Words: Lapulung Dhamarrandji

The popular well-known festival, Garrjirrk, first started in 1982 and has been running ever since. I was the core founder of this amazing festival. We used to call it Music Sound’s and Lighting Competition. 

This year’s Gattjirrk Festival was held from the 2nd - 5th of October and celebrated its 42nd anniversary. The theme of the festival was ‘healthy people, strong culture and active lifestyle'. It was one of the unique experiences to celebrate our entire lives as ONE MOB, ONE VOICE, ONE LAND. 

The entire community of Milingimbi, all Yolngu participated with the Gattjirrk Festival on this special occasion, celebrating their success and participation towards the Gattjirrk Festival. It brought wonderful memories from the past’s history, when it all began. 

We want to give a special thanks to the Yolngu and Balanda police officers and to all the supporters, sponsors and organisers who assisted in bringing this event together. We are all looking forward to the next Gattjirrk Festival in 2025.