Ballardong First: A Three-Day Celebration of Culture, Creativity, and Truth-Telling in York
This January, the historic town of York in Western Australia will come alive with Ballardong First, a vibrant, community-led festival celebrating Ballardong Noongar culture.
Presented by Wheatbelt Arts & Events Inc. in partnership with the Ballardong Noongar community, the event runs from Saturday 24 to Monday 26 January, coinciding with the Australia Day long weekend.
The three-day program is a rich tapestry of artmaking, music, storytelling, workshops, and truth-telling, designed to foster connection, learning, and reconciliation in action. Everyone is invited to join Elders, artists, cultural practitioners, families, and visitors for a shared experience rooted in respect and curiosity.
Highlights include:
- Saturday 24 January: Arts and craft workshops for all ages, including a youth lyric and songwriting session with acclaimed Noongar/Jingili rapper Zero Emcee.
- Sunday 25 January: A community fun day with morning workshops, a screening of Journey Home, David Gulpilil, and the much-loved Ballardong Picnic by the River at Avon Park. The evening features performances by Coroboree for Life, Natasha Eldridge with Kim Batty, and Zero Emcee, joined by young workshop participants. Renowned Indigenous chef Zach Green will offer bush food tastings, and a curated market will showcase Aboriginal businesses.
- Monday 26 January: A day of truth-telling and reflection, with talks and yarning circles led by respected speakers including Janet Osborne, Ann Hawke, Tracey Kickett, and Dennis Kickett.
The festival also marks the opening of “Mooley the Cow & Other Ballardong Yarns,” an exhibition reimagining Janet Millett’s An Australian Parsonage through mixed-media works created with York’s Noongar community.
Ballardong First is free to attend, with some workshops ticketed. All venues are accessible, and everyone is warmly encouraged to take part. For full program details and bookings, visit www.yorkfestival.com.au
