OUR STORY SO FAR…
Our's is a story of collaboration through events and workshops with schools, universities, communities, organisations, festivals and individuals, to enact a vision of a more unifed and inclusive Australia.
It begins in 2007 at The Armidale School where Warren Roberts had been a student. Warren established a Cultural Program at the school providing students with the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about Original Sovereign Nations of Australia of their culture and history. The Program was also discussed at the Presbyterian Ladies College (PLC) in Armidale, as Warren met with their prefects to initiate a conversation there.
Later that year YARN Australia was officially founded at the University of New South Wales with the goal of uniting Original Sovereign Nations of Australia and non-Indigenous Australians through workshops and events held within safe and respectful spaces. Initially, these spaces were focused in universities, but they have since expanded throughout the community, and across the continent.
““The work YARN is doing to unite Original Sovereign Nations of Australia and Non-Indigenous communities is powerful and 230 years overdue! As young Australians, we’ve been fed a very limited version of history by the system and living in the bubble of colonial Australia where history has been silenced, we have not had the opportunities to meet or build relationships with Original Sovereign Nations of Australia beyond the television screen. What a joy to see first hand that culture and stories are alive and kicking in this country, not just out in remote communities but right here in the big smoke of Sydney. We’re very greateful to Warren and the YARN Team for opening our eyes in these YARN Circles. It’s really changed our perspective on who we are, and how we want the future of Australia to look moving ahead. A future that we all need to shape together.”
Tim, Nick, Jack, Oliver, & Harry - Borneo
(Sydney based funky-punk quintet Band)”
OUR Founder
Warren Roberts
Warren is a proud Thunghutti and Bundjalung man who founded YARN Australia in 2007. He has extensive experience working with Original Sovereign Nations of Australia having worked for NGO's, universities, as well as local, state and federal government. Warren has been fortunate enough to work alongside esteemed elders from Original Sovereign Nations of Australia, which has encouraged him to reflect on the importance of respecting cultural protocols.
OUR PATRON
Kevin Rudd
"To yarn is not simply to have an idle conversation, to yarn is to do something a bit deeper than that and to tell a long story and a long story which often lies imprinted in someone’s mind and their memory. I think you’ve captured therefore the spirit of your organisation well in the word you have chosen to describe it.”
Former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd
Our ELDERs
Aunty Pearl Wymarra
Aunty Pearl Wymarra, Gudang Elder from Cape York Peninsula, Queensland, graduated from Nepean College of Advanced Education (now UWS Penrith Campus) with a Diploma of Primary Teaching in 1980. She completed a Masters in Health Science (Primary Health Care) writing a thesis entitled Recreating Home in 2001. Member of the Community Justice Coalition and the Throughcare Jigsaw Group working with prisoners, inmates and their families.
Aunty Ali Golding
Aunty Ali Golding, Biripi Elder from Taree, New South Wales, is the inaugural Elder in Residence in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of New South Wales, which is the first time any medical school in Australia has made such an appointment. She took up study at Nungalinya College Darwin and graduated with a Diploma of Theology. In 2010 she was awarded the National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Elder of the Year (Female).
Aunty ROSALINA Quinlan
Aunty Rosalina Quinlan, Thunghutti Elder from Kempsey NSW. Dhaingatti Language Teacher, Storyteller, Artist and Songwriter.
Uncle Harry Allie
Uncle Harry Allie, Cudjula Elder from Charters Towers, Townsville, Queensland. After working for the Post Master General's (PMG) Department, in 1966 Uncle Harry enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force. During more than 23 and half years of service, he was posted throughout Australia, USA and Malaysia. He is a Committee Member of the Nangahmi Ngallia Aboriginal Corporation, Coloured Diggers Projects and the Chair of the NSW coordinating committee for the ceremony honouring the service of Original Sovereign Nations Servicemen and Servicewomen of Australia.
THIS timeline is a small glimpse of our journey thus far...
