The Newcastle community is preparing to come together once more for a significant evening of cultural sharing and reflection. The free and widely celebrated Ngarrama event is confirmed to return to King Edward Park for its fifth consecutive year.
A Night of "Sit, Listen and Know"
Scheduled for January 25, 2026, Ngarrama offers a profound opportunity for connection on Awabakal and Worimi country. The event's name, translating to "sit, listen and know" in several local Aboriginal languages, perfectly captures its intent. Hosted by the University of Newcastle, the evening is designed to foster understanding and celebrate Indigenous heritage through a powerful shared experience.
Research Confirms Powerful Community Impact
The event's importance is strongly supported by a two-year academic study. Researchers Dr Lizette Olivier and Dr Shea Calvin from the University of Newcastle analysed the community's response to Ngarrama. Their findings were overwhelmingly positive.
The study revealed that 97.87 per cent of attendees reported a positive experience. Furthermore, over 97 per cent agreed the event strengthened community bonds and projected a positive image of the Newcastle and Hunter region. For more than 96 per cent of respondents, Ngarrama was seen as a vital addition to the region's cultural fabric and a source of enhanced local pride.
Celebrating Sovereignty and Togetherness in 2026
Bandjin woman Loren Collyer, the University's acting pro vice-chancellor of indigenous strategy and leadership, expressed great pride in the event's growing legacy. "We are so excited to welcome old friends and new," she said, describing Ngarrama as "culture-shifting engagement" for the community.
Ms Collyer emphasised the dual themes of the night, stating, "This night is about sovereignty and also togetherness and our shared history." She also noted a clear and growing public appetite for inclusive, family-friendly cultural events of this kind.
The 2026 program promises a rich tapestry of cultural expression, featuring:
- A welcome to country ceremony.
- Traditional dance and music performances.
- Storytelling and knowledge sharing sessions.
- Performances by NAIDOC-award winning singer Sharnee Fenwick.
- Dance groups including Minimbah Dance Group, Wininga-y Dreaming, and Redfern's Brolga Academy.
A highlight for younger attendees will be a lantern parade led by the local Curious Legends theatre and puppetry company, ensuring the event engages all generations. As Ngarrama returns, it continues to stand as a beacon of cultural pride, community connection, and shared reflection in the heart of Newcastle.
