First Nations
Program

Barragga Yangga, meaning “Many Songs” in traditional Dhurga language, is an intergenerational celebration of First Nations language, story and song created under the artistic direction of Cheryl Overton (nee Davison).

Barragga Yangga 2026 performers:
Cheryl Overton (nee Davison), director, songwriter, performer, set design
Djinama Yilaga Choir, songwriters, performer
Heath Cullen, composer, songwriter, performer
Roland Peelman, choral conductor
Stuart Hunter, orchestration
David Hewitt, percussion lead
Featuring: Fred Leone, Butchulla Songman, Gabadu, Yuin rap artist, Affinity Quartet, Stonewave Taiko, Bermagui Primary School, Sydney Conservatorium of Music and more!

Barragga Yangga, meaning “Many Songs” in traditional Dhurga language, first unfolded as a series of residencies at Four Winds and Bundanon where Community members and artists immersed themselves in storytelling, song learning, and orchestration, producing a cycle of songs to be accompanied by Affinity Quartet and premiered on Sunday 21 September 2025.

Long term, this event will contribute significantly to the community by strengthening cultural ties and promoting understanding across generations. It will also provide a platform for ongoing cultural exchange and artistic development, creating a lasting legacy of respect, unity, and shared heritage. This initiative promises to enhance cultural appreciation and support the continuity of Indigenous traditions within the broader community.

Barragga Yangga is also touring to QPAC’s Clancestry Festival in Magandjin/Brisbane on 7 August, 2026.

Djinama Yilaga is an intergenerational Yuin choir, establish in 2019 and created in Cheryl Overton’s capacity as Four Winds Aboriginal Creative Producer. Djinama Yilaga perform songs in Dhurga language and is led by renowned Walbunga/Ngarigo artist, Cheryl Overton.

Yuin people were often multi-lingual, speaking and understanding languages of neighbouring and visiting groups. Dhurga was spoken and understood by many within the 13 tribes of the Yuin Nation. It was the dominant tongue of the Walbunga people of the Broulee region and the Brindja Yuin people of Moruya.

The choir emerged as a mechanism to revitalise language through song, following a unique pedagogy established by Westpac scholar, Dr Lou Bennett AM. The community led project, supported by Dr Lou Bennett was initially funded by the National Museum of Australia and Four Winds, Bermagui.

The choir has gone from strength to strength and is continually requested to perform at local and national events. In 2021 they performed at the Easter Four Winds Festival to great acclaim, and to a sold-out show at the National Museum of Australia.

Following her residency and exhibition at Bundanon, Walbunja/Monaro artist Cheryl Overton presents Warigamban in 2025. Meaning ‘a long time ago’ in the Dhurga Language, the work is a large-scale sculptural and screen print installation that brings stories of Country, cultural practice and dreamtime to life through immersive visuals.

The project, presented in partnership with Sculpture Bermagui, engages community inside the Windsong Pavilion across two days and is a celebration of First nations storytelling. Cheryl chose the name as both works explore ancestral memories passed down from generation to generation through art and song.

The first story follows Wonga, a pigeon who, after a run-in with a hawk, journeys back to her nest. As she hops from flower to flower, each one turns red from the blood of her broken wing.

The second story explores the ancient cultural practice of breadmaking by the Yuin people. The work speaks to the process, Elder knowledge and the significance of the time spent together making food for family. It is an expression of Cheryl’s love for this Land and how she immerses herself in forest Country.

The installation includes soft sculptures, linen screen print, crafted wood and fabrics.

Cheryl Overton, concept, design and creation
David Hewitt, soundscape composer and musician
Supported by Community Volunteers

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