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Singing Up Country: Stories, Songlines & Sisterhood SongRites

6 September 2025

In the Centre for Creativity

Talks and Ideas

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.

Useful information:

Discover Arrkula Yinbayarra’s powerful music through storytelling, visuals and conversation

Join the Borrolooka women as they take you inside the making of Waralungkua powerful album born from deep connection to Country and culture in Borroloola. In this rich panel presentation, storytelling, imagery, and discussion come together as the artists reflect on their creative process, the legacy of their grandmothers, mothers, and aunties, and the lived experiences that shape their music.

From close-to-extinct languages and land to the strength of women working together, this session offers a moving insight into cultural resilience, collaboration, and the power of place in song making.

Experience a rare behind-the-scenes look at life in the remote Gulf of Carpentaria, the Country, community and spirit that shape this extraordinary group.

Presented by Sydney Opera House

Acknowledgements

Event Sponsor

  • Harbour Trust

The Sydney Opera House thanks Event Sponsor Sydney Harbour Federation Trust and Idealist donors R O Albert Family and Dr Russell & Jane Kift for their generous support of SongRites.

A very special thank you to Yuwaalaraay Wirringgaa artist Lucy Simpson for the creation of our DanceRites artwork.

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