2007
YARN Australia Founded at the University of New South Wales by Warren Roberts and group of UNSW Students
2008
YARN First Logo Designed by Nikita Ridgway Boss Lady Designs of Sydney
2009
YARN Group established at the University of La Trobe by Gordon Franklin
2010
YARN Group established at the Queensland University of Technology by Laura-Jane Williams
2011
YARN Australia Founder Warren Roberts selected to be part of the Young Social Pioneer Program in Melbourne at the Foundation for Young Australians
2012
Kevin Rudd becomes Patron of YARN Australia
Endorsed by Reconciliation Australia
YARN Group established at the University of Canberra by Warren Roberts
Second Logo Designed by Mitchell Barwick from Artefact Atelier of Newcastle
2013
Official website launched at the University of New South Wales at the Round House
First official promotional video released
Official T-Shirts Printed by Darkies Designs in Canberra
1st National Program Managers Training Conference held at the NCIE in Redfern attended by Indigenous students from University of NSW, University of LaTrobe, University of Sydney and Southern Cross University.
Our Founder Warren Roberts National Reconciliation Week Guest Speaker at the AusAID in Canberra ACT
Our first Official NAIDOC Week Poster designed by Nakita Ridgeway Boss Lady Designs.
Partnership Event in Partnership with 98.9FM Brisbane for Our Theme Song launched at 98.9FM in Brisbane hosted by Karen Dorante. Theme song collaborating artists Luana Pitt Mirror Child, David Cook AKA Music, and Young Nooky.
Partnership Scarves Launch Hand Made by organisation Seven Women from Nepal of Original Sovereign Nations of Australia Colours launched at the Parliament of NSW
Partnership Event with the Hip Hop Dance Crew the Superhoodz for a Flash Mob in collaboration by Melbourne Crown Entertainment.
YARN Group established at the Southern Cross University at the Gold Coast Campus
YARN Group established at the Australian National University by Jose well supported by International Students on campus
2014
2nd Annual National Program Managers Training Conference held at the University of Sydney hosted by the USYD Student Representative Council
YARN Group established at University of Sydney by Zachary Wone
YARN Group established at University of Melbourne by Levi Mckenzie
YARN Group continued at University of New South Wales by Anthony O’Rourke
YARN Group continued at the Southern Cross University by Eddie Mercy
Founder Warren Roberts invited by Lockie Cooke to attend the ICEA Classic in Perth at Cottesloe Beach with the intensions of establishing a partnership
Yarning Circle hosted by Founder Warren Roberts at Bondi Beach Original Sovereign Nations Students of Australia from University of Sydney, University of New South Wales, and the University of Tasmania in attendance.
2015
3rd Annual National Program Managers Training Conference held at the University of Sydney hosted by the USYD Student Representative Council
Partnership Established with Sixty Thousand
Partnership Event with Sixty Thousand and the New South Wales Reconciliation Council hosted at 107 Projects in Redfern
Culture & Conversation events launches
Partnership Campaign with the Sam Lockwood from the Jezabels for the WithGoodesy T-Shirt Campaign for Adam Goodes.
Partnership Established with Vanlife
Yarning Circle with Vanlife at their Gathering in Crescent Head Mid Noth Coast NSW
Workshop with Lost Paradise Music Festival on Darkinjung Country at Glenworth Valley 30th December
Partnership Event with the Captain Cook Hotel in Paddington to host Roof Top Yarn and Live Band Music of Original Sovereign Nations of Australia Singer Songwriters and Bands including the Green Hand Band, and the Black Turtles.
