Bambarra-Ma Dariburu
It’s Good to Make Good
Bambarra-ma Dariburu (It’s good to make good) is a powerful collision and coming together of Gurambilbarra’s Wulgurukaba Walkabouts and Dancenorth in a celebration of resonance, spirit, and energy.
Experience a mesmerising spectacle of movement, sound, and storytelling celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the Wulgurukaba people and highlighting the power of collaboration and togetherness as we embrace a shared future.
An evening in three parts Bambarra-ma Dariburu (It’s good to make good) is a spectacle of arts and culture not to be missed.
Beginning with a world premiere performance by Wulgurukaba Walkabouts featuring a mesmerising nable (welcome) and bunu (smoking) ceremony. Bringing their trademark positive energy to the stage Wulgurukaba Walkabouts deeply understand their role as cultural ambassadors and the need to give back as part of their obligation to Country. Dancenorth then takes to the stage with an amplified performance of NOISE. This dynamic community driven tour-de-force features Dancenorth’s award-winning Ensemble alongside 100 local volunteer drummers who thump out a scintillating live score. The third and final moment will feature Wulgurukaba Walkabouts, Dancenorth and Meanjin (Brisbane) based Hip Hop Artist Lil Mase who is widely celebrated for his infectious and uplifting beats. Lil Mase will transform the stage into a mega dancefloor for all to enjoy.
Bambarra-ma Dariburu (It’s good to make good) is resonance, spirit and energy in action. Bambarra-ma Dariburu ran June 24-25 at the Jezzine Barracks (Garabarra) for this free family-friendly event under the stars that brought Gurambilbarra (Townsville) to life with the power of movement and music.
World Premiere
Credits
CREATIVE CREDITS
Concept, Direction and Choreography Ashley Saltner Jnr, Kyle Page and Amber Haines
Creative Consultants Lenny Donohue, William Koiki Mabo, Glen Thomas
Live Musician Lil Mase
Lighting Design Yoshie Kenny
Choreography and Direction - NOISE Amber Haines and Kyle Page
Composition and Lead Drummer - NOISE Costa Hagiaglou
Music Producer for the Wulgurukaba Walkabouts Isadoré/ Isabelle Reynaud
Original Lighting Design - NOISE Jamie Schmidt
Costume Design - NOISE Andrew Treloar
Drumming Consultant Alex Salvador
Featured Drummer, Djembe Fela Mohamed Bangoura-ke
Additional Arrangements and Guitar Orchestrations - NOISE Felix Sampson
Additional Composition Support Debie Curd, Donna-Maree Maxwell, Alex Salvador
Performers | Wulgurukaba Walkabouts
Ashley Saltner Jnr, Lenny Donohue, William Koiki Mabo, Glen Thomas with Hayden Saltner, Mason Saltner, Les Tanna, Jesse Wilson
Performers | Dancenorth
Sabine Crompton-Ward, Tiana Lung, Damian Meredith, Darci O’Rourke, Felix Sampson, Michael Smith and Chris Dyke
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Production Manager Liam Kennedy
Production Technician Yoshie Kenny
Community Experience Manager (Volunteers Manager) Alice Lee Holland
Stage Manager Felicity Organ-Moore
Assistant Stage Manager Joshua Siganto, Mali Thompson
FeaturingBlak Arts and Cultural Markets
Pre-Show Performance Urapun
Acknowledgements
Bambarra-ma Dariburu (It’s good to make good) has been commissioned by the North Australian Festival of Arts.
This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Festivals Australia program. This project was made possible by the Australian Government's Regional Arts Fund, which supports the arts in regional and remote Australia.
Wulgurukaba Walkabouts is assisted by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland's Queensland Arts Showcase Program.
Dancenorth Australia is assisted by both the Australian Government through the Australia Council for the Arts and its arts funding and advisory body, and the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland. Dancenorth Australia is supported by Townsville City Council through their Strategic Partnerships Program.
Warnings
This production contains smoke effects, sound pressure effects (loud noises) and pyrotechnics (fire).
