Australia’s newest Indigenous festival, Corroboree Sydney, has officially opened with a traditional firelight ceremony honouring the traditional custodians of Sydney Harbour, the Gadigal people of the Eora nation.

The Corroboree Flame was carried across the water by boat to Corroboree Central at Pier 2/3 in Walsh Bay, where it was ceremonially welcomed ashore and received by a Gadigal Elder Charles 'Chicka' Madden and the Council of Elders. The Firelight will remain lit for the duration of the festival.

Yesterday, more than 1,500 primary school children from across Sydney marked the start of Corroboree Sydney with the Gurung Parade, from Hyde Park to Government House, carrying bright red, hand-made waratah flowers. The parade is a celebration of the local Eora culture.

The children were joined by Corroboree Patron, Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, Governor of NSW, who also hosted a picnic and concert for the students in the grounds of Government House.

Destination NSW CEO, Sandra Chipchase, said Corroboree Sydney was about celebrating Australia’s Indigenous culture and showcased a diverse, vibrant program of activities, exhibitions and performances.

“Corroboree Sydney brings together nine of Sydney’s leading cultural organisations institutions with strong Indigenous programs who are presenting a range of free and ticketed events held around Sydney’s Harbour foreshore, arts precinct and parks showcasing Indigenous literature, visual arts, performing arts, live music, films, crafts and design,” Ms Chipchase said.

“The organisations include Bangarra Dance Theatre, the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, State Library, Australian Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney Opera House, Blackfella Films and Koori Radio 97.3FM.

The NSW Government is supporting Corroboree Sydney through its major events and tourism agency, Destination NSW.

Anna McInerney, Director Event Development at Destination NSW said the event is of considerable importance to Indigenous communities both here in NSW and across Australia.

“We estimate Corroboree Sydney will deliver approximately $21 million in direct economic impact over the next three years, with an expected 55,000 interstate, intrastate and international visitors to attend,” she said.

“We encourage all Sydneysiders and visitors from across Australia and overseas to join in the celebrations and support Corroboree Sydney 2013, here in our nation’s major events and cultural capital.”

For more information on the Corroboree Sydney 2013 program please visit www.corroboreesydney.com.au

For more information please contact
Olivia Deskoski
Destination NSW
0400 225 751