2016
Partnership with Koori Radio for a Youth Tent in collaboration with the Glebe Tree House and Aunty Kathryn Dodd Farrawell for Yabun Festival in Victoria Park on 26 January
First Film night held at 107 Projects showcasing film Black Panther Woman Aunty Marlene Cummins on 23rd March
Partnership Event with Vanlife with a Yarning Circle at Vanlife Gathering at Seals Rock on 9th April
Partnership Event with Redfern Community Centre to host official 1st Mabo Day at the City of Sydney on 3rd June
Partnership with the Sydney Latino Film Festival to host 1st Yarning Circle at Pachamama Festival in Marrickville 24th-25th June
Blackfella-Whitefella Live Bands and Songwriters Night in Partnership with Captain Cook Hotel in Paddington on 16th July
Partnership Event with Vanlife for a Yarning Circle at Vanlife Gathering in Bellbrook on 2nd-4th September
Partnership Event with Our Music at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music on 15th October
Partnership Event with UNSW Indigenous Society theme 50th Anniversary of the Gurindji Wave Hill Walk Off 20th October
Partnership Event with UNSW Indigenous Society theme of Culture & Language 28th October
Partnership Event with the Sydney College of the Arts theme Culture, Conversation & the Arts 23rd November
Partnership Event with NAISDA for their 40th Anniversary After Party at Captain Cook Hotel 24th November
2017
Partnership Event with Amnesty International theme Culture & Conversation at Captain Cook Hotel Special Guest Performance by Jamie from Didgamtix and Prabu on the Instrument the Hung, Guest Speakers Uncle Graham Moonie, Lydnsay Urhart, Preston Peachey, Aunty Katheryn Dodd Farrawell, Didgeridoo Performance by Josh Staines and Smoking Ceremony by Aunty Kathy Slatter 21st January
Partnership Peace Program with the Peace Education Program of the Prem Rowat Foundation Facilitated by Helen Forbes 2nd Feb to 6th April
Partnership Event with Engineers Without Boarders theme Culture, Conversation & the Environment Special Guest Speaker Aunty Barbra Kealey 29th March
Partnership Event One Gathering with International Guest Kuauhtli Vaquez Native American Chief of the Mexican Nahauti Tradition with attendance of Aboriginal Elders including Welcome to Country by Aunty Barbra Kealey held in Bondi 4th April
Guest Speaker Founder Warren Roberts with the Randwick Amnesty International Group in Waverley 19th April
Partnership Event with Redfern Community Centre to host the 2nd Mabo Day at the City of Sydney on 3rd June
Partnership with the Sydney Latino Film Festival to host 2nd Yarning Circle at Pachamama Festival in Marrickville 24th-25th June
Workshop with the Northern Beaches Christian School theme Culture & Storytelling 25th August
Partnership Established with Merring Studio Northcote as avenue to host our 1st Melbourne Events
Partnership Launch Event with Merring Studio in Northcote to Launch our Melbourne events Special Guest Performance by John Parsons, Guest Speakers of the Original Sovereign Nations of Australia Artists Maree Clarke, Kent Morris, Katie West. Also Uncle Jack Charles, Renee Sleigh and Aunty Kerri Hunt, Short Film Stone by Charlie Ford, and Music Videos by Desert Pea Media 25th October
Film Night in Partnership with City of Sydney Redfern Community Centre Screening Occupation: Native 21st November
2018
Partnership Event with Merring Studio in Northcote to Launch our Melbourne events Acknowledgement of Country by Uncle Gordon Franklin, Special Guest Performance by Luana Pitt Mirror Child & John Parsons, Guest Original Sovereign Nations of Australia Artists Speakers 25th February
First Event Promo Video created for Events in Melbourne by Merring Studio February
Partnership Event with University of Sydney for NAIDOC Theme Because of Her We Can, Celebrating the Story of The Quinlan Sisters. Welcome to Country by Ann Weldon on behalf of the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council, an Address by YARN Australia Founder Warren Roberts sharing his story of Aunty Elva Taylor, and Aunty Patricia Dixon, Special Guest Performance by Luana Pitt Mirror Child, and Special Cultural and Music Performance by Matt Doyle & Kevin Hunt University of Sydney Conservatorium of Music Students, Guest Speakers included Tim Ayres, City of Sydney Labor Councillor Linda Scott and President of Local Government NSW, Waverley Greens Councillor Dominic Wy Kanak, Family Friend Trish Amichi, and Bernard & Helen Beormer 25th July
