Volunteers are needed for the inaugural Giiyong Festival, taking place at Jigamy, Eden on 22 September. Festival partners Twofold Aboriginal Corporation, Eden Local Aboriginal Land Council and South East Arts are asking people to volunteer to assist in a multitude of roles on the day. Festival Co-Ordinator, Jasmin Williams says, "The Festival runs for 12 hours, so there are a lot jobs we need help with. Volunteers are required to give up just four hours of their time, and this might be before, during or after the day itself. There is a job for everyone, as long as you are over 18."
Above: Musician Chelsy Atkins from Pambula is one of the many local musicians who will perform at Giiyong Festival on 22 September. Image by Mic Gruchy. People with a variety of skills are needed to do everything from assisting visitors and looking after displays and exhibitions to setting up stages, decorating the site and working in the Festival office.
“Volunteers will participate in site inductions and non-Aboriginal volunteers will undertake cultural competency training before the festival. It's a great event to be part of, the first of its kind in southern NSW. We have already had people sign up from across NSW, ACT and Victoria, but we still need some more hands on deck," she continued. The Giiyong Festival celebrates traditional and contemporary Aboriginal culture and features music, art, dance, workshops and demonstrations, food, film, art exhibitions, market stalls and more. The Festival is also a great way to get to know and learn about the local Aboriginal community . Headline acts like Baker Boy, No Fixed Address and Benny Walker are sure to bring punters from far and wide. Workshops and demonstrations, as well as the beautiful art exhibition in the Monaroo Bobberer Gudu Keeping Place will appeal to a wide audience. Local musicians and performers including Allison Walker, Gabadoo, Warren Foster Snr, Chelsy Atkins, Gulaga Dancers, Duurunu Miru Dancers, Djaadjawan Dancers and Robbie Bundle will also be performing across two stages and the dance circle. Entry to Giiyong Festival is free, donations are being gratefully accepted and go towards the staging of the event. More information about volunteering, ticketing and the line-up is available from the Giiyong Festival website www.giiyong.com.au.
