Gnuili Festival to launch tourism conference in WA

Carnarvon is set to take centre stage next month with the launch of the Gnulli Festival, a new cultural event celebrating community, culture and Country from Friday May 22 to Sunday May 24.

Held on Yinggarda Country, the Gnulli Festival, meaning ‘All of Us’ or ‘Two of Us’ celebrates the collaboration between Yinggarda and Baiyungu people, the two Aboriginal language groups of the region. The festival brings together locals and visitors for a weekend of immersive cultural experiences, including a street festival, cultural workshops, live performances, a community concert and a large-scale drone show.

The Gnulli festival has been developed in partnership between the Shire of Carnarvon, Baiyungu Aboriginal Corporation and Yinggarda Aboriginal Corporation, with Chevron Australia supporting the festival as the principal sponsor.

The festival will be delivered as a pre-conference experience ahead of the WA Tourism Conference, taking place in Carnarvon from May 25-27, and will feature headline acts including Shane Howard and Great Western Band, Caravana Sun, Kankawa Nagarra (known as Olive Knight) and local acts such as Proud Mary and Raymond Edney.

There will be a special appearance by Brooke Blurton, Matt Moncrieff and so many more. The program will also include a spectacular drone show delivered by Fremantle Biennale, with more exciting announcements to come.

Shire President Eddie Smith said the introduction of the Gnulli Festival reflects both a celebration of culture and a strategic opportunity for the region.

“The Gnulli Festival is a significant and proud moment for the Shire of Carnarvon,” Cr Smith said.

“It provides an opportunity for our community to come together and celebrate the strength of our cultures, while also welcoming visitors to experience something truly unique ahead of the WA Tourism Conference.

“With up to 90 per cent of visitors to Western Australia expressing interest in Aboriginal tourism, yet only a fraction engaging in those experiences, there is a clear opportunity for regions like Carnarvon and Coral Bay to lead in this space.

An important opportunity for cultural connection

“This festival allows us to showcase our culture in an authentic and meaningful way, while also supporting local artists, businesses and tourism operators and contributing to the long-term economic growth of our region.”

Yinggarda Aboriginal Corporation Chairperson Tracey Tonga said the festival is an important opportunity for cultural connection and community pride.

“This is a very special opportunity for our community to come together and celebrate the cultures that make up Carnarvon and Coral Bay,” Ms Tonga said.

“It is about sharing who we are, our stories and our connection to Country, and creating a welcoming experience for those visiting our region.”

Paul Baron, General Manager of Baiyungu Aboriginal Corporation, said the festival builds on a strong history of cultural events in the region.

“We are proud to be partnering with the Shire of Carnarvon and working alongside Yinggarda Aboriginal Corporation to deliver the Gnulli Festival,” Mr Baron said.

“The Jamba Nyinayi Festival at Cardabia Station has successfully showcased Baiyungu culture over the past three years, and this next step allows us to share those experiences more broadly.

“Bringing this event to Yinggarda Country ahead of the conference is a great opportunity to highlight our culture and showcase the region to visitors from across the State.”

Chevron Australia’s Community and Reputation Manager, Jill Byrne, said Chevron recognised the importance of collaboration and community-led initiatives in delivering positive outcomes for the region.

“Cultural events like the Gnulli Festival play an important role in strengthening regional communities and showcasing the cultural richness of Western Australia,” she said.

“Chevron Australia is proud to support an event that celebrates cultures, creates space for connection on Country, and shares those stories with those visiting.”

The Gnulli Festival is expected to draw visitors from across Western Australia, encouraging delegates and travellers to arrive early for the WA Tourism Conference and providing a unique opportunity to experience the cultural richness of the Gascoyne region.