Cultural Director - Major 'Moogy' Sumner AM is a world renown performer and cultural ambassador of Ngarrindjeri arts, crafts, martial arts and traditional culture.

His work spans performance, traditional dance and song, cultural advice, arts and crafts including as wood carving, martial arts techniques using handcrafted traditional shields, clubs, boomerangs and spears. 

Uncle Moogy is a strong supporter of innovative art and has featured in many media productions and cultural collaborations around the world. 

Aunty Ellen Trevorrow AM is a world-renown artist and master cultural weaver. Her woven works and sculptures are exhibited at events and galleries internationally [including the National Gallery of Australia, National Gallery of Victoria, Art Gallery of South Australia]. 

Thousands of individuals and groups have visited Camp Coorong and participated in her weaving and cultural storytelling workshops. Sharing her culture through weaving with the younger generations is a key focus for Ellen. She will utilize her artworks and stories as a part of her facilitation across the initiative.

“....My life is based from Murrunggung to Meningie and that’s were I still am today, here with my family, weaving. Its cultural weaving because I use the same rushes that my Old people used - it’s the three-pronged type of fresh water rushes - there’s a lot of different types of rushes, but this is one that was used because it lasts a long time. Weaving is not just something I do to make money. I don’t sell a lot. I work towards exhibitions. I love teaching. I love sharing the basket weaving.” 

Angelena Haradine Buckskin.  We are very excited to share that highly-respected Kaurna Ngadjuri Ngarrindjeri Narrunga Senior woman and Mintirninthi (Traditional Healer) Angelena Harradine Buckskin will be joining us for Dupang Festival this year where she will be leading a womens' healing and Yarnin circle.

Through her work as a community leader Angelena is helping to keep alive the traditions and wisdom of her people, while also bridging the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities and promoting greater understanding and respect between all people. She continues to pass on her knowledge to the next generation, ensuring that her traditions and practices will continue to be passed down for generations to come.

Angelena's deep connection to Country and passion for natural healing have led to international recognition. Grounded in a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of all things and the importance of maintaining balance and harmony, she is a passionate advocate for the preservation of Indigenous culture and the protection of the environment.

Angelena is a tireless Mintirninthi (Traditional Healer) who through education teaches about the importance of Indigenous knowledge and practices. She facilitates workshops and healing circles, cultural awareness workshops and runs the Yaitya Mintirninthi cultural healing centre.

*** IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE WOMENS' HEALING CIRCLES at the festival **** The women's healing circles sessions will be at 11:00am and 3:00pm on Saturday. These sessions have a maximum capacity of 40 and you will need to register at her marketplace stall White Ochre in the morning - to secure a space in the workshop.

We look forward to having Angelena with us, her wisdom and her healing touch.

Tal-Kin-Jeri Dance Group was established in 1997 by Ngarrindjeri elders Uncle Moogy and wide Loretta Sumner. Tal-Kin-Jeri delivers cultral performances and workshop in schools, commuinity events and festivals and has performed in the US, Canafa, South Korea, India, England, NZ and France. The group member of all ages, and perform animal and food gathering dances

“When we are dancing I hope people are watching very carefully because we will invite them up to dance with us. It (the dance) is very special because it is honouring the animal and the land … when you start dancing it puts you somewhere else." Uncle Moogy. 

Walla Mulana (Yorta Yorta word for Water Spirit)
"Walla Mulana" consists mainly of senior women and young ladies who have come together to heal body, mind and spirit and weave together the living stories of their kinship families that camped along the waterways in their dance, storys and song.

Each member is an artist in their own right and have connected their individual crafts to each other, recognising ancestral blood lines that draws them all together rippling along the waterways of the mighty Murray River that stretches out across the land from the high country, downstream across the flat lands and across to the Coorong.

Muruwarri/Budjiti Dancer
Buuja Buuja Butterfly Dancers is a cultural dance group led by Wiradjuri and Yorta Yorta woman Rayma Johnson. Founded in 2013 in honour of Rayma’s daughter, Rininya Johnson, the group is deeply grounded in culture, family, and community. Through dance, storytelling, and song, Buuja Buuja Butterfly Dancers embody strength, healing, and cultural continuity, sharing Aboriginal culture in ways that connect and inspire people of all backgrounds.

For more than a decade, the group has delivered workshops and performances across schools, festivals, and major cultural events, including Barangaroo Morning Ceremonies, Yabun Festival, NAIDOC, Reconciliation events, Sydney VIVID, and performances at the Sydney Opera House. Alongside her daughter Rikarli and granddaughter Marayah, Rayma continues to teach and choreograph, ensuring Wiradjuri culture is celebrated, preserved, and passed on. Together, Buuja Buuja Butterfly Dancers uplift communities, inspire young people, and keep the spirit of song and dance alive for future generations.

Muruwarri/Budjiti Dancer
"We are the Muruwarri Budjiti Dancers from north western NSW bordering QLD. Our song and dance are about our lore, culture and lifestyle. An element of our culture is about sharing.

KULGOODAH DANCERS  WOORABINDA  
Woorabinda was made up of 52 different tribes and Kulgoodah Dancers represented the historical side of Woorabinda and all shared knowledge and traditional dancing that have been passed down from our Elders 

David Booth & Imbala Dance Group
David Booth is a proud Aboriginal performer, cultural educator, and founder of Imbala Dance Group, an ensemble dedicated to preserving and sharing the richness of First Nations culture through movement, storytelling, and music. With deep connections to Country and community, David has spent years teaching young people the importance of identity, respect, and cultural pride through traditional and contemporary Aboriginal dance.

Imbala Dance Group delivers powerful performances that celebrate connection to land, ancestors, and spirit. Their work blends ancient rhythms and storytelling with modern expression, offering audiences an authentic and moving insight into Aboriginal heritage. Beyond the stage, David and his team conduct workshops in schools, early learning centres, and community events, using dance as a tool for healing, education, and unity.s. 

Gurubang Bunbal
is a Men's group with the express purpose of helping men to live in and maintain their Yuin cultural values. Gubang Bunbal is dedicated to sharing Yuin culture with the broader public through dance, song and community engagement. Additional positive externalities include the vertical integration of better health and mental health among members, and stronger links with families and communities. 

Marruk Waripa
is a dance group from Swan Hill, on the banks of the Murray River. Young people, families, and Elders standing together to keep our languages and culture alive. Our name means community dance, and that’s exactly what we embody: strength, identity, and connection moving as one. In a place where our youth are surrounded by tough influences, dance is our lifeline. It lifts them up, grounds them in who they are, and connects them to Country and ancestors. And yes we’re coming back to defend our Shake a Leg titles.

Maarli Nhuungkhus pikilarna maarni
Women and Men dancing together keeping aboriginal culture, songlines strong! 

"Strong mothers, fathers raise and grow stronger children"