Partnership with Merring Studio theme Don’t Make History a Mystery in Northcote Special Guest Singing Performance by Dani Sib, Guest Speakers by Original Sovereign Nations of Australia Artists This Mob, Guest Speakers Aunty Lena Quinlan, Uncle Gordan Franklin, and Clint Hansen 26th August
Partnership Event with Addison Road Community Centre and The Growing Trend theme Culture & Conversation held in Marrickville Special Guest Performance by Luana Pitt Mirror Child, and Guest Speaker Jo-Ann from Goanna Hut Catering, Workshop by Nick Farrer Growing Trend Founder, and Cultural Performance by Jessie Currie Nulungu Dreaming 5th October
Film Night Event Partnership with Addison Road Community Centre screening the Documentary 88 Guest Speakers Aunty Ann Weldon, Uncle Graham Moonie and Acknowledgement of Country by Uncle Dave Bell 7th December
Partnership Established with Transition Bondi to host one event a year in Bondi
Partnership Established with Newtown Neighbourhood Centre as a venue to host our events & workshops 7th December
2019
Partnership Event with Sydney Festival Theme The Vigil held at Barangaroo, Special Guest Performance by Luana Pitt Mirror Child, Guest Speakers Aunty Agnes Ware, Aunty Kathryn Dodd Farrawell, Uncle Vic Simms, and Shanell Dargan 25th January
Partnership Event with the Marrickville Greek Atlas Community & Cultural Centre for International Women’s Day Special Guest Performance by Luana Pitt Mirror Child, Guest Speaker & Welcome to Country by Yvonne Weldon and an Address by Founder of YARN Australia Warren Roberts 10th March
Partnership Event with Merring Studios in Northcote Melbourne Showcase Special Guest Musical Performance by Allara Briggs, Guest Speaker Aunty 31st March
Partnership Workshop with The Weekly Service & The Nest Coworking Space in Thornbury Guest Speaker & Acknowledgement of Country by Uncle Gordon Franklin 1st June
Partnership Event with Redfern Community Centre City of Sydney & Sacred Tree Ministries Glebe to host Mabo Day Special Guest Singing Performance by Luana Pitt Mirror Child, Guest Speaker by Uncle Ben Harry, Cultural Performance by Albert David & Team of Original Sovereign Nations of Australia Dancers 3rd June
Yarning Circle at Sydney Latino Film Festival Pachamama theme Language is Culture at Addison Road Picture House, Special Guest Performance by Luana Pitt Mirror Child 22nd June
Partnership Event with University of Sydney Environment Institute & The Food Lab Theme Inclusive Food Community NAIDOC Week Special Guest Performance by Luana Pitt Mirror Child, Guest Speakers Aunty Agnes Ware, and Brendon Keiran. Also Cultural Performance and Smoking Ceremony by Jessie Currie from Nulungu Dreaming, Catering by USU in collaboration with local Aunties: Aunty Jennifer Quinlan, Judith Quinlan, Catherine Jackson and Aunty Gina Sheppard 8th July
On Monday July 8 Sydney Environment Institute and FoodLab Sydney have partnered with YARN Australia to bring together Original Sovereign Nations of Australia with non-Indigenous communities for an evening of ceremony, performance, meaningful conversation and the sharing of food and stories. As part of 2019’s NAIDOC Week celebrations, the evening will include a light dinner (soup and damper), a smoking ceremony, performance, and a circle yarn, where the audience will be invited to participate in a cross-cultural conversation about respect, community resilience, environmental justice and enabling inclusivity in food cultures. The collaboration starts in the kitchen with Aunty Jennifer Quinlin, Aunty Agnus Ware and Catherine Jackson working with USU chefs, lead by Matt King. Together they have designed a menu and will join forces on the day of the event to cook up and serve soups, Johnny cakes, damper and more.
