Among other things learned at Killalea State Park on Dharawal Country today, Bangarra Dance Theatre dancers discovered one of the more dubious properties of the Dianella bush – its snake-attracting whistle. Photo: Region.
Performers from the renowned Bangarra Dance Theatre took time to reconnect with Country at Killalea State Park today, in a day of cultural exchange led by Uncle Richard Campbell from Gumaraa Aboriginal Experience.
Following a traditional smoking ceremony the dancers joined a guided bush tucker and medicine tour, a boomerang-throwing workshop and a barbecue lunch hosted by the Aboriginal Men’s Group.
Uncle Richard said the experience was a mutual honour.
“The name Killalea came from a convict named Edward Killalea. Our people had a name for this place long before him. We called it Arrijong … What makes this place significant is our sacred sites – places like Bass Point, known as Long Point to our people. It is the second oldest site on the East Coast of Australia,” he said.
“All my forefathers and foremothers that walked this Country before us, their presence is still here. What they’ve left behind is what we pick up and nurture and carry forward and share with the wider community, including, today, Bangarra.
“These worldwide renowned performers, to give them a sense of belonging when they’re here, it’s an honour for us, but they’re also honoured to be on our Country.”
Bangarra Dance Theatre has stopped in Wollongong on its 2025 Regional Tour with its first cross-cultural collaboration, The Light Inside, currently showing at Illawarra Performing Arts Centre.
This powerful work comes from two of the world’s great First Nations choreographers – Maori choreographer and Arts Laureate Moss Te Ururangi Patterson joins beloved Bangarra alumna Deborah Brown to guide the company’s award-winning ensemble in stories that honour their mother countries and the spirit that guides them home.
The Light Inside honours the First Peoples of the Oceania region, spanning across the continent now known as Australia, the Torres Strait Islands and our southern neighbour, Aotearoa (New Zealand).
As part of the tour, the company is delivering workshops to schools and communities across these regions as part of its commitment to sharing their stories and cultures with audiences across the country and fostering the next generation of cultural leaders.
On days like today, however, it’s the dancers’ turn to learn.
Bangarra dancer Daniel Mateo, who is Gomeroi on his mother’s side and Tongan on his father’s, said the company was grateful for the chance to learn about the Illawarra in the short time they were there.
“I feel very lucky to have this opportunity to get immersed and learn from local elders. It is a privilege to come to this beautiful place where the coast meets the mountains,” he said.
“Regional tours have always been my favourite. You get a sense of community wherever we go, but coming away from the bright lights of the cities, I feel more connected. I really love that.”
Tomorrow (Saturday 15 February) is the last chance for audiences to catch Bangarra Dance Theatre’s The Light Inside at Illawarra Performing Arts Centre (IPAC), with shows at 1:30 pm and 7:30 pm. Tickets start at $64 for groups and under 30 – book via Merrigong.
Loading ...
