The Surf Coast has a very rich Aboriginal history and ongoing Aboriginal presence embedded in the landscape. On the surface, and to many of its residents, that rich cultural & spiritual heritage is unknown.

Looking at the Surf Coast through the Aboriginal lens deepens your connection to your physical environment on an emotional and spiritual level. It enhances community spirit and creates a genuine pathway for true Reconciliation between 'black & white' Australia.

For an entire week the 'Connecting to Country' Aboriginal Arts Festival will use the natural environment of Wathaurong Country as the 'stage' for local Aboriginal storytelling while taking you on walks and sharing with you (Dreamtime) stories, history, knowledge and wisdom.

Walks will be led by Elders or 'keepers of knowledge' and will guide you through several culturally significant areas on Wathaurong Country. You will learn about scar trees, ancient middens & traditional camp sites, bush tucker, etc.

A sneak preview of our exciting program:
* Opening and closing Ceremony with traditional dance and local & Aboriginal musicians
* Walk & Talk on Country to local scar tree, ancient middens & camp sites, bush tucker, etc.
* Arts & Cultural workshops such as weaving, traditional dance for kids, didgeridoo, art, etc.
* Yarning circles & documentaries

(A detailed program will be released in the next few weeks)

Our Exciting Festival Program

Saturday 24 May - Workshops

Nathan Patterson

Bronwyn Razem

Nikayla Bamblett

Our flyer!

Festival Program

Anglesea Guided Cultural Walk with Kezza Black

The idea to organise an Aboriginal Arts Festival on Wathaurong Country has been in the hearts and minds of many for a long time. The support from the local Aboriginal community and Traditional Owners, other Surf Coast residents and Shire has been overwhelming.

We believe that it takes a grassroots organisation to create the Spirit of the Festival. It also requires funds! How lucky are we to have you supporting Pozible projects and making awesome things happen!

We recognised the perfect opportunity to combine our Festival with the National Indigenous Surfing Titles at Bells Beach, held in the last week of May. That is only one month from now. So let's get started!

We are hoping to raise as much money as possible so we can cover the cost of an opening and closing Ceremony with music and dance, to pay for Elders and 'keepers of knowledge' to guide us on our 'Walks & Talks', to purchase workshop materials, to create yarning circles, to screen movies/documentaries and to organise logistics.

Although we have set the target for $1000 only, we are hoping to raise well and truly over and above that amount! So, please chip in generously and share widely. Meanwhile we will keep on chipping away at getting this fantastic Festival off the ground so everyone can have a genuine cultural experience on Wathaurong Country.

Thanks for your support!
The Connecting to Country community

Don't let autumn weather put you off! Dress warm and waterproof for our 'Walks & Talks'. We will ensure there are hot drinks and shelter.

All other events such as the 'Workshops' and 'Yarning Circles' will be held indoors in cosy cafes or other appropriate venues.