Partnership Established with the Foundations for Young Australians as a venue to host our Melbourne Events & Workshops August
Third Logo Designed by Donald Paull from Fangaroo of Sydney September
Partnership Event with Addison Road Community Centre theme Culture & Conversation held in Marrickville Special Guest Singing Performance by Krista Pav 6th September
Yarning Circle at Seaside Scavenge Redfern Park with Special Guest Performance by Uncle Charlie Trindall 21st September
Partnership Event with Foundations for Young Australians theme Melbourne Showcase Special Guest Singing Performance by Carrisa Watts and Lisa Mitchell, and Guest Speakers Levi Mckenzie, and Christopher Jakobi sharing their stories 10th November
Partnership Event with Transition Bondi at Waverley Margaret Whitlam Centre Special Guest Singing Performer and Storyteller Uncle Charlie Trindall 21st November
2020
Partnership Event with The Nest Creative Space Waterloo theme Always Was, Always. DJ Music Performed by Tomkinson, Special Guest Performance by Uncle Charlie Trindall, Guest Speaker Aboriginal Artist Aunty Linda Jackson, Bridget Cama, and Phillip Obah, also Singer Song Writer Performance by Leeroy Lee & Andy Golledge. Event held from 12pm-3pm Sunday 19th January
Launch of our Storytelling Workshops to inspire 1 Million Australians to become Storytellers. Online 1st May 2020
Third Logo Designed by Donald Paull from fangaroo.com of Sydney 25th May 2020. Fangaroo is an eclectic contemporary artist specialising in mural painting. His art aims to inject energy and emotion into the spaces it shares with people who view it. Graduating from Western Sydney University with a BA in Visual Communication and working fulltime as a digital illustrator having created the map for Taronga Zoo and others he now works primarily as an artist. Mainly self taught in various mediums be it with a brush or spray-can he works privately with people painting commissions in his studio, or with commercial clients country-wide painting murals. Including for the likes of homes, hospitals, restaurants, gyms, offices, public spaces, and brand names such as Barry’s Bootcamp, Kraken, Raw-C, Lad Bible to name a few. His pieces are distinctive for their graphical shapes, vibrant colours and bold lines punctuated with movement or realism. “It all starts with an idea in the head, and capturing it with a rough drawing, then using any tools necessary, traditional and digital to grow that idea. I’m always thinking of how the final piece will be received and what was my original intent and then how can I make it more”, he says.
Our 1st Online Event Mabo Day was held via Zoom Sponsored by WSP. Opening Cultural Performance by Andrew Shilling and Special Cultural Performance by the Wagalgau Kaiin Thithui is a Community Dance Group from St.Paul's (Wug Village) Moa Island in the Torres Strait. Kaiin Thithui means a New Star which is for our emerging Generation where knowledge and cultural practices are passed down from Generations. Over 70 People attended via Zoom from across Australia for the online event at 6:30pm-9pm on 3rd June 2020.
Launch of our International Culture & Conversations Online Events to engage the community in our vision to build connection and unity between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People and Non-Indigenous Australians. Join us for a special evening of conversation, storytelling, and culture of our Original Sovereign Nations of Australia and New Zealand. 6:30pm-8:30pm Wednesday 21st October 2020
Country, Culture & Conversation Online Event to engage the community in our vision to build connection and unity between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People and Non-Indigenous Australians. Join us for a special evening of conversation, storytelling, and culture of our Original Sovereign Nations of Australia, Alaska, and United States of America. 6:30pm-8:30pm Wednesday 18th November 2020.
Country, Culture & Conversation Online Event to engage the community in our vision to build connection and unity between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People and Non-Indigenous Australians. Join us for a special evening of conversation, storytelling, and culture of our Original Sovereign Nations of Australia and the Voice to Parliament Special Guest Speaker Thomas Mayor. 6:30pm-8:30pm Wednesday 2nd December 2020.
