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 26th May;
• National Reconciliation Week 27 May- 3 June; and
• NAIDOC Week 6 – 13 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 Events in Lane Cove
Children’s Voices for Reconciliation – Free Event
Thursday,29th May 10:30 am – 12:00 pm, The Canopy Lane Cove
Join local North Shore Schools at The Canopy to celebrate Reconciliation Week.
This year’s theme is “Bridging Now to Next” reflecting the ongoing connection between past, present and future.
At a time when Australia faced uncertainty in its Reconciliation journey, this theme calls on all Australians to step forward together.
Bridging Now to next urges us to look ahead and continue the push forward as past lessons guide us.
This event is an opportunity for young people in the area to learn about and engage with Reconciliation through story, song, poetry, art music or dance.
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.
Walking Country Saturday, 21 June 2025 | 09:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Gain insights into the local heritage of the Cameraygal and Wallumedegal people.
Enrich your understanding of Aboriginal culture, spirituality, language and connection to Country with Karen Smith from the Aboriginal Heritage Office.
This bushwalk is approximately 1.5km long on a bush track with steps, uneven surfaces and boardwalks. It is not suitable for prams or mobility aids.
Bookings essential, spaces limited.
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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