First Nations
The Sydney Opera House honours our First Nations by fostering a shared sense of belonging for all Australians, and we acknowledge the Gadigal, traditional custodians of Tubowgule, the land on which the Opera House stands. We continue the traditions of Bennelong Point, formerly known as Tubowgule, which has a long history as a place of gathering, feasting, singing, dancing and storytelling for the local Gadigal people.
Upcoming events and experiences
Badu Gili: Healing Spirit
2 Jan – 12 Dec 2025
Badu Gili - meaning ‘water light’ in the language of the traditional owners of Bennelong Point, the Gadigal - is a free daily experience that explores First Nations stories in a spectacular six-minute projection on the Opera House’s eastern Bennelong sails. Watch the sails illuminate with Badu Gili: Healing Spirit, a new projection celebrating the work and stories of local and international First Nations artists, created in collaboration between the Opera House, Biennale of Sydney and the Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain.
Music on Tubowgule
26 & 27 Jun 2025
Experience a stunning evening of music with First Nations composers and their collaborators. The first part of the evening will feature spellbinding violinist, vocalist, dancer and composer Eric Avery. The second half of the show will feature Melanie Mununggurr and Nardi Simpson with Ensemble Offspring and Arafura Music Collective.
Christine Anu and Zipporah Corser-Anu
7 Aug 2025
Join us for an unforgettable evening of conversation and storytelling with iconic Torres Strait Islander artist Christine Anu and her rising star daughter Zipporah Corser-Anu. This mother-daughter duo will share stories about their creative journeys and how they inspire each other. Moderated by Jess Beck
The Last Kinection’s Naomi (Shakaya) and Joel Wenitong
14 Aug 2025
Experience an evening of music, culture, and storytelling with Naomi Wenitong and Joel “Weno” Wenitong. This brother-sister duo have had a profound impact on hip-hop music in Australia. They continue to make change in their communities by empowering First Nations youth. Moderated by Shannon Williams (aka Brothablack)
Song Spirals
4 & 6 Sep 2025
Song Spirals is an immersive journey into the language, culture and Country of celebrated creator Rosealee Pearson. Ancient Yolŋu rhythm and songs are brought to life through stunning movement in this powerful dance work performed in Sydney for the first time. With dance, music and mesmerising projections, this performance weaves together age-old tradition and bold contemporary artistry to transport you to the heart of Yolŋu Country.
Arrkula Yinbayarra (Together We Sing)
5 & 6 Sep 2025
Arrkula Yinbayarra (Together We Sing) is a powerful community-led project reviving critically endangered languages through music. Created by Marlene Timothy and co-led with renowned singer/songwriter and 2025 Red Ochre Award winner Dr Shellie Morris AO, they will perform their debut album Waralungku live. Featuring nine singers with a live band, the performance will showcase these original songs in Yanyuwa, Garrwa, Gudanji and Marra languages.
SongRites Short Films
3 Sep 2025
Experience four powerful First Nations short films by First Nations storytellers from regional communities, underpinned by their connection to Country and culture – Katele (Mudskipper), The Djarn Djarns, Bala and Jarda Bura, Gurri Bura, Jarda Ngarli, Gurri Ngarli. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are warned that content from this event may contain images and voices of deceased persons. Katele (Mudskipper)Australia | 2022 | English | Drama | M
Wrong Side of the Road
4 Sep 2025
This documentary-style classic 80s drama follows the Indigenous bands Us Mob and No Fixed Address as they move from gig to gig. Blending dramatisation with real events, it captures the energy of life on tour while exposing the racism, hostility and harassment the musicians faced.
Crying the Land to Life: A Journey into Yolngu Women’s Song Spirals
5 Sep 2025
Join co-authors Merrkiyawuy Ganambarr-Stubbs and Djawandil Maymuru in conversation with Rosealee Pearson and Elizabeth Weiss for a powerful discussion on Song Spirals, the award-winning work by the Gay’wu Group of Women that received the 2020 Prime Minister's Award for Non-Fiction. Discover how this influential book has shaped Rosealee’s artistic practice and experience a rare glimpse into the deep connections between land, language, and identity.
Singing Up Country: Stories, Songlines & Sisterhood
6 Sep 2025
Step into the world of Arrkula Yinbayarra in this panel presentation blending storytelling, visuals, and live conversation. Through photos, video, and personal reflections, the women share the journey of creating their album Waralungku on Country in Borroloola, the legacy of the groundbreaking first recording by their grandmothers, mothers and aunties, and the inspiration and lived experiences that guide their songs.
Discover our programming
Sydney Opera House Presents: First Nations
The Opera House’s First Nations program continues the traditions of Bennelong Point, formerly known as Tubowgule, which has a long history as a place of gathering, feasting, singing, dancing and storytelling for the local Gadigal people.
Our resident friends
Bangarra Dance Theatre
Acclaimed around the world for its distinctive theatrical voice, powerful choreography, unique soundscapes and design, Bangarra is Australia's leading First Nations performing arts company.
Our responsibility
Reconciliation Action Plan
For thousands of years, Tubowgule, the land on which the Opera House stands, has been a place of gathering and belonging. The Gadigal would meet on the tidal island, eat and share stories. The Opera House carries on this legacy by embracing and celebrating the culture of Australia’s First Peoples.
Work experience
The Sydney Opera House is committed to providing hands-on experiences to young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
Support
The Opera House is committed to providing educational, professional development and cultural opportunities for First Nations communities.
Stream, read & listen
Michael Nelson Jagamara
For those fortunate enough to meet him, he embodied the qualities of the quintessential bush gentleman. Dressed in his jacket and distinctive Akubra hat, he exuded a dignified presence, often sharing humorous anecdotes and stories. Whether in Papunya or New York, Alice Springs or Brisbane, Sydney or Vienna, Jagamara often struck up conversations with new friends and passers-by alike, introducing himself with a warm smile and a handshake, announcing, “Hello, I'm a famous artist!”
Deadly Voices from the House
A podcast that takes intimate interviews with First Nations artists and leaders to the world. Acclaimed presenter, journalist, actor, producer and arts guru Rhoda Roberts AO presents Deadly Voices from the House, recorded live from Sydney Opera House. Featuring a diverse selection of guest appearances from prominent First Nations leaders from the music, arts and culture sector. Deadly Voices from the House provides an important platform to discuss critical issues and explore the vibrancy and diversity of contemporary culture.
Whispers: Megan Cope
On Tubowgule, now called Bennelong Point, Quandamooka artist Megan Cope introduces Whispers, a melding of First Nations history and environmental consciousness. In this artwork, commissioned for our 50th anniversary, more than 85,000 oyster shells are positioned across the Sydney Opera House precinct. The artist evokes the ancestral midden sites that were used on this site for Aboriginal celebrations and gatherings for thousands of years.