2021
YARN Australia Event “Opening Smoking Ceremony Sydney Festival 2021 Requiem” in Collaboration with The University of Sydney, Sydney Environment Institute and the Firesticks Alliance held at the Paddington Reservoir 2pm-5pm on Saturday 16th January 2021
Country, Culture & Conversation Online Event to engage the community in our vision to build connection and unity between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People and Non-Indigenous Australians. Join us for a special evening of conversation, storytelling, and culture of our Original Sovereign Nations of Australia, and the Jewish Community of Australia. 5:30pm-7:30pm Monday 8th February 2021.
YARN Australia Collaborative Event with Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney Australia. join Warren Roberts from YARN Australia as he hosts a workshop on Gadigal Land examining culture, conversation, history and relationship-building. 7:15pm-8pm Held on Friday 9th April 2021.
Culture & Conversation Online Event to engage the community in our vision to build connection and unity between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People and Non-Indigenous Australians. Join us for a special evening of conversation, storytelling, and culture of our Original Sovereign Nations of Australia, and the Community of India. 5:30pm-7:30pm Monday 10th May 2021.
YARN Australia Event “Yarning Circle: The Architecture of Multispecies Cohabitation” in Collaboration with The University of Sydney, Sydney Environment Institute, Feral Partnerships, Tin Sheds Gallery, Architecture, Design and Planning - University of Sydney, Culture and Animals Foundation at 3pm-5pm at the Tin Sheds Gallery held on Saturday 29th May 2021.
Culture & Conversation Northern Rivers Event to build connection and unity between Original Sovereign Nations of Australia and Non-Indigenous Australians through an evening of conversation, storytelling, music and food. Guest Speakers included Bianca Cook Thunghutti Woman, Rosalie Armstrong Gamilori Woman and Delta Kay Arakwal Bundjalung Woman, 2pm-5pm, Sunday 20th June 2021 in Coorabell.
Culture & Conversation Online Event to engage the community in our vision to build connection and unity between Original Sovereign Nations of Australia and Non-Indigenous Australians. Join us for a special evening of conversation, storytelling, and culture of our Original Sovereign Nations of Australia, and the Arabic Community of Australia, Guest Speakers included Wiradjuri Language Teacher Marion Packham 2:00pm-5:00pm Sunday 27th June 2021.
Culture & Conversation Online Event to engage the community in our vision to build connection and unity between Original Sovereign Nations of Australia and Non-Indigenous Australians. Join us for a special evening of conversation, storytelling, and culture of our Original Sovereign Nations of Australia, and the Irish Community of Australia, Guest Speaker was Irish Woman Aine Tyrrell 4:00pm-5:00pm Sunday 3rd October 2021.
YARN Australia, presents Food for Thought Project Launch to engage the community in our vision to build connection and unity between Original Sovereign Nations of Australia and non-Indigenous Australians. Join us for a monthly online event 3pm-5pm to learn how to prepare healthy meals with unique flavours of Australian Native Foods in collaboration with Original Sovereign Nations of Australia caterers from across Australia. Our Guest Speakers included Tolga from a Taste of Tolga, Yarraka Bayles from Murri Menu, and Tash & Tom from Burbury Whole Foods. Sunday 21st November 3:00pm-5:00pm 2021.
Our inaugural National Storytellers Conference Launch to inspire 1 Million Storytellers across Australia. Our vision is to build connection and unity between Original Sovereign Nations of Australia and non-Indigenous Australians. We are looking forward to connecting with all Australians and sharing our stories together. Join our YARN Australia National Storytellers Conference Online Event with Original Sovereign Nations of Australia and non-Indigenous Storytellers from across the continent. With the sharing of Original Sovereign Nations of Australia Culture, Music and ancient wisdom. Our Guest Speakers included Aunty Agnes Ware, Uncle Charlie Trindall Gamilori Man, Tim Pembroke, Uncle Colin Watego Bundjalung and Torres Strait Islander Indigenous Australian, Rosalie Green Gamilori Woman, Jioji Ravulo, Josh Holliday, Danny Redbard Gamilori Man, Benny Wallington, and Jaquie. Online Event Saturday 27th November 2021 10am-5pm.
