The Gai-mariagal Festival was founded in 2001 and aims to raise awareness of First Nations People living in the Northern Sydney region. Festival events include workshops, art exhibitions, performances, films, talks and more.
The Gai-mariagal Festival takes place around the following significant dates:
• Sorry Day 27th May;
• National Reconciliation Week 27 May- 3 June; and
• NAIDOC Week 7 – 14 July.
The festival committee includes local councils, other agencies, businesses, and numerous community groups such as:
- Sydney North Primary Health Network
- Northern Beaches Council
- Lane Cove Council and Lane Cove Library
- North Sydney Council
- Stanton Library
- Willoughby City Council,
- Chatswood Library
- Mosman Council
- Mosman Youth Centre
- Ku-ring-gai Council
- The Wildflower Gardens
- Reconciliation NSW,
- Frenchs Forest Catholic Parish
- Guyabanha and
- the Gaimaragal Group.
Gai-Mariagal Festival 2024 Theme
This year, the festival’s theme is “Keep the Flame Alive ”.
Gai-Mariagal Festival Events in Lane Cove
Children’s Voices for Reconciliation – Free Event
Thursday,30 May 10:30 am – 12:00 pm, The Canopy Lane Cove
Join local North Shore Schools at The Canopy to celebrate Reconciliation Week. School groups will perform their interpretation of this year’s Reconcilaiton Week theme ‘Be a Voice for Generations’. The event invites everyone to use their voice to share their truths among others. This event includes songs, dance, and art from local North Shore Schools.
The Children’s Voices for Reconciliation is an annual event which started in 1997. The event was co-founded by Lane Cove Residents for Reconciliation and the Lane Cove Council.
Bush Fairies and Banksia Boys – Lane Cove Bush Kids
Wednesday, 05 June 2024 | 09:45 AM to 11:15 AM
Term activity 2 – 5 years
The natural world can be a magical place. Join us to discover some bush fairies and Banksia boys, and look for fairy clues on a bush walk. We’ll also make our own special home for a bush fairy.
Bush Treasures – Lane Cove Bush Kids
Thursday, 13 June 2024 | 09:45 AM to 11:15 AM
Term activity 2 to 5 years
Let’s look for treasure! It may be a feather, nest or a colourful spider in its web. We’ll go on a bush walk to see what treasures we can discover. We’ll also read a story and do some nature craft.
Bush Fairies and Banksia Boys – Lane Cove Bush Kids
Tuesday, 18 June 2024 | 09:45 AM to 11:15 AM
Term activity 2 – 5 years
The natural world can be a magical place. Join us to discover some bush fairies and Banksia boys, and look for fairy clues on a bush walk. We’ll also make our own special home for a bush fairy.
Aboriginal Awareness and Heritage Boat Cruise
Sunday, 23 June 2024 | 10:00 AM to 01:00 PM
Cruise the lower Lane Cove River and harbour around North Sydney to uncover the indigenous heritage and history of this region.
Hop aboard the Tribal Warrior’s Mari Nawi (Big Canoe) and cruise the lower Lane Cove River and harbour around North Sydney to uncover the heritage and history of the region.
Karen Smith from the Aboriginal Heritage Office will share her knowledge of the local Cameraygal and Wallumedegal people and their connections to Country.
We’ll also discover more about the natural heritage and European history of the area with local experts on this enjoyable cruise.
Refreshments provided.
First Fridays – Stone rock painting with Koori Kinnections – Friday 5 July 3.30 to 4.30 pm
Jess from Koori Kinnections will join be in Lane Cove Plaza to teach about First Nations culture. Focusing on those lessons passed down from elder’s past, present and emerging, Jess will also have an interactive activity for children to participate in.
Yuin and Wailwan woman, Jess Sinnott is the Founder/Managing Director of Koori Kinnections – a 100% Aboriginal owned and operated Cultural Education business, offering education programs and tours for all ages.
Growing up and living on Wangal and Dharug lands (Sydney), Jess gained a wealth of knowledge about Aboriginal culture, history, and heritage from her family, community, and co-workers.
Jess’s background includes work as an Aboriginal Education Officer/Cultural Educator for a number of renowned organisations, including:
- The Aboriginal Heritage Office – North Sydney
- TAFE NSW Sydney, and Northern Sydney Institute (Teacher – Cultural Tourism and Tour Guiding)
- The Royal Botanic Gardens – Sydney
- National Parks and Wildlife Service – Royal National Park
- Sydney Learning Adventures – The Rocks, Sydney
- Taronga Zoo – Bradley’s Head
As an Aboriginal Education Officer her main goals are to change the perceptions of Australian Aboriginal history and culture, and to make learning about our first people’s fun and entertaining!
Events in Northern Sydney
There are events all over Northern Sydney. To find out more about the different events, click here.
Gai-mariagal Festival Logo
The fish story symbolises that we need to take care of the environment; the land, water and sky world reminding us all it is our responsibility to care for country wherever we live, work and play and protect the creatures with whom we share this place with.
The three fish represents the trinity of the sacred world, the human world and the physical world, and fish not only represents food which we need to sustain us, in the Northern Sydney region fish live in both sweet and salt water which also brings a sense of connection of identity as sweet water people, bitter water people and saltwater people
Water is fundamental to our survival and is needed by all living beings, plants, creatures and humans. We know water to be sacred and we need to protect our water sources for future generations; it is our responsibility, our legacy, to care for all that live on Mother Earth.
In 2021, the festival’s 21st anniversary, it was time to renew, refresh and create a new look for the rebranded Gai-mariagal Festival.
Keeping it in the family, Jennifer Moylan, daughter of Susan Moylan-Coombs, designed the logo.
Our Cover Photo features the logo.
Acknowledgement
ITC acknowledges all First Nations Peoples of the lands on which we live, work and play. We pay our respects to all Elders past and present.
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