The University of Newcastle is proud to welcome the wider community once again to Ngarrama, now in its fifth year – an inaugural event of reflection on the eve of Survival Day / Australia Day.
Ngarrama translates to ‘sit, listen and know’. As the name captures, it will be a time for listening and quiet reflection through the sharing of stories, knowledge and culture.
The free public event, in partnership with with Awabakal Ltd, Port Waratah Coal Services, the City of Newcastle and NGM Group (Newcastle Greater Mutual Group), will return to King Edward Park on Sunday 25 January 2026.
Ngarrama is an invitation for all to bring along your friends, family and a picnic blanket to engage in meaningful reconciliation through truth-telling, performances, song, and historical acceptance.
This is a free public event and will include a Welcome to country, traditional dance, music, storytelling, knowledge sharing and a lantern parade for children.
The event features:
- Sharnee Fenwick (Winner – 2025 Newcastle NAIDOC Music Award)
- Redfern’s Brolga Dance Academy
- Winanga-y Dreaming Dancers
- Minimbah Dancers
- Curious Legends illuminated puppet
- A lantern parade for the kids – come along and make your own lantern from 6pm!
Ngarrama is an opportunity for the Newcastle community to come together on the eve of Australia/Survival Day to reflect on traditional life in Mooloobinba before 1788 and to celebrate the richness and resilience of First Nations culture – in particular the Awabakal and Worimi people, the traditional owners of the land upon which Newcastle now stands.
Ngarrama translates to ‘to sit, listen, and know’. As the name captures, it will be a time for listening and quiet reflection through the sharing of stories, knowledge and culture.
Please note this is an alcohol free event, please BYO all food and non-alcoholic drinks.
Bring your picnic rug to sit on the grass of Newcastle’s spectacular King Edward Park, in this beautiful setting we will connect to country and reflect on the stories the land and waters around hold.
Date: Sunday 25 January 2026
Time: 7pm – 9pm
Location: King Edward Park, Newcastle
Cost: Ngarrama is a free event but please book a ticket in advance
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