Culture & Conversation Online Event to engage the community in our vision to build connection and unity between Original Sovereign Nations of Australia and Non-Indigenous Australians. Join us for a special evening of conversation, storytelling, and culture of our Original Sovereign Nations of Australia, and the Italian Community of Australia. Our Guest Speakers included Aunty Joan Quinlin Thunghutti Elder and Ray Milidoni. Online Event from 6:00pm-8:00pm Tuesday 30th November 2021.
2022
Culture & Conversation Online Event to engage the community in our vision to build connection and unity between Original Sovereign Nations of Australia and Non-Indigenous Australians. Join us for a special evening of conversation, storytelling, and culture of our Original Sovereign Nations of Australia, and the Solomon Islands Community of Australia, 6:00pm-8:00pm Tuesday 25th January 2022.
YARN Australia, presents Food for Thought Project Launch to engage the community in our vision to build connection and unity between Original Sovereign Nations of Australia and non-Indigenous Australians. Join us for a monthly online event 3pm-5pm to learn how to prepare healthy meals with unique flavours of Australian Native Foods in collaboration with Original Sovereign Nations of Australia caterers from across Australia. Tuesday February 15th 2022, 6pm-8pm Learning more about Torres Strait Islander Culture & Food with Aunty Agnes Ware Torres Strait Islander Woman from TSI Kitchen Caterers.
YARN Australia Presents a Seasonal Yarning Circle Our vision is to build connection and unity between Original Sovereign Nations of Australia and non-Indigenous Australians. We are looking forward to connecting with all Australians and sharing our stories together. Join our Online Seasonal Yarning Circle with Original Sovereign Nations of Australia and non-Indigenous Storytellers from across the continent. With the sharing of Original Sovereign Nations of Australian Culture, Music and Storytelling from Ancient Wisdom Holders. An open space for connection, dialogue, listening and having a laugh. Guest Speakers included Uncle Dean Kelly, Justin Porter CEO Culture College Arnhem Land, Daniel Koch Founder Sacred Taste, Josh Holliday Founder Regen Room, Storyteller Kiri Bear, Aunty Rosalina Quinlin Thunghutti Language Teacher and Elder, Singing Performance by Uncle Charlie Trindall, and Singing Performance by Country Music artist Jarrod Hickling, and Language Teacher, Sunday 27th February 2022 from 10am-5pm an Online Event.
YARN Australia hosted the Inaugural Original Sovereign Nations Frontier Wars Memorial Service on June 13 2022 at the Sydney Opera House, which was a public holiday for the Queen's Birthday. This date is an opportunity to reflect on Australia's colonial history and the impact of colonisation. Like many others calling for truth telling, I feel it is time the Australian nation took the time to listen deeply to the stories of the Frontier Wars and to offer respect to the many lives that were lost through this long period of our history. I feel that we can't move forward without speaking to these events and I feel it's important to start this conversation at the place where it began, Port Jackson.
We invited a number of guest speakers to share stories of the massacres of Original Sovereign Peoples. With an introduction and concluding address that offers a message that all Australians can focus on as they arrive and depart this moment.
Our Guest Speakers included: Yvonne Weldon City of Sydney Councillor & Deputy Chairperson Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council, Nathan Moran CEO Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council, Monica Barone CEO City of Sydney, Professor John Maynard, Jimmy Kyle, The Hon. Ben Franklin Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Dr Stephen Gapps, Mr David Harris Shadow Minister for Aboriginal Affairs & Treaty, Colin Watego and Michael Kirk was the Master of Ceremonies.
The Footage of this event will be available soon.
