The Albanese Labor Government is investing $150,000 to support the 2025 Tiwi Cultural Festival, a community-led celebration of Tiwi culture, heritage and creativity.
The festival will be held in Wurrumiyanga on Bathurst Island next Saturday, 19 July.
The festival program features a vibrant showcase of Tiwi culture including traditional dance, music, art, storytelling, workshops and cultural demonstrations led by Tiwi Elders, artists and community members.
The Tiwi Cultural Festival is in its second year, and in 2025 will be held the same weekend as the Tiwi Islands Football League Grand Final, bringing sport and culture together in a significant regional gathering.
Festivals of this kind promote understanding and respect for First Nations culture and play an important part in Target 16 of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, ensuring that First Nations culture and languages are strong, supported and flourishing.
To find out more about the Tiwi Cultural Festival, visit Tiwi Land Council | Tiwi Cultural Festival
Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy:
“The Albanese Labor Government is pleased to provide funding for this year’s Tiwi Cultural Festival.
“These kinds of festivals are so important to bring people together to strengthen community connections and culture.
“Tiwi culture is unique and strong and it’s wonderful that it can be celebrated and shared at the Tiwi Cultural Festival.”
Quotes attributable to the Special Envoy for Remote Communities and Member for Lingiari, Marion Scrymgour MP:
“The weekend of the Tiwi Cultural Festival and Footy Grand Final is the most significant cultural event on the Tiwi Islands.
“Investment in this festival is really important as it brings our community together and creates an opportunity for us to share our culture with the rest of the country.
“I encourage everyone to get along to the festival and share a weekend of amazing activities including traditional dancing, music, art and of course footy.”
Quotes attributable to Leslie Tungatalum, Tiwi Land Council Chair:
“With support from the National Indigenous Australians Agency, we’re now able to properly plan and grow the Tiwi Cultural Festival alongside the Tiwi Football Grand Final.
“This combined weekend has the potential to become a nationally significant event - one that strengthens cultural pride, ensures our traditions are passed down and creates real economic opportunities for Tiwi-owned businesses.”