve Smith said.

“Barunga Festival is about celebrating, supporting and sharing Aboriginal culture and Indigenous rights.”

Festivals of this kind are crucial to promoting understanding and respect for Indigenous culture and play an important part in Target 16 of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, ensuring that First Nations culture and languages are strong, supported and flourishing.

Around 4,000 people are expected to attend the 2025 Barunga Festival between June 6 – 9.

Find out more here: https://barungafestival.com.au