The First YARN Australia Storytellers Camp on Thunghutti Dunghutti Country at Crescent Head. They met two Elders and heard their stories of culture and language by Aunty Zone Moran from South West Rocks, and Aunty Jaluka Rose Quinlin from Bellbrook. Those in attendance on this trip included Benny Wallington, Eve Blaney-Gibbs, Mel Turnbull, Joshua Lynch, Shannon Powell, Kirsten Moegerlein, Max Milne, Shane Foyster, Dylin Hardcastle, Ruby Bray along with their host the YA Founder Warren Roberts. Held on the Weekend of the 15th-17th July 2022.
2023
YARN Australia Presents the Big Yarn JAN26 held Online a film of Original Nations Australians to sharing their perspectives on 26th January reflecting on the themes Respect, Commemoration and Celebration. Films released one video every hour from 7am to 5pm on 26th January 2023. This is an opportunity for everyone to come together with friends, family and communities to join Australia's Original Peoples and have reflective conversations this coming 26th January 2023. This event supported by the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council and was filmed in the Australia Hall in Sydney the original Day of Mourning Site filmed on 19th January 2023.
YARN Australia Presents an Evening Yarning Circle on 26th Jan 2023 with Original Sovereign Nations of Australia and non-Indigenous Storytellers from across the continent. With the sharing of Original Sovereign Nations of Australian Culture, Music and Storytelling from Ancient Wisdom Holders. Light Refreshments provided. Guest Speakers Aunty Rosalina Quinlan, Aunty Joan Quinlan with Music Performances by Singer Songwriter Josh Lovegrove, Yidinji Bar Burrum & Mamu of North QLD Rapper Coedie McCathy Rapper and DJ Daniel Kosh. Held at Australia Hall the original site of the Day of Mourning also this event was supported by the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council on 26th January 2023.
The Second YARN Australia Storytellers Camp on Thunghutti Dunghutti Country at Crescent Head. They met two Elders and heard their stories of culture and language by Aunty Zone Moran from South West Rocks, and Aunty Jaluka Rose Quinlin from Bellbrook and Aunty Joan Quinlan. Those in attendance on this trip included Kirsten Moegerlein, Mark Spilsbury, Jeff Darlington, Caroline Buisson, Taylor Ellis, Jarrah Storey, Alexandra Hoffman, Jeremy Gay, Alison Bryant, Stephanie Campbell, Sarah Taylor, Ria Soemardjo along with their host the YA Founder Warren Roberts. Held on the Weekend of the 18th-20th November 2023.
2024
YARN Australia Presents the Big Yarn JAN26 held Online a film of Original Nations Australians to sharing their perspectives on 26th January reflecting on the themes Respect, Commemoration and Celebration. Films released one video every hour from 7am to 5pm on 26th January 2024. This is an opportunity for everyone to come together with friends, family and communities to join Australia's Original Peoples and have reflective conversations this coming 26th January 2024. This event supported by the Victorian Trades Hall Council where this was filmed.
YARN Australia Presents an Evening Melbourne Showcase held at Fitzroy in Victoria held at MidnightSky Special Guest Performance by Uncle Brian Morley, Guest Speakers including First Nations MKR Contestant Matt Moncrieff and Kathleen Gonzalez Villamizar a Melbourne-based Colombian experimental and contemporary artist. This Event was an evening occasion from 6:30pm-8:30pm held on Thursday 18th April 2024.
The Third YARN Australia Storytellers Camp on Thunghutti Dunghutti Country at Crescent Head. They met two Elders and heard their stories of culture and language by Aunty Zone Moran from South West Rocks, and Aunty Jaluka Rose Quinlin from Bellbrook and Aunty Joan Quinlan. Those in attendance on this trip included Benny Wallington, Laura Fernandez, Stephanie Brophy, Katrina Roberg, Eloise Oxer along with their host the YA Founder Warren Roberts. Held on the Weekend of the 29th February - 2nd March 2024.