News

A celebration of community, culture and country

By Lua Ikenasio

Apr 16, 2025

Music group Kinja, featuring Ron Murray and Sarah James, will be playing in Rochester during the event. Photos: Supplied.

Rochester community members are invited to join in on a celebration of community, culture and country.

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The event will be hosted by the Bendigo and District Aboriginal Co-operative on Wednesday, April 16, and will feature performances by First Nations artists.

Dja Dja Wurrung Elder Uncle Rick Nelson will lead the day’s proceedings and a Welcome to Country will be delivered by Jason Kerr, featuring the Wulumburra Dancers.

The live performances will include the unique sounds of Kinja, a fusion of didgeridoo and violin, and MpathSoul, who will perform a mix of Indigenous traditions and modern sounds.

The soulful MpathSoul, featuring Gunaikurnai and Gunditjmara singer-songwriter Monica Jasmine Karo, is also set to perform on the day.

Culture Evolves, a dynamic First Nations men’s dance troupe, will also perform dances that combine traditional Aboriginal dance with hip-hop.

The day will conclude with Kamilaroi, Kooma Merri Wurri man Mitch Boney, known as Warrabaa, who will create an immersive soundscape with the yidaki (didgeridoo) and natural sounds.

Bendigo Aboriginal Men’s Shed members will help serve a free community barbecue for all to enjoy.

This is a fantastic opportunity for people of all ages to come together, enjoy incredible live performances and celebrate the richness of First Nations culture.

The event is on Wednesday, April 16, from noon to 2.30pm at the Rochester Skate Park. For more information, please contact BDAC on 5449 4947.