Accessibility
Accessibility Seating
Please contact us directly to make an enquiry about your accessibility needs at least 24 hours prior to the event (07) 4772 2549 or community@dancenorth.com.au
AUSLAN Interpreted Performance - Sunday 25 June
Auslan interpreted performances are for audiences who are d/Deaf or hard of hearing and use Australian Sign Language (Auslan). Experienced Auslan interpreters stand to the side of the stage and interpret dialogue and any text into Auslan, signing live. Audiences requiring this service are seated in the section closest to the interpreter to ensure good sightlines.
Please contact community@dancenorth.com.au if you require Auslan Interpretation.
Service Animals
Dancenorth warmly welcomes assistance animals.
FAQS
Do I need to bring my ticket to this event?
Bambarra-ma Dariburu is a free event, and you won’t need a ticket to enter. Registrations help us to estimate crowd size and communicate key messages before the event.
Are there any age restrictions on entry?
There are no ages restrictions, this is an all-ages event.
Where is the event held?
The event is held at Jezzine Barracks (Garabarra) within the parklands nearest to Mitchell & Howitt Sts, North Ward. The location is marked as “Brigadier North Park” on the Jezzine Barracks map.
The Traditional Owners of this site are the Wulgurukaba people, who called this area Garabarra, and retain an enduring connection to Country. For thousands of years Garabarra was the centre of a common food foraging area for local Aboriginal people - an area with immeasurable cultural and spiritual values.
Where is the event entrance?
The event site will not be fenced, so you can enter the parklands using the regular entrances as you normally would.
Will there be seating available?
We recommend bringing a chair and/or picnic blanket. There will be signage designating specific areas for blankets only, closer to the stage, and an area for bringing your own chairs behind that, ensuring optimal sight lines.
Limited seating is available for people with accessibility requirements. Please speak to a NAFA or Dancenorth team member if you require a chair.
What is the format of the event?
From 5pm, the Blak Arts Markets will be set up showcasing arts and crafts by First Nations artists, with pre-show live music from Urapon.
From 6:30pm to approximately 8pm, Bambarra-ma Dariburu is a performance event in three parts.
Beginning with a world premiere performance by Wulgurukaba Walkabouts featuring a mesmerising nable (welcome) and bunu (smoking) ceremony. Bringing their trademark positive energy to the stage Wulgurukaba Walkabouts deeply understand their role as cultural ambassadors and the need to give back as part of their obligation to Country.
Dancenorth then takes to the stage with an amplified performance of NOISE. This dynamic community driven tour-de-force features Dancenorth’s award-winning Ensemble alongside 100 local volunteer drummers who thump out a scintillating live score.
The third and final moment will feature Wulgurukaba Walkabouts, Dancenorth and Meanjin (Brisbane) based Hip Hop Artist Lil Mase who is widely celebrated for his infectious and uplifting beats. Lil Mase will transform the stage into a mega dancefloor for all to enjoy.
Is there a bar? Can I bring alcohol to this event?
There won't be a licensed bar at this event, and it is not permitted to bring your own alcohol to any NAFA event. Please note that drinking alcohol in public places is prohibited in Queensland.
Will there be food and non-alcoholic drinks be available to purchase?
Food and non-alcoholic drinks will be available to purchase from various food vendors. It's important to know that some food vendors only accept cash, and there is no ATM available onsite.
Will washrooms be available onsite?
There will be three standard portable toilets and one accessible portable toilet available onsite. Additionally, there are accessible bathroom facilities located within the Jezzine Barracks precinct, as indicated on the map.
Where can I park my car?
Street parking is available near the NAFA event site for your convenience.
Is there lost property at NAFA?
Lost and unclaimed property from Festival sites will be held at Strand Park in the Box Office. After the 10th July, the items will be moved to the Festival office at 143 Walker Street. If you wish to discuss a lost item, please contact the team at enquiries@nafa-tsv.com.au
Will the event be Auslan interpreted?
The performance on Sunday 25th of June will be Auslan interpreted. Auslan interpreted performances are for audiences who are d/Deaf or hard of hearing and use Australian Sign Language (Auslan). Experienced Auslan interpreters stand to the side of the stage and interpret dialogue and any text into Auslan, signing live. Audiences requiring this service are seated in the section closest to the interpreter to ensure good sightlines.
Please contact community@dancenorth.com.au if you require Auslan Interpretation.
Performance History
North Australian Festival of Arts
Gurambilbarra (Townsville City)
2023
Images by Aaron Ashley
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