Building on two successful years of reflection, the University of Newcastle was proud to welcome the wider community once again to Ngarrama on Thursday January 25, 2024.

The free public event, in partnership with Awabakal Ltd, the City of Newcastle and NGM Group (Newcastle Greater Mutual Group), returned to King Edward Park.

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.

Wiradjuri man and University of Newcastle Pro Vice-Chancellor of Indigenous Strategy and Leadership Mr Nathan Towney said the event continues to grow.

“More than 4,000 people came down to Mooloobinba (Newcastle) last year and I’m proud to see this incredibly special night go from strength to strength,” Mr Towney said.

“This is an open invitation to connect to country and share in cultural knowledge, and I hope many more people can benefit from the safe space created by the University of Newcastle and our three deadly event partners.”

The word Ngarrama translates to ‘to sit, listen, and know,’ which embodies the night of reflection and celebration.

Held each year on January 25, Ngarrama aims to consider traditional life before 1788 and was inspired by Sydney’s Vigil at Barangaroo.

The program includes a welcome to country, traditional dance, music, storytelling, and knowledge sharing.

Ngarrama celebrates the rich culture of all First Nations people, in particular the Awabakal and Worimi people, the traditional owners of the land upon which Newcastle now stands.

Ngarrama

When: Returning 2025
Where: King Edward Park, Newcastle
More information: Register your attendance and find more information here.