Flinders University team once again took part in Garma Festival and contributed to the Australia’s largest annual Indigenous gathering in northeast Arnhem Land.

This year’s theme, Bukmak, meaning “everyone” in Yolŋu Matha, was a call for inclusivity and connection, celebrating the strength found in coming together across clans, communities and cultures. Aligning with the theme, both Flinders staff and students travelled from multiple places across the country to take part and learn more about Yolŋu culture. The team ran an engagement stall on the University’s rural and remote programs and research, alongside a bush medicine workshop delivered with the Yirralka Rangers. The workshop was led by cultural educator Mayalil Marika, supported by Lipaki Dhamarrandji, giving participants the chance to learn about and experience the healing effects of local flora.

For many on the Flinders team, the festival was as much about reconnection as it was about culture on Country. After moving to Central Australia earlier this year following four years working together in East Arnhem, Chris Hince, Remote Health lecturer, said the biggest highlight was reconnecting with the Nhulunbuy team: “It was heartwarming to see everyone again.” Being back on Country to collect Yolŋu meditjin was a highlight in itself, he said, before watching the educators “mesmerise the audience with their knowledge, stories and performance skills” during the meditjin workshop. Joanne Green, Cultural Educator based in Darwin, who travels regularly to Nhulunbuy for family reasons, appreciated the opportunity to have a yarn in person with all local staff members as well as being interviewed by media.

For Professor Chris Brebner, Pro Vice Chancellor travelling from Adelaide, it was the workshops themselves that stood out: “I loved the Bush Medicine session and learned so much. And the Women’s Healing session was also a great experience.” Others were simply swept up in the rich, vibrant, and strong culture on display each day, especially the chance to join the bungul and dance with bukmak! Thank you for having us, Garma.