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Yabaardu is a free community event that is bringing everyone together with a focus on Live Music Performances, Kids entertainment, amusements rides, workshops, community stalls and local food vendors. Yabaardu is held in Ceduna in regional South Australia at the Far West Aboriginal Sporting Complex on Wednesday 12 July 2023. With an acknowledgment to country and programing starting from 12pm – rocking through to 10pm
Yabaardu means ‘Everyone’ in the local Aboriginal Language in the far west coast. The naming of the festival in language is important in keeping culture and language strong. Promoting the International decade of Indigenous languages 2022 – 2032.
This grassroots event is for community by community.
Chief Executive Officer – Wayne Miller of the Ceduna Aboriginal Corporation says
“Yabaardu is what our community is all about, coming together as one and appreciating each other. We are a proud and strong community and it’s important to celebrate that. It’s incredible to see how much it has grown over the past 12 months and it excites me to see what it may become.
Yabaardu is all about showcasing our region’s diversity, in particular highlighting our first nations culture and history. There aren’t too many things that can bring people in the masses together, music is one of those vehicles and we can use it to showcase our region.
After several conversations between myself and Letisha from Balya Productions we decided to go all in and put on a day that will put our region on the map and that’s what we’re aspiring to do. As we continue to grow this event we can get more and more people interested and put it on the state’s event calendar”.
Wayne Miller is a community man and CEO of the Ceduna Aboriginal Corporation, supporting his community with a keen interest in Music and Events.
In collaboration with major sponsors coming on board to support this event, Balya Productions, spearheaded by Ceduna local Letisha Ackland has been engaged to manage and produce the line up of the live music program. As well as showcasing local and national First Nations talent on stage, the engagement of Balya Productions also demonstrates the importance of having First Nations peoples behind the scenes, leading and executing cultural and community events.
Letisha Ackland, the Executive Producer of Balya Productions has a long and decorated history with regional and national festivals and events. Hailing from Ceduna, Letisha is a passionate advocate supporting First Nations artists and the importance of their representation and presence within the live music sector. With her knowledge and experience of event management, stage production and logistics, Letisha is leading the way as a First Nations woman and role model in creating the space and pathways for First Nations artists in the music industry.
In 2023, Yarbaardu is proud to be hosting King Stingray as the headline act.
King Stingray is a story of lifelong friendship and two cultures coming together. Growing up
together in Yirrkala in North-East Arnhem Land, founding members Yirrŋa Yunupiŋu
(frontman) and Roy Kellaway (guitar) have been playing and making music together for as long as they can remember.
Yirrŋa and Roy formed King Stingray with mates Dimathaya Burarrwanga (rhythm guitar
backing vocals and yidaki), Campbell Messer (bass) and Lewis Stiles (drums). The band
seamlessly blend ancient indigenous melodies with surf, indie and funk influences to create a unique sound of their own: Yolŋu surf-rock.
Along with a number of established and emerging First Nations musicians from across South Australia. Artists include Iwantja, DEM MOB, Rob Edwards, Tilly Tjala Thomas, LBG, DJ Pheonixx, DJ Mozzi and plenty of local talent added to the line up.
Yarbaadu is a free community event running during the school holidays. Now in its 2nd year, the event is shaping up to be a great day and night out for the entire family. An important event providing platforms for First Nations talent both on stage and behind the scenes, as well as community audiences, Yabaardu holds exciting promise for the years to come.
We are grateful for the Yabaardu partners and sponsors who have come on board to make this event possible. Balya Productions, Far West Community Partnerships, Department of Human Services, Rex Airlines, Ceduna Aboriginal Corporation, Yadu Health (Aboriginal Corporation), Koonibba Community (Aboriginal Corporation), Oak Valley Maralinga (Aboriginal Corporation), Yalata Anangu Aboriginal Corporation, Outback and Country Health, EyrePlus, Far West Coast (Aboriginal Corporation), Far West Languages Centre, Centacare Catholic Services, Tullawon Health (Aboriginal Corporation), Ceduna Foreshore Hotel, Iluka Resources, Family Violence Legal Service Aboriginal Corporation, Action Logic Audio, Carclew, Country Arts SA, Adelaide University and hopefully many more sponsor in the